Area Human Resources Manager

About the role

First Student is hiring an Area Human Resources Manager to join North America's largest school bus transportation team. The role partners with managers, supervisors, and employees on policies, procedures, employee relations, labor relations, and compliance across assigned locations. You will serve as a trusted HR partner to field operations, supporting employee issues, investigations, workforce planning, recruiting strategies, training, and organizational development. This hybrid role requires regular travel throughout Southern California, Arizona, Colorado, and Utah. Candidates located in Southern California or Arizona are preferred.

Responsibilities

• Maintains favorable and effective employee and labor relations within the assigned area.
• Ensures effective implementation and administration of corporate and regional HR policies.
• Creates recommendations related to workforce planning and organizational development.
• Provides leadership and guidance to field operations in the areas of dispute resolution, labor contract administration, employee handbook interpretation, and policy compliance.
• Conducts training programs that address First Student needs, including performance management, interviewing, employee relations, and employment law.
• Oversees implementation of HR programs and monitors results.
• Conducts workplace investigations and maintains thorough documentation related to employee relations matters.
• Partners with operational leadership to support staffing strategies, workforce planning, and employee engagement initiatives.
• Acts as recruiting coordinator for the region.
• Visits locations on a periodic and as-needed basis to support field operations and business objectives.
• Builds effective relationships with employees and leaders at all levels of the organization.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of five years of diverse Human Resources experience with broad knowledge of recruiting, employment, compensation, organizational planning, employee relations, labor relations, and training and development.
• Strong employee relations experience, including conducting workplace investigations and maintaining thorough documentation, required.
• Experience supporting field operations and partnering directly with operational leaders preferred.
• Multi-facility experience desired.
• Strong administrative, organizational, and time-management skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills with the ability to influence and build relationships at all levels of the organization.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Computer literate.
• Ability and willingness to travel throughout the assigned region.
• English proficiency required (U.S. DOT regulations mandate English for training, safety communications, policies, and employment documents).

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid holidays and paid time off
• Access to earned wages before payday through Chime® MyPay at Work™
• Salt® employee rewards and savings program
• Opportunities for professional growth and career advancement

Pay

Salary range: $95,000 - $130,000 annually, depending on experience and qualifications.

Schedule

Hybrid role: approximately two remote workdays and three days of field support per week, with regular travel required throughout Southern California, Arizona, Colorado, and Utah.