HR Manager (0001)

About the role

OCT Consulting is a business management and technology consulting firm that supports the Federal Government and its clients. We provide consulting services in Strategy, Process Improvement, Change Management, Program and Project Management, Acquisition/Procurement, and Information Technology. This role combines hands-on ownership of payroll, benefits, and multi-state employment compliance with strategic partnership to executive leadership on workforce planning, talent acquisition, and retention in a fast-moving federal consulting environment.

The HR Manager will be based at our McLean, VA corporate office on a hybrid schedule, requiring two to four days onsite each week, with increased onsite presence during peak periods such as payroll cycles, open enrollment, onboarding, and office events.

Responsibilities

• Own the semi-monthly payroll cycle, including timesheet reminders, employee timesheet review, payroll processing, and coordination with leadership for QuickBooks submission; administer wage garnishments and other payroll-related deductions.
• Administer the company's health, dental, vision, life, disability, FSA/HSA, and 401(k) programs; reconcile monthly carrier invoices, process retirement and HSA contributions, manage annual open enrollment, and serve as the primary point of contact for employee benefits questions.
• Maintain compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws across all jurisdictions in which OCT operates, including unemployment portal management, state tax filings, new-state agency registrations, DCAA-related training, and support of the annual 401(k) audit.
• Partner with leadership, capture teams, and recruiters to manage the open positions pipeline across funded programs and active proposals; coordinate the offer letter process; and analyze compensation and benefits trends to support competitive pay programs.
• Own the end-to-end employee lifecycle, including onboarding, new hire orientation, offboarding, separations, FMLA and medical leave administration, verifications of employment, and maintenance of personnel files.
• Administer the monthly performance review cycle, track and report retention and turnover metrics, and refresh and release the Employee Handbook annually.
• Handle sensitive employee relations matters, including reasonable accommodations, workplace investigations, disciplinary actions, and terminations; serve as a trusted advisor to leadership, managers, and staff.
• Coordinate weekly with the company's Facility Security Officer (FSO) on clearance status and updates, and support workforce compliance requirements specific to federal government contractors.
• Administer the company's HR technology stack, including HRIS, timekeeping, benefits administration, and payroll/accounting systems; manage relationships with benefits broker, retirement plan provider, and other HR service providers.
• Partner with executive leadership on HR strategy, workforce planning, and policy development; develop and maintain HR policies and SOPs; produce internal communications; and stay current on HR best practices and regulatory changes.
• Manage day-to-day administrative operations of the McLean, VA corporate office, including mail processing, office supplies, IT coordination for new hires, vendor relationships, and planning office events and gatherings.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen.
• Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources or a related field is highly desired.
• HRCI (PHR or SPHR) or SHRM-CP/SCP certification is highly desired.
• Minimum of seven years of progressive HR experience, including hands-on responsibility for payroll, benefits administration, and multi-state employment compliance.
• Experience supporting a federal government client or working for a federal government contractor is highly preferred.
• Must be comfortable wearing multiple hats and supporting the evolving needs of an emerging small business, including office administration and other non-HR responsibilities.
• Thorough knowledge of employment-related laws, regulations, and compliance issues.
• Proficiency with HR systems including HRIS, timekeeping, benefits administration, and payroll/accounting platforms (e.g., QuickBooks); ability to quickly learn new vendor portals.
• Strong quantitative aptitude and comfort working with HR data, including payroll reconciliation, benefits invoice review, and compliance metrics; advanced Excel skills required.
• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills, with proven ability to handle conflict resolution and provide strategic guidance to leadership.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance.
• Retirement savings 401K plan with 3% employer contributions of the employee's gross salary.
• Paid Time Off and Standard Government Holidays.
• Life Insurance, Short- and Long-Term disability benefits.
• Training Benefits.

Pay

Salary Range: $90,000 - $115,000 yearly, commensurate with experience and education.

About OCT Consulting

OCT Consulting LLC is a Small Business (SB) providing professional services and information technology solutions to the Federal government and commercial clients. Founded in 2013, we bring operational agility and a management team with a track record of leading successful engagements at major Federal government agencies. At OCT, we believe in creating a work environment where employees can thrive based on their abilities, skills, and achievements. We are dedicated to providing career growth and professional development based on individual merit and fostering a workplace where everyone's contributions are valued and recognized.