Human Resources Compliance Manager

About the opportunity

SWCA Environmental Consultants is seeking a Human Resources Compliance Manager to lead and strengthen HR compliance programs across the organization. As the programmatic owner of HR compliance, this position will oversee the development, administration, monitoring, and continuous improvement of programs designed to support compliance with applicable federal, state, local, Tribal, contractual, and industry requirements.

Reporting to the Senior People Support Director, this role will partner with People Support, Talent Acquisition, Total Rewards, HR Systems, Safety, Legal, and business leaders to identify compliance risks, maintain clear and consistent practices, and implement practical solutions. This position will provide leadership for key programs such as drug and alcohol testing, workers’ compensation administration, background-screening adjudication, driver compliance, employee handbook and policy administration, work authorization, audits, regulatory reporting, and compliance documentation.

This role is well suited for an HR compliance leader who can translate evolving legal and regulatory requirements into sustainable programs, policies, training, controls, and reporting. The successful candidate will combine sound judgment and attention to detail with a collaborative, consultative approach to supporting employees and business leaders.

This is a full-time, regular (with benefits), salaried/exempt position that is eligible for distributed (=remote) work anywhere within the United States and reports to SWCA’s Phoenix, Arizona corporate office. Occasional travel may be required based on business needs

To be considered for this position, please submit a cover letter.

Application Deadline: Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and interviews may be scheduled as qualified candidates are identified. This position may close without prior notice once a strong candidate pool is established.

About SWCA

SWCA Environmental Consultants is a 100% employee-owned environmental consulting firm providing full spectrum environmental services across the United States. Our North Star is to be the best place to work and a leader in sustainability, delivering sound science and creative solutions to complex environmental challenges.

 We are guided by our core values every day. We collaborate as #OneSWCA, we are #AlwaysLearning, we #NeverSettle, and we #GiveBack to our communities. With offices nationwide, SWCA offers a collaborative, team focused environment where employees can build meaningful and long-term careers.

What you will accomplish

• Provides strategic HR consultation services to operations leaders, advising on best practices for compliance with  employment laws. Offers expert guidance to support effective decision-making and ensure legal compliance.
• Develops and implements company-wide HR policies and programs that support and enhance the operational effectiveness of the organization.
• Ensures policies are aligned with organizational goals and industry standards.
• Designs and delivers training programs for operations leaders and employees, focusing on compliance, and other critical HR topics. Ensures training initiatives are aligned with organizational goals and enhance employee capabilities.
• Conducts regular audits of HR practices and compliance within Operations, identifying areas for improvement and ensuring adherence to legal and regulatory standards. Provides recommendations to address gaps and enhance compliance.
• Leads efforts to ensure all reporting and regulatory requirements are met by coordinating compliance activities and monitoring adherence to relevant laws and regulations. Ensures timely and accurate reporting.
• Manages corporate HR projects and initiatives, coordinating cross-functional teams and ensuring successful implementation and alignment with organizational goals. Oversees project timelines, resources, and outcomes to achieve desired results.
• Analyzes HR metrics and data to provide insights and recommendations to operations leaders, supporting data-driven decision-making and strategic planning. Uses data analysis to identify trends and develop actionable solutions to improve HR practices.
• Follows applicable federal, Tribal, state, local, industry, contractual, and company regulations, standards, and specifications.
• Performs related work as assigned.

Additional Job-Specific Responsibilities

• Lead the administration and continuous improvement of company-wide HR compliance programs, including drug and alcohol testing, workers’ compensation, background-screening adjudication, driver compliance and watchlist administration, work authorization, and employee handbook and policy compliance.
• Monitor changes in federal, state, local, Tribal, contractual, and industry requirements and coordinate necessary updates to HR policies, procedures, training, and compliance programs.
• Conduct HR compliance risk assessments and gap analyses, prioritize identified risks, and oversee corrective-action plans through completion.
• Oversee the lawful and consistent resolution of escalated background-screening results, including individualized assessments, documentation, and adverse-action procedures.
• Maintain HR compliance governance tools, including compliance calendars, standard operating procedures, templates, records, controls, and program documentation.
• Partner with Legal, Safety, Talent Acquisition, Total Rewards, HR Systems, and operational leaders to address regulatory inquiries, audit findings, and compliance risks.
• Supervise, coach, and develop team members supporting HR compliance programs, establishing priorities and accountability for program delivery.

Minimum Qualifications

• Six years of relevant, progressively responsible experience, including some experience managing others.
• Eight years of related experience is preferred; or any equivalent combination of experience, performance, training, and/or education.
• Knowledge normally obtained through a bachelor's degree.

Experience and qualifications for success

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, business administration, or relevant field, or equivalent experience.
• Progressively responsible human resources experience, including experience administering or leading HR compliance programs and some experience managing or providing formal leadership to others.
• Demonstrated knowledge of federal, state, and local employment laws and HR compliance requirements, with the ability to research, interpret, and apply evolving requirements across multiple jurisdictions.
• Experience developing, implementing, monitoring, or improving HR policies, procedures, controls, training, and compliance documentation.
• Experience conducting or coordinating compliance audits, risk assessments, gap analyses, and corrective-action planning.
• Experience partnering across HR, Legal, Safety, Talent Acquisition, HR Systems, and business leadership to resolve compliance questions and implement consistent practices.
• Strong written communication and research skills, including the ability to translate legal or regulatory requirements into clear policies, procedures, guidance, and training materials.
• Demonstrated judgment and discretion when handling confidential information, sensitive employment matters, and compliance-related decisions.
• Strong program and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, reporting requirements, and cross-functional dependencies.
• Strong analytical, consultation, influence, coaching, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency with HR information systems, reporting tools, document-management platforms, and Microsoft Office applications, with the ability to learn new systems.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience administering drug and alcohol testing, workers’ compensation, background-screening adjudication, driver compliance, work authorization, employee handbook administration, employment-related reporting, or HR compliance audits.
• Experience supporting a multi-state, geographically dispersed workforce.
• Experience managing or developing HR compliance professionals or a small compliance team.
• Professional HR certification such as PHR, SPHR, GPHR, SHRM-CP, or SHRM-SCP.
• Experience in environmental consulting, engineering, construction, professional services, or another project-based industry.
• Experience with Ceridian Dayforce, SharePoint, or comparable HRIS and document-management platforms

Pay Range

SWCA is committed to salary equity and transparency. The expected pay range for this US/Remote-based position is $95,004.00 to $123,396.00 per year. Actual pay may vary based on experience, qualifications, geographic location, and other factors permitted by law. Eligible employees may also receive performance-based bonuses.

As a 100% employee-owned company, we invest in your future. Total Rewards package includes an Employee Stock Ownership Plan, 401(k) with profit sharing, medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid time off, wellness programs, and professional development opportunities.

Closing

If you need accommodation due to a disability, please contact HRConfidential@swca.com.

If you require assistance with the application process, please contact recruiting@swca.com.

Use of Technology in Hiring 

SWCA may use approved technology, including AI-assisted tools, to support parts of the application and recruiting process. All selection and hiring decisions are made by SWCA employees, and candidates are not selected or rejected by automated systems. We are committed to a fair, transparent, and human-centered hiring experience. 

Candidate Use of AI 

Candidates may use AI tools to help prepare application materials and interviews. However, all application materials, assessments, and interview responses must accurately reflect their own experience, skills, and qualifications. AI must not be used to fabricate experience, complete assessments on their behalf, or otherwise misrepresent their background or abilities. 

Equal Opportunity Employer 

SWCA Environmental Consultants is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage applications from women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all employees can thrive. 

SWCA continues to invest deeply in career development programs, delivering our award-winning Career Landscape support resources to accelerate the growth of our staff. We recognize the valuable skills and experiences our internal team members bring to SWCA’s continued success. Qualified internal candidates are encouraged to apply and will be seriously considered for this position. We believe in promoting from within, where possible, providing our existing employees with compelling opportunities to advance their careers.

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