Temporary Human Resources Manager

Littlewordsproject; Mountainside (NJ); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Littlewordsproject is seeking a Temporary Human Resources Manager based in Mountainside, NJ. In this role, you will lead HR strategies while managing daily operations. This position is crucial for supporting the HR needs of retail locations and corporate offices during a 4-month temporary assignment.

The ideal candidate will have over 6 years of HR experience, particularly in retail, and be skilled in employment law and HR best practices. Hands-on, proactive leadership in a fast-paced environment is essential.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of progressive HR experience, ideally including retail and multi-site support.
• Strong understanding of employment law and HR best practices.
• Proven ability to manage HR functions independently.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary HR partner to company leadership.
• Oversee day-to-day HR operations including onboarding and benefits administration.
• Manage full-cycle recruitment for retail and corporate roles.

Skills

HR experience in retail

Employment law knowledge

Interpersonal skills

Adaptability

Conversational Spanish

Education

PHR/SPHR or SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP certification

Tools

HRIS (e.g., Rippling, Greenhouse)

Job description

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Temporary Human Resources Manager to support and lead all aspects of Human Resources across the organization during a temporary assignment. In this role, you will be responsible for managing and executing HR strategies, processes, and day-to-day operations that align with our company values and business goals. You will serve as a key resource for employees across our retail stores, fulfillment center, and HQ.

This role requires a hands-on, proactive leader who can quickly step in, balance strategic initiatives with daily HR operations, and thrive in a fast-paced, high-growth, entrepreneurial environment.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary HR partner to company leadership, supporting organizational planning, talent strategy, and employee engagement during the temporary assignment.
• Support and maintain HR policies, programs, and best practices.
• Maintain and update HR-related documents, such as the employee handbook and policies.
• Lead the implementation and administration of HR policies, procedures, and programs, ensuring compliance with legal requirements and company guidelines.
• Oversee day-to-day HR operations, including onboarding/offboarding, employee records, benefits administration, leave management, and HR systems (e.g., HRIS, payroll).
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws.
• Manage and support the annual Performance Review process.
• Act as the main HR contact for all employees, including retail, the fulfillment center, and HQ.
• Partner with retail leadership on hiring, training, and retention strategies.
• Manage the full-cycle recruitment process for both retail and corporate roles, including job postings, screening, and interview coordination.
• Support employee recognition programs, team events, and wellness initiatives.
• Build strong, trust-based relationships with employees at every level of the organization.
• Prepare HR-related documents, such as employment contracts, offer letters, and termination letters.
• Complete ad hoc HR projects and initiatives as needed.
• Field employee payroll inquiries and questions.
• Serve as the admin for company systems as needed.
• Assist with Office Management responsibilities as needed.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of progressive HR experience, ideally including retail and multi-site support.
• Strong understanding of employment law and HR best practices (PHR/SPHR or SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP a plus).
• Conversational Spanish is a plus.
• Proven ability to independently manage HR functions across an organization.
• Experience with HR systems (e.g., Rippling, Greenhouse).
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• High level of discretion, integrity, and professionalism.
• Adaptable, self-motivated, and comfortable stepping into a fast-moving environment.
• Passion for building inclusive, mission-driven workplaces.
• Available to work between 25-40+ hours per week, depending on business needs.
• Ability to commute to Mountainside, NJ, four days per week.

This is a temporary position with an expected duration of 4 months.