Deputy Director of Human Resources in TRENTON, New Jersey at COUNTY OF MERCER

DEPUTYDIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES

DEPARTMENT: Human Resources

SALARY: $115,335-$137,836

LOCATION:Trenton, NJ

SCHEDULE: Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30PM, with a one-hour unpaid lunch break

REPORTSTO: Director ofHuman Resources

APPOINTMENTTYPE: Unclassified(At-Will Employment)

POSITIONOVERVIEW:

The DeputyDirector of Human Resources, serves as a senior operational leader responsiblefor the day-to-day management and oversight of the County's Human ResourcesDepartment, including Human Resources, Risk Management, and Insurance andProperty functions.

Supportinga workforce of approximately 1,700 employees across more than 19 collectivebargaining units, this role requires a high level of expertise in public sectorhuman resources, labor relations, and policy administration.

The DeputyDirector works closely with the Director of Human Resources to ensure theeffective delivery of HR services, while assuming responsibility for dailyoperations and departmental leadership. In the absence of the Director, thisposition provides full operational oversight of the office, ensuringcontinuity, consistency, and responsiveness across all Human Resourcesfunctions.

This roleis critical in maintaining strong operational leadership, guiding complexpersonnel matters, and ensuring the consistent application of policies,procedures, and collective bargaining agreements, while supporting the overalldirection and priorities of the Department.

ESSENTIALDUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Responsibilitiesinclude, but are not limited to:
• Provideleadership, oversight, and direction for day-to-day Human Resources operations,ensuring alignment with County policies, procedures, and departmentalpriorities
• Serve as aprimary advisor on employee relations matters, including disciplinary actions,investigations, hearings, and conflict resolution
• Interpretand administer over 19 collective bargaining agreements, ensuring consistentand equitable application across departments
• Ensurecompliance with federal and state employment laws, New Jersey Civil ServiceCommission regulations, and County policies
• Overseecomplex personnel matters, providing sound judgment, guidance, andrecommendations to leadership
• Representthe Department at meetings, hearings, and labor-related proceedings as assigned
• Superviseand provide guidance to staff, promoting accountability, development, andhigh-quality service delivery
• Overseethe day-to-day operations of the Department and assume leadership in theabsence of the Director
• Ensureconsistent communication and application of policies, procedures, andoperational guidance across departments
• Utilizedata, metrics, and reporting to inform workforce planning, decision-making, andorganizational effectiveness
• Preparereports, correspondence, policies, presentations, and other documents relatedto departmental operations and initiatives
• Maintainstrict confidentiality of sensitive personnel and labor relations matters
• Supportlabor relations activities, including contract administration, grievanceresolution, disciplinary review, and interpretation of collective bargainingagreements
• Partner inthe development, implementation, and continuous improvement of policies,procedures, and administrative directives

SHARED FUNCTIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Support and, as needed, oversee the administration of classification,compensation, leave management, employee benefits, and the Department'sinsurance and property functions
• Coordinate and support employee training and professional developmentprograms as needed
• Support and advance recruitment, selection, onboarding, and retentionefforts to attract and retain a high-performing workforce
• Conduct or oversee workplace investigations, as needed, includingcomplaints related to harassment, discrimination, misconduct, and policyviolations
• Prepare or review investigative summaries, findings, recommendations, andrelated documentation
• Contribute to organizational development, employee engagement,performance management, and workforce planning initiatives as needed
• Perform other related duties as required

EDUCATIONAND EXPERIENCE:

• Graduationfrom an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in HumanResources, Public Administration, Business Administration, Labor Relations, ora related field.
• Five (5)years of progressively responsible experience in human resourcesadministration, employee relations, labor relations, personnel management, or arelated field, including supervisory experience.
• Publicsector and/or Civil Service experience preferred.
• Demonstratedexperience in employment and labor law, including interpretation andapplication in a human resources or legal setting, is preferred.

LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS:

• Professionalhuman resources certification such as SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, SPHR, or PSHRAcertification is preferred.

KNOWLEDGE,SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledgeof federal, state, and county, employment laws; labor relations principles;Civil Service regulations; and personnel administration practices
• Knowledgeof principles and practices of public sector human resources administration
• Ability tointerpret and apply personnel policies, collective bargaining agreements, andadministrative procedures
• Ability toconduct workplace investigations and manage sensitive employee relationsmatters with professionalism and discretion
• Stronginterpersonal, communication, conflict resolution, and organizational skills
• Ability toprepare clear, concise, and comprehensive reports and correspondence
• Ability toestablish and maintain effective working relationships with employees,management, union representatives, government agencies, and the public
• Ability toexercise sound judgment and maintain confidentiality in handling sensitivematters
• Demonstratedability to build strong, professional relationships and foster a collaborative,approachable, and respectful workplace environment
• Proficiencyin Microsoft Office Suite and human resources information systems (HRIS)

BENEFITS OF WORKING WITH MERCER COUNTY:

Mercer County is proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package that supports the health, financial security, and professional development of our employees. Benefits include:

• Access to health and wellness coverage
• Retirement and deferred compensation plans
• Generous paid time off and leave programs
• Ongoing training and tuition assistance

Mercer County EEO/ Civil Service Statement & Residency Requirements:

Mercer County is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and accessible workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities to all individuals regardless of race, creed, color, national origin, nationality, ancestry, age, sex, gender, pregnancy, marital status, civil union status, domestic partnership status, familial status, religion, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, atypical hereditary cellular or blood trait, genetic information, liability for service in the Armed Forces of the United States, disability, or any other protected characteristic under federal, state, or local law.

As a Civil Service employer under the State of New Jersey, all candidates must comply with New Jersey Civil Service Commission regulations and guidelines. Mercer County residency is required. Non-residents must establish residency within one (1) year of employment.

Mercer County is also committed to providing reasonable accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state laws, specifically in accordance with the New Jersey State Policy Prohibiting Discrimination in the Workplace.