Human Resources Manager

Stevens Management Dealership Group - SMC; Morgan Hill (CA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive Salary

Comprehensive Benefits (PTO, Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance)

Future Career Growth Opportunities

Job summary

A regional automotive dealership group is seeking an HR Manager to advocate for employees across five locations. This role involves compliance with California labor laws, overseeing payroll processes, and developing retention strategies. The ideal candidate has 5+ years of HR experience in a multi-unit environment and must be comfortable shifting between strategic discussions and on-the-ground mediation. A competitive salary and comprehensive benefits are provided.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of progressive HR experience, preferably in a multi-unit environment.
• Deep knowledge of CA labor laws (Wage & Hour, PAGA, CFRA/FMLA, etc.).
• Ability to navigate different personalities at each rooftop.
• Comfortable shifting from strategic meetings to one-on-one mediation.
• Proficiency in HRIS and ability to track turnover and engagement trends.

Responsibilities

• Act as the primary advocate for team members across 5 locations.
• Ensure compliance with California labor laws and industry regulations.
• Own payroll process and HRIS data integrity.
• Develop retention strategies and recognition programs.
• Coach managers on performance management and leadership best practices.
• Support hiring of key roles aligned with company values.

Skills

Employee Relations

Compliance & Risk Mitigation

Agility

High Emotional Intelligence

Tech Savvy

Education

Bachelor’s degree in HR, Business or equivalent experience

PHR/SPHR or SHRM-CP/SCP certification

Tools

HRIS

ADP Total Source-WFN

Job description

Overview

Location: Modesto, CA (Rotating across 5 regional rooftops in the Bay Area and Central Valley)

Status: Full-Time, Exempt

Reports to: Director of Operations

Compensation: $95,000 – $120,000 Annual Salary

What we do: SMC Dealership Group is a community of five rooftops (four franchise new car dealers and a management company) dedicated to a long-term, employee-centric vision. We believe that a world-class customer experience starts with a world-class employee experience.

Your Opportunity

We are seeking an HR Manager who thrives on visibility. You will rotate weekly between our locations to build trust, resolve challenges, and champion our culture. Reporting directly to the Director of Operations, you will bridge the gap between high-level strategy and daily operations on the lot.

Your Core Mission

• Employee Relations: Act as the primary advocate for our team members. Build an environment where people feel heard, valued, and developed, ensuring our employee-centric philosophy is felt at every rooftop.
• Compliance & Risk Mitigation: Partner with our Group Safety Compliance Coordinator to ensure we are compliant with California labor laws, OSHA, and automotive industry regulations.
• Operational Oversight: Own the integrity of the payroll process, benefit renewals, and HRIS data, ensuring our team is paid accurately and supported by competitive benefits.

A Day in the Life

• Rotational Leadership: Spend dedicated time at each of our 5 locations every week, becoming a familiar and trusted face to technicians, sales teams, and office staff.
• Culture Architect: Develop and implement retention strategies, recognition programs, and career pathing to make SMC the employer of choice in the region.
• Strategic Advisory: Coach General Managers and department heads on performance management, conflict resolution, and leadership best practices.
• Recruitment Strategy: Support the hiring of key roles, ensuring we attract talent that aligns with our long-term values.
• Compliance & Safety: Work with the Safety Coordinator to lead audits, update employee handbooks, and manage workers' compensation or leave of absence (LOA) claims.
• Payroll & Benefits Oversight: Manage relationships with benefit providers and oversee payroll finalization to ensure accuracy across all business units.

What You Bring to the Table

• Experience: 5+ years of progressive HR experience, preferably in a multi-unit environment (Retail, Hospitality, or Automotive).
• California Expertise: Deep knowledge of CA labor laws (Wage & Hour, PAGA, CFRA/FMLA, etc.).
• High Emotional Intelligence: Ability to navigate different personalities at each rooftop—from the service bay to the executive suite.
• Agility: Comfortable shifting from high-level strategic meetings to one-on-one mediation on the shop floor.
• Tech Savvy: Proficiency in HRIS and ADP Total Source-WFN systems and ability to use data to track turnover and engagement trends.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in HR, Business, or equivalent experience. PHR/SPHR or SHRM-CP/SCP certification is a plus.

Why SMC Dealership Group?

• Competitive Salary: $95,000 – $120,000 based on experience.
• Comprehensive Benefits: PTO, Training, Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance.
• Future-Focused: We are a growing group that values stability and long-term career growth.
• Impact: You have a seat at the table to help define what HR looks like for our future.

SMC Dealership Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer.