HR Specialist / HR Manager

New York, NY (100% On-Site) - Midtown Manhattan

Compensation: $70,000 – $120,000 base salary + bonus

• HR Specialist: $70K – $90K
• HR Manager: $90K – $120K

About the Opportunity

A well-established, employee-owned construction management firm is seeking its first dedicated HR professional to build and lead the Human Resources function. This organization has a long-standing reputation for delivering complex commercial, healthcare, academic, life sciences, and restoration projects across multiple states.

Position Overview

The HR Specialist/Manager will be responsible for establishing and formalizing the company’s HR department. While many processes currently exist, HR responsibilities are distributed across accounting and payroll and now require centralized ownership.

This role is ideal for someone comfortable operating independently, building scalable systems, and bringing organization and consistency to HR operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Establish and develop the company’s formal HR function and processes
• Transition HR responsibilities from accounting and leadership into a centralized structure
• Support and partner with the Payroll Manager (payroll processed in-house)
• Administer employee benefits, including self-insured medical plans
• Manage annual open enrollment and ongoing benefits administration
• Maintain and update employee handbook, policies, and HR procedures
• Oversee compliance, documentation, and reporting related to ESOP participation
• Support workers’ compensation administration and claims management
• Serve as a trusted HR resource for employees and leadership
• Help modernize HR practices while respecting a traditional company culture
• Occasionally assist with administrative needs as required (not a primary function)

Required:

• 5+ years of Human Resources experience
• Bachelor’s degree required
• Experience building, revamping, or standing up HR processes or departments
• Ability to work independently and take ownership of HR operations
• Strong interpersonal skills and comfort working within a direct, traditional culture

Preferred:

• Construction or related industry experience
• Experience supporting union or field-based workforces
• HR certifications (SHRM-CP, PHR, etc.)

Benefits

• Employee-owned company (ESOP participation)
• 401(k) with company match
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage (company covers around 83%)
• Life insurance, short-term & long-term disability