HR Specialist – New York

HR Specialist – New York

Job Overview:

Little Birdy is partnering with an exciting international brand to find a Human Resources Specialist. As the first dedicated HR professional, you will play a critical role in establishing and implementing HR policies and processes from the ground up. This is a dynamic, hands-on position where you’ll have the opportunity to shape the HR function and contribute to building a positive, high-performing company culture.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Establish and implement HR policies and procedures that align with the company’s goals and legal requirements.
  • Manage and oversee all aspects of the employee lifecycle, including recruitment, onboarding, performance management, training, and offboarding.
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for all employee relations matters, providing guidance and support to managers and staff on HR issues.
  • Develop and execute talent acquisition strategies to attract top candidates as the company scales.
  • Oversee payroll management, ensuring timely and accurate processing of salaries, bonuses, and deductions. Experience with payroll systems (e.g., Gusto, ADP, Paychex) is highly preferred.
  • Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations, staying updated on any changes.
  • Drive employee engagement and retention through the development of benefits, wellness programs, and initiatives to enhance the employee experience.
  • Partner with leadership to implement performance management systems, employee development programs, and talent succession planning.
  • Manage the administration of benefits programs, including health insurance, retirement plans, and other employee perks.
  • Create and foster a positive, inclusive work culture that supports growth, collaboration, and open communication.
  • Provide training and coaching to managers on HR best practices, conflict resolution, and effective leadership.
  • Prepare and maintain HR-related documentation and reports, including workforce metrics, compliance reports, and employee feedback.
  • As the first HR hire, be comfortable working independently while laying the foundation for an HR department that will grow as the company expands.

Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
  • 4+ years of HR experience, with a strong focus on HR policy creation, employee relations, and process implementation.
  • Experience managing payroll for small to mid-sized companies (including experience with payroll software).
  • Familiarity with employment laws and regulations at the federal, state, and local levels.
  • Strong ability to work independently and thrive in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
  • Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
  • Proven experience in creating and implementing HR processes and systems from the ground up.
  • Comfortable working in a hybrid work environment with some in-office presence required.
  • Tech-savvy, with proficiency in HRIS systems (e.g., BambooHR, Zenefits), Microsoft Office Suite, and general office technology.
  • Experience in a small company or startup environment is a plus.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, or PHR certification is a plus.
  • Experience working with benefits administration, including health insurance, retirement plans, and employee wellness programs.
  • Experience in conflict resolution and guiding leaders through difficult HR challenges.

What’s Being Offered:

  • Competitive salary and benefits package.
  • Opportunities for professional growth and career advancement as the company scales.
  • A collaborative, entrepreneurial work environment with room for personal and professional development.
  • Hybrid work schedule offering flexibility.
  • A chance to have a real impact in building a strong, scalable HR foundation for a growing company.

If you’re an HR professional who enjoys building systems from scratch, fostering a positive company culture, and making a measurable impact, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply Now