Human Resources Manager

Kolar Design; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A design services firm in Cincinnati is seeking a Human Resources Specialist to lead HR operations, focusing on employee lifecycle programs, compliance, and people management. The ideal candidate will have 5+ years in HR with experience in developing HR processes and managing teams. The role involves creating an engaging workplace, overseeing payroll, and ensuring policy compliance. This opportunity offers a full-time position with a commitment to building a positive employee experience in a collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of progressive Human Resources experience.
• Experience managing HR team members or cross-functional partners.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. employment laws.

Responsibilities

• Lead employee lifecycle programs: onboarding and offboarding.
• Oversee payroll preparation and benefit coordination.
• Manage and update HR policies and compliance documentation.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

HR compliance

Employee engagement

Technology proficiency

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources or related field

SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR certification

Tools

HRIS

Job description

Human Resources Specialist at Kolar Design

Role: Human Resource Manager

As the Human Resource Manager at Kolar Design, you are responsible for leading the implementation and continuous improvement of people operations, policies, and internal systems that create a high-performing and engaging workplace. This role combines strong human resource expertise with operational ownership, ensuring compliance, consistency, and strategic support across the organization. You will manage the HR Generalist team member(s), oversee employee lifecycle programs, and partner with leadership to align HR practices with business goals.

This role requires a proactive and hands‑on professional who can build trust across departments, improve processes, and drive accountability, while also maintaining a positive employee experience.

In this role, you are expected to embody our core values

• Be Transformative. We are innovators driving meaningful change in the way people build relationships with space and with one another. We lead with an open mind.
• Make Quality Personal. We are humans who create beautiful experiences for other humans. We engage with empathy.
• Be Curious and Dig Deeper. We are opportunity finders, bringing diverse perspectives to the table to learn together. We stay curious.
• Succeed as a Team. We are collectively inspired and individually motivated to bring results to life. We deliver on our commitments.
• Make a Positive Impact. We are connectors of ideas, influencers of our industry and contributors to our community. We drive positive change.

Objective & Responsibilities of the Role:

People Programs & Employee Experience

• Lead employee lifecycle programs: onboarding, offboarding, engagement, and feedback.
• Coordinate internal communications, employee recognition, and culture initiatives.
• Execute and track people programs such as birthdays, anniversaries, surveys, and team events.
• Champion a transparent and inclusive workplace culture.
• Oversee job postings, phone screens, interview coordination, and hiring workflows.
• Guide candidate selection and hiring decisions with department leads.
• Ensure consistent and compliant onboarding experiences, including documentation, systems setup, policy review, and benefits enrollment.

Performance & Development Systems

• Lead quarterly and annual review cycles; maintain development plans and growth tracking.
• Manage ladders of learning, PDP templates, peer feedback collection, and manager support.
• Align performance tools with evolving business needs and internal structures.

Payroll, Benefits & Timekeeping Oversight

• Oversee biweekly payroll prep, including PTO approvals and timekeeping reviews.
• Act as the primary contact for benefit-related questions and open enrollment coordination.
• Maintain accurate employee data across HRIS, timekeeping, and payroll systems.

Policy, Compliance & Documentation

• Manage and update the Employee Handbook and key HR policies.
• Own compliance calendar: audit prep, required postings, and benefit notices.
• Maintain secure, organized, and legally compliant employee records.
• Proactively identify and elevate HR risks as needed.
• Administer HR system access, integrations, and cross‑platform consistency.
• Maintain shared documentation, naming conventions, and user resources.
• Support system implementation, troubleshoot issues, and test updates prior to rollout.
• Partner with Accounting and IT to align onboarding/offboarding tech and license tracking.
• Supervise HR Generalist or Specialist roles, managing workload and development.
• Lead regular check‑ins, delegate responsibilities, and oversee project progress
• Contribute to strategic HR planning and goal tracking.

Office Operations & Cross‑Functional Support

• Oversee office supply ordering, event planning, and vendor coordination.
• Maintain a welcoming, well‑run office experience and clear process documentation.
• Collaborate with Accounting, IT, and Design Team to ensure seamless internal operations.
• HR Strategy & Execution – Drives HR programs aligned with company goals.
• Accountability – Follows through on commitments and drives a culture of ownership.
• Discretion & Integrity – Maintains confidentiality and handles sensitive matters professionally.
• Systems Thinking – Connects operational processes to long‑term strategic goals.
• Communication – Clearly conveys information across teams and leadership.
• Adaptability – Balances shifting priorities while meeting key deadlines.
• Technology Proficiency – Manages HR software and cross‑functional tools effectively.
• Service‑Oriented Leadership – Supports team members with responsiveness and empathy.
• Collaboration – Partners across departments to ensure operational alignment.

Education & Experience

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Organizational Leadership, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• SHRM‑CP, SHRM‑SCP, PHR, or similar HR certification.
• 5+ years of progressive Human Resources experience, with demonstrated ownership of people operations and compliance.
• Experience managing or mentoring HR team members or cross‑functional partners.
• Strong working knowledge of U.S. employment laws and HR compliance requirements.
• Hands‑on experience administering payroll, benefits, PTO, and employee records.
• Proven ability to build and improve HR processes, systems, and documentation.
• High level of discretion and professionalism when handling confidential and sensitive matters.
• Experience partnering with leadership and managers to support performance, development, and employee relations.
• Comfortable working in a fast‑paced, evolving environment with competing priorities.

Nice to Have

• Experience supporting a small to mid‑sized organization (under 50 employees), with comfort wearing multiple hats.
• Experience in a professional services, design, architecture, or creative firm.
• Prior involvement in building or scaling HR programs in a growing organization.
• Familiarity with EOS or similar goal‑setting and performance frameworks.
• Experience supporting hybrid or flexible work environments.
• Strong operational mindset with an eye for continuous improvement.
• Interest in culture‑building, employee experience design, and internal communications.
• Experience collaborating closely with Accounting and IT teams.

Seniority level

• Mid‑Senior level

Employment type

• Full‑time

Job function

• Human Resources

Industries

• Design Services