First HR Manager for PE-Backed, Global Growth | Hybrid

Bluewater Hayes Inc.; Rhode Island; Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Bluewater Hayes Inc. is seeking a hands-on HR leader to manage payroll, benefits, compensation, and a multi-entity HR function. You will own policy development, onboarding, and data integrity while coordinating US and international payroll through partners.

The role reports to the CFO and offers a hybrid schedule (Providence, RI area) with a competitive base and annual bonus potential as the company grows through acquisitions.

Qualifications

• 8+ years in HR with hands-on ownership of payroll (through a provider), benefits, and compensation.
• Generalist experience across hiring, onboarding, employee relations, and exits.
• Working knowledge of employment rules in multiple US states.
• Comfort with HR technology, payroll platforms, and reporting.
• A history of building something new and finishing it with minimal direction.
• Acquisition or integration experience, or time at a PE-backed or multi-location company.
• International HR or payroll experience managed through outside partners.
• SHRM-CP/SCP or PHR/SPHR.
• A second language.

Responsibilities

• Lead the full people function across the US and Europe for rapid growth.
• Align pay and benefits during acquisitions, welcoming new employees and aligning org charts across borders.
• Run US payroll and coordinate overseas payroll with local partners.
• Refresh the employee handbook and keep policies current across states and countries.
• Own the benefits calendar (medical, 401(k), open enrollment, broker reviews).
• Create structure around pay with salary ranges, offer guidelines, and consistent practices.
• Launch a performance review process with a predictable rhythm managers actually use.
• Support a mixed hourly and salaried workforce with coaching and issue resolution.
• Keep the HRIS clean and turn it into leadership-relevant reporting.
• Work with local counsel/providers to keep European operations compliant.

Skills

Payroll management

Benefits administration

Compensation

Multi-state HR

HR systems

Acquisition experience

International HR

SHRM-CP/SCP or PHR/SPHR

Second language

Education

SHRM-CP/SCP or PHR/SPHR certification

Tools

HRIS

Payroll platforms

Job description

Bluewater Hayes Inc. is seeking a hands-on HR leader to manage payroll, benefits, compensation, and a multi-entity HR function. You will own policy development, onboarding, and data integrity while coordinating US and international payroll through partners.

The role reports to the CFO and offers a hybrid schedule (Providence, RI area) with a competitive base and annual bonus potential as the company grows through acquisitions.