Human Resources Manager

Definition

Come join an incredible organization in a position that positively impacts the lives of City staff and residents!

The City of Milpitas invites applicants for our next Human Resources Manager. We are looking for a leader that will bring their unique talents, capabilities, and experience to the operational functions of the City’s Human Resources Department. As a key leader in partnership with the Director, you might be responsible for projects, system and process improvements (e.g. Enterprise Resource Planning system implementation), and empowering a small and mighty team to take Human Resources into a promising future. This could include areas and functions like Benefits Administration, Workers’ Compensation, Classification & Compensation, Training and Records Management, and Employee and Labor Relations. With 450+ employees, in an organization context and culture of a full-service City with 14 departments, you will have experience and an approach to exerting your influence that will support change through attention to the humans (change management) while also creating a sense of stability and consistency where needed. You will also be a strong generalist that approaches the work with compassion, a commitment to advancing equity (or growing in this area), and with wellbeing as a guiding principle.
THE COMMUNITY & CITY
Located at the southern end of San Francisco Bay, Milpitas is a progressive community that is an integral part of Silicon Valley. A full-service city with water utility, sewer utility, police and fire services, Milpitas is a flourishing community with a very diverse and inclusive resident population of over 80,000. Often referred to as the Crossroads of Silicon Valley, the City is situated between major thoroughfares in the Bay Area and considered a highly desirable location for world-class technology companies seeking to build a central base of operations. With the addition of the new Milpitas Transit Center offering BART, light rail, and bus service, and multiple new mixed-use development projects, along with a host of new City Plans and Programs in support of an inspiring and sustainable future, the City is at the forefront of building the next generation economy.
For more information, visit: This Is Milpitas

THE DEPARTMENT & JOB
Our Mission: The HR Department supports the achievement of the City’s goals by: 1) recruiting and retaining highly qualified individuals and ensuring they have the resources to operate effectively, 2) providing an environment that is diverse, safe, and conscious of community goals, and 3) establishing policies/practices that treat employees with respect, while maintaining compliance with labor laws and labor agreements.

The Human Resources Manager is integral to the successful operations of the City's Human Resources Department and reports directly to the Human Resources Director. The Human Resources Department includes eight full-time staff and manages an annual budget of approximately $2.3M.

The Human Resources Manager is responsible for leading a team of seven (7) HR staff and supporting key Human Resources functions, including benefits administration, workers’ compensation, classification and compensation, training and records management, and employee and labor relations. This position will also lead special projects, including implementation of a new ERP and HRIS (Tyler Technologies / Tyler Munis). The HR Manager will partner closely with Finance and Payroll during the HRIS/ERP implementation, leading data conversion and analysis related to Human Capital Management modules.

This is an excellent opportunity to lead a developing team and be an influential problem solver, creative and innovative leader and lead critical projects. The HR Manager will leverage technology to automate City-wide processes, implement technology solutions, and lead a developing team. The selected candidate will exercise independent judgment and discretion, formulate administrative policies, oversee the work of others, and guide and mentor staff. This position may also conduct investigations, perform data analysis, and may prepare and present agenda reports for City Council.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE
The ideal candidate is a collaborative, forward-thinking HR leader who brings a positive, solutions-oriented approach to organization-wide challenges and change initiatives. This individual will foster a culture of trust, inclusion, and accountability while advancing Citywide goals and recognizing the “human” in Human Resources.

The successful candidate will be an empowering and accessible manager who communicates clearly and often with staff, executive leadership, labor partners, and elected officials. They will lead complex initiatives—most notably the implementation of the City’s ERP system for HR and Payroll functions—and serve as a strategic partner in strengthening systems, processes, and service delivery across the organization.

This role serves as the primary point of contact for employee relations matters, providing timely, sound, and politically astute guidance to departments, and will actively participate in labor negotiations, MOU implementation, and ongoing labor-management collaboration. The ideal candidate is comfortable navigating sensitive issues, facilitating difficult conversations, and building productive relationships in a unionized environment.

The ideal candidate will be a self-starter with demonstrated project management experience, strong systems thinking, and the ability to analyze data, generate reports, and measure outcomes. They will bring a track record of cross-departmental collaboration, effective change management, and continuous improvement.

The ideal candidate will also…

• Lead and support enterprise-wide initiatives, including HR/Payroll ERP system implementation and optimization
• Serve as the City’s primary HR advisor on employee relations issues, investigations, and performance management
• Participate in labor negotiations and ensure effective implementation and administration of MOUs
• Build strong partnerships with unions, executive leadership, and department heads
• Provide consultative HR services across the organization with professionalism, discretion, and sound judgment
• Demonstrate political savvy, emotional intelligence, and comfort with candid, respectful dialogue
• Communicate effectively through clear writing and confident presentations
• Be accessible, responsive, and service-oriented
• Assist with departmental budget development and implement short- and long-term strategic plans
• Mentor and develop staff, set clear expectations, and hold team members accountable for results

As a member of the City’s Unrepresented Employees this is an at-will position. The incumbent serves at the discretion of the City Manager. An incumbent in this classification; demonstrates strong ethical, professional, and service-oriented leadership and interpersonal skills; sets a good example.

For the complete job description, please click here: Human Resources Manager

Typical Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

• Education and experience equivalent to graduation from an accredited college with a Bachelor Degree in human resources administration, public administration, business administration, psychology or an approved related major;
• An advanced degree in human resources, public administration, business administration, psychology or equivalent is highly desirable

Experience:

• At least five (5) years of professional experience in human resources administration or an approved related field;
• Management or supervisory experience is required.

LICENSE OR CERTIFICATION

• Incumbents must be able to travel to various locations within outside of the City of Milpitas to fulfill job responsibilities. When driving on City business, maintenance of a valid California Driver’s License and satisfactory driving record is required.
  • Out of State Candidates: Possession of a California Driver's License would be required within thirty (30) days of appointment.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Please submit your resume and a cover letter that identifies how you would be a promising candidate for this position by way of experience (both lived and work) in any of the areas we've identified, areas where you might have less experience but have a desire to grow, and what your approach is to leadership (self and formal positions), as well as team development.
Contact the recruiter, Jasmin Ramos, at jaramos@milpitas.gov with any questions. Resume or CVCover Letter

Supplemental Information

SELECTION PROCESS
The selection process will consist of an evaluation of the applicant's training and experience based on the application and responses to the Supplemental Questionnaire. Only the candidates whose backgrounds best match the position will be invited to proceed in the selection process. Additional phases of the selection process will consist of one or more interviews.

Please note: The examination process (including dates) may be changed as deemed necessary by the Human Resources Department. Meeting the minimum requirements listed in this job description does not guarantee advancement in subsequent phases of the selection process.

SECURE THE DATES

• Virtual Panel Interviews are tentatively scheduled for Thursday, March 12, 2026 via Zoom.
• Hiring Interviews are tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, March 17, 2026 in-person at Milpitas City Hall.

Please contact the recruiter with any questions:
Jasmin Ramos
HR Analyst
jaramos@milpitas.gov
HR Office: (408) 586-3090
Direct: (408) 586-3082

RETIREMENT
Miscellaneous Unrepresented:
1. Classic Tier 1 employees (Employees hired before October 9, 2011): 2.7% at 55 Retirement Plan including the highest final compensation amendment. (Employee pays 8% contribution rate)
2. Classic Tier 2 employees (Employees hired on or after October 9, 2011 and before January 1, 2013, or who qualify for CalPERS pension reciprocity): 2% @ 60 Retirement Plan including three year final average compensation period (Employee pays 7% contribution rate)
3. Public Employee Pension Reform Act (PEPRA) employees hired on or after January 1, 2013: 2% @ 62 Retirement Plan including three year final average compensation period (Employee contribution rate as stated in annual CalPERS actuarial report)
City of Milpitas employees do not participate in Social Security,but do contribute to Medicare.
Police Unrepresented:
1. Classic Tier 1 employees (Employees hired before April 8, 2012): 3% @ 50 Retirement Plan including the highest final compensation amendment. (Employee pays 9% contribution rate)
2. Classic Tier 2 employees (Employees hired on or after April 8, 2012 and before January 1, 2013, or who qualify for CalPERS pension reciprocity): 3% @ 55 Retirement Plan including highest final compensation (Employee pays 9% contribution rate)
3. Public Employee Pension Reform Act (PEPRA) employees hired on or after January 1, 2013: 2.7 % @ 57 Retirement Plan including three year final average compensation period (Employee pays half of normal cost, July 2018 at 10% contribution rate)
Fire Unrepresented
1. Classic Tier 1 employees (Employees hired before April 8, 2012): 3% @ 50 Retirement Plan including the highest final compensation amendment. (Employee pays 9% contribution rate)
2. Classic Tier 2 employees (Employees hired on or after April 8, 2012 and before January 1, 2013, or who qualify for CalPERS pension reciprocity): 3% @ 55 Retirement Plan including highest final compensation (Employee pays 9% contribution rate)
3. Public Employee Pension Reform Act (PEPRA) employees hired on or after January 1, 2013: 2.7 % @ 57 Retirement Plan including three year final average compensation period (Employee contribution rate as stated in CalPERS actuarial report.)
City of Milpitas employees do not participate in Social Security, but do contribute to Medicare.

MEDICAL INSURANCE
Choice of CalPERS Medical Plans. City pays coverage up to the Kaiser rate (currently $2,228.36/mo. for family). Employees who waive health coverage are eligible to receive $125 per month in lieu of medical plan coverage with proof of other coverage.

RETIREE MEDICAL
Employees are eligible upon CalPERS retirement from the City to receive up to 100% retiree medical coverage (currently based on the Kaiser health rate), based on years of service.

DENTAL & VISION
City provides full family coverage for dental and vision at no cost to the employee.

LIFE INSURANCE
City provides $50,000 term policy. Supplemental employee-paid life insurance is available up to $500,000, based on carrier acceptance.

DISABILITY INSURANCE
City provides a Short-Term Disability plan similar to State Disability Insurance (SDI) coverage. Employees do not participate in SDI. Long-Term Disability coverage of 60% of base salary up to $1,500 per month is available after a 60-day waiting period. Additional buy-up options for LTD are available.

DEFERRED COMPENSATION
City contributes $75 per month on the employee's behalf.

VACATION
Employees earn 16-36 days of vacation based on years of service.

MANAGEMENT LEAVE
Employees earn40 hours of Management Leave per year.

HOLIDAYS
Employees receive 12 paid holidays and one (1) floating holiday per year.

SICK LEAVE
Employees earn 12 days annually.

TUITION REIMBURSEMENT
Employees are eligible to receive up to $3,000 per fiscal year in tuition reimbursement.

FITNESS PROGRAM
Employees are offered free access to City-sponsored sports and fitness programs.

The City also offers a flexible spending benefits plan, employee assistance program, and other voluntary insurance. Contact Human Resources (HR) at 408-586-3090 or visit https://www.milpitas.gov/245/Benefits for more information on employee benefits.

Closing Date/Time: 2/18/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

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• City of Milpitas

• 408-586-3090

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