DSHS HR Operations Manager

The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) Human Resources Division is responsible for delivering responsive, strategic, and customer-focused human resource services that support over 17,000 employees across Washington State. Within the Human Resources Division, the HR Operations Manager reports to the HROS Statewide Administrator and is responsible for leading a team of Human Resource Consultants providing consultative and technical HR services to assigned administrations.

In this role, you will partner with executive leadership, appointing authorities, supervisors, payroll, labor relations, the Attorney General’s Office, and other HR professionals to provide expert guidance on complex human resource issues. You’ll lead a team dedicated to delivering exceptional customer service while driving operational excellence, continuous improvement, and consistent HR practices across the agency.

This is an opportunity to lead an experienced team of HR professionals while influencing strategic human resource decisions that support agency operations statewide. The successful applicant will have the opportunity to strengthen HR service delivery, improve operational efficiencies, develop staff, and build collaborative partnerships that help DSHS achieve its mission.

This position offers a hybrid work schedule, depending on business needs and work location.

Some of what you’ll do:

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of Human Resource Consultants in delivering high-quality consultative and technical HR services.
• Provide expert consultation and guidance to executive leadership, managers, and supervisors on complex human resource matters, including staffing, classification, compensation, leave, labor relations, and employment law.
• Develop performance expectations, coaching strategies, and professional development opportunities that foster a high-performing and engaged team.
• Evaluate existing processes and implement operational improvements that increase efficiency, consistency, and customer satisfaction.
• Collaborate with agency leadership and HR partners to assess organizational needs, develop solutions, and improve business performance.
• Analyze trends, interpret policy and employment law, and provide recommendations that support informed decision-making and minimize organizational risk.
• Build and maintain strong partnerships with internal and external customers while ensuring HR services are responsive, equitable, and compliant.

Why should you apply?

Professionals with a bachelor’s degree in human resource management, business, public administration, social or organizational behavioral sciences, or a closely related field AND five years of professional human resource administration experience.

Additional professional HR experience may substitute year-for-year for education.

Our ideal applicant will possess:

• Experience leading, coaching, and developing teams of HR professionals.
• Strong knowledge of employment laws, collective bargaining agreements, WACs, HR policies, and best practices.
• Experience providing strategic consultation on complex human resource issues.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze information, evaluate options, and develop practical solutions.
• Strong customer service skills with the ability to build collaborative relationships across all levels of an organization.
• Experience improving processes, implementing operational efficiencies, and driving continuous improvement.
• Excellent communication, critical thinking, and decision-making skills.
• The ability to balance competing priorities while delivering responsive, high-quality HR services.

Questions? Email Jourdan Kovacs at jourdan.kovacs@dshs.wa.gov and reference 06063.