HR Manager (HR SUPV 2)

University of California, Davis; Davis (CA); Hybrid; USD 98,000 - 183,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Continuing Education allowance

Staff Education Reimbursement

Job summary

UC Davis Continuing and Professional Education (CPE) seeks an HR Manager to lead its instructor management function, standardize onboarding and agreements, and align HR policies with the Academic Personnel Manual. The role partners with IT and program staff, and reports to the HR Director in a strategic capacity.

The role supervises HR Generalists supporting ~270 staff/academic employees and 700 instructors, driving proactive HR delivery and standardized processes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in related area.
• Five+ years HR experience, including policy interpretation and procedures.
• At least two years supervising HR staff.
• Experience creating standardized HR procedures and templates.
• Experience leading cross-functional process-improvement projects.
• Ability to convey complex HR information clearly to varied audiences.
• Proven ability to handle difficult situations.

Responsibilities

• Oversee instructor management and onboarding standardization.
• Lead agreement administration and training compliance.
• Collaborate with IT and program staff on workflows.
• Partner with Academic Affairs HR Generalist.
• Coach and supervise HR Generalists to ensure timely service delivery.
• Advance proactive, prevention-focused HR practices.

Skills

Leadership

Policy communication

Process improvement

HR analytics

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

HR certification (PHR/SHRM-CP)

Tools

SmartSheet

HRIS (UC HR systems)

Job description

Job Summary

Under general direction of the Director of Human Resources, the HR Manager leads CPE’s instructor management function, standardizing onboarding, agreement administration, training compliance, and performance processes for the by-agreement instructor population across the division. Leads the update and launch of the Instructor Services Agreement alongside a redesigned compensation agreement and supporting workflows, partnering with the IT team and program staff who work directly with instructors. Works closely with the Academic Affairs HR Generalist as a strategic thought partner on CPE’s academic employees, ensuring alignment with Academic Personnel Manual (APM) policy. Serves as a resource to managers and staff on recruitment and HR policy questions, escalating complex or sensitive matters to the HR Director.

Under general direction of the Director of Human Resources, the HR Manager leads CPE’s instructor management function, standardizing onboarding, agreement administration, training compliance, and performance processes for the by-agreement instructor population across the division. Leads the update and launch of the Instructor Services Agreement alongside a redesigned compensation agreement and supporting workflows, partnering with the IT team and program staff who work directly with instructors. Works closely with the Academic Affairs HR Generalist as a strategic thought partner on CPE’s academic employees, ensuring alignment with Academic Personnel Manual (APM) policy. Serves as a resource to managers and staff on recruitment and HR policy questions, escalating complex or sensitive matters to the HR Director. The HR Manager supervises a team of HR Generalists supporting CPE’s approximately 270 staff and academic employees and 700 instructors, providing day‑to‑day direction, coaching, and performance management to ensure timely, consistent HR service delivery. This role will help advance CPE HR’s shift from a reactive, fire‑fighting model to a proactive, prevention‑focused function by building standardized processes, adopting technology and tools that improve efficiency and transparency, and coaching the team to anticipate and resolve issues before they escalated.

Apply By Date

November 24, 2026

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training.
• Minimum of five years of progressively responsible human resources experience, including experience interpreting and applying personnel policies, employment laws, and organizational procedures.
• Minimum two years of experience directly supervising or formally leading professional HR staff, including assigning work, establishing priorities, coaching employees, and evaluating performance.
• Experience in developing, documenting, and implementing standardized HR procedures, templates, and job aids for consistent use across a diverse workforce
• Experience leading cross-functional process-improvement, workflow-design, or system-implementation projects from planning through rollout.
• Experience identifying recurring problems and root causes and design standardized, technology-enabled processes that shift a team from reactive troubleshooting to proactive, prevention-focused service delivery.
• Ability to communicate complex or sensitive HR information clearly and professionally to employees, managers, instructors, and cross-functional partners with varied levels of HR knowledge.
• Demonstrated ability to handle difficult or volatile situations / individuals effectively.

Preferred Qualifications

• PHR, SHRM-CP, or equivalent HR certification.
• Working knowledge of the university's HR information systems.
• Knowledge of UC and UC Davis personnel policies, procedures, and collective bargaining agreements.
• Working knowledge of Academic Personnel Manual (APM) policies and procedures
• Working knowledge of SmartSheet functionality.

Key Responsibilities

• 60% - Academic Instructor Management
• 30% - Team Supervision & Operations/ Recruitment & Onboarding Oversight
• 10% - HR Program Administration, Process Improvement & Policy Implementation

Department Overview

UC Davis Continuing and Professional Education (CPE) is the workforce development and lifelong learning arm of the university. The division maintains the most diverse portfolio on campus, including online professional courses and certificates, contract training for public and private organizations and state agencies, online graduate degrees in partnership with UC Davis colleges, international academic and cultural exchange programs, pre-college programs and more. UC Davis CPE is a global leader in continuing education. With nearly 90,000 annual enrollments in professional, academic and enrichment courses and millions of enrollments in Massive Open Online Courses, CPE serves lifelong learners in the growing Sacramento region, all 50 states and more than 100 countries. CPE is the campus leader in online education, supporting schools and colleges across UC Davis in their efforts to make learning accessible. CPE employs approximately 270 employees and draws on the expertise of approximately 700 instructors.

POSITION INFORMATION

• Salary or Pay Range: $97,500.00 - $182,700.00/yr. (Department budgeted salary range: $125,000 - $150,000/yr. Commensurate with experience.)
• Salary Frequency: Annual
• Salary Grade: 24
• UC Job Title: HR SUPV 2
• UC Job Code: 007700
• Number of Positions: 1
• Appointment Type: Career
• Percentage of Time: 100%
• Shift (Work Schedule): M-F: 8am-5pm
• Location: Sacramento, CA
• Union Representation: No
• Benefits Eligible: Yes
• This position is hybrid (mix of on-site and remote work)

Benefits

Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility by visiting UCnet Benefits Page or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees.

• High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs
• UC pays for dental and vision coverage for you and your family
• Retirement plans for eligible employees including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans
• Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance, legal coverage, accident, critical illness and hospital indemnity
• Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave, Adoption Assistance and Pay for Family Care and Bonding for eligible employees
• Lactation Support Program and Family Care discounts and resources
• Employee Well-being resources and programming to support thriving in all aspects of employee’s lives
• On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
• Generous amount of paid Holidays annually as outlined in the UC Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreements
• Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as outlined in the UC Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreements
• Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Staff Education Reimbursement Program for eligible employees
• Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Qualified Employer and Student Loan Debt Counseling Program for eligible employees

Physical Demands

• Standing - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Walking - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Sitting - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 26-50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying over 50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 26-50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling over 50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
• Bending/Stooping - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Squatting/Kneeling - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Twisting - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Climbing (e.g., stairs or ladders) - Never 0 Hours
• Reaching overhead - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Environmental Demands

• Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes - Never 0 Hours
• Loud noise levels - Never 0 Hours
• Marked changes in humidity or temperature - Never 0 Hours
• Microwave/Radiation - Never 0 Hours
• Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment - Never 0 Hours
• Extreme Temperatures - Never 0 Hours
• Uneven Surfaces or Elevations - Never 0 Hours

Mental Demands

• Sustained attention and concentration - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Complex problem solving/reasoning - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Ability to organize & prioritize - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Communication skills - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Numerical skills - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Constant Interaction - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Customer/Patient Contact - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Work Environment

UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space. Occasional evening or weekend work may be required to support onboarding sessions, Lunch and Learn programming, or other CLT events.

Special Requirements – Please contact your recruiter with questions regarding which activities apply by position

• This is a critical position, as defined by UC Policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation clearance and functional capacity assessment

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

A Culture of Opportunity and Belonging

At UC Davis, we’re committed to solving life’s most urgent challenges and building a healthier, more resilient world. We believe in growing through every challenge, continually striving to improve, and welcoming new perspectives that strengthen our community. We recognize that a vibrant and innovative organization values both individual strengths and shared purpose. The best ideas often emerge when people with different experiences come together. As you consider joining UC Davis, we invite you to explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education. We believe you belong here. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status. To view the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination Because we want you to feel seen and valued, our recruitment process at UC Davis supports openness and authenticity. Research shows that some individuals hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. You may be an excellent fit for this role-or the next one. We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't match every listed requirement. #YouBelongHere To learn more about our background check program, please visit: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/recruitment/ucd/selection/background-checks