HR Business Partner

Robert Half is recruiting for an experienced HR Consultant/ Business partner/ HR Lead for our public sector client. The consultant will have strong California public sector experience and can ensure compliance with labor laws, union agreements, and agency requirements. This role is hands-on and involves working closely with multiple departments to keep processes accurate, compliant, and efficient. This opportunity will be long term and located onsite in Downey, CA.

Responsibilities

- Manage a large team of 10-15 through a HRIS and payroll implementation

- knowledge of full-cycle payroll for public sector employees, ensuring accuracy and compliance.

- Knowledge of key HR functions including onboarding, benefits, leaves, performance processes, and policy interpretation.

- Compliance with California labor laws, CalPERS/CalSTRS, and collective bargaining agreements.

- Advise leadership on HR and payroll policies, procedures, and regulatory changes.

- Maintain HRIS/payroll data integrity and produce needed reports or audits.

- Collaborate with Finance, Legal, and other departments to improve workflows and documentation.

-Provide guidance and oversight to HR/payroll staff.

Qualifications

-Specific Advantage HCM and/or or HRIS experience in payroll/HR ( must have)

-Public sector, school, educational, government industry experience

-Bachelor’s degree in HR, Business, Accounting, or related field (Master’s a plus).

-5+ years of HR and payroll experience, including 3+ years in a California public agency (city, county, state, district, or education).

-Strong knowledge of CalPERS, CalSTRS, FLSA, and CA wage and hour rules.

-Experience with union agreements/collective bargaining preferred.

-Skilled in payroll/HRIS systems (PeopleSoft, ADP, Workday, SAP, Tyler Munis, etc.).

-Strong organizational, communication, and confidentiality skills.

-Able to work independently and provide leadership as needed.

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, Accounting, or a related discipline; advanced education is a plus.

• At least 5 years of combined HR and payroll experience, including 3 or more years supporting a California public agency environment.

• Strong working knowledge of California wage and hour requirements, public sector retirement programs, and employment compliance standards.

• Familiarity with collective bargaining environments and the practical application of union agreements is preferred.

• Experience using HRIS and payroll platforms such as PeopleSoft, Workday, Tyler Munis, or similar enterprise systems.

• Demonstrated strength in employee relations, HR administration, policy guidance, and performance management support.

• Excellent organizational, communication, and discretion skills, with the ability to manage sensitive information appropriately.

• Ability to work independently while also providing leadership, structure, and reliable support to broader HR operations.

-Advantage HCM and/or or HRIS experience in payroll/HR ( must have)

-Government or Educational / public sector industry experience ( must have)