Human Resources Manager

Description

Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer (COO), Ideal Energy’s Human Resources Manager is responsible for overseeing overall human resources functions with particular attention to ensuring compliance with prevailing wage requirements under federal, state, and local regulations, including those tied to the Davis-Bacon Act and similar laws applicable to renewable energy projects. The Human Resources Manager will play a critical role in growing and supporting our workforce, implementing policy and organizational structure related to all company HR activities, maintaining legal and ethical standards, and fostering a positive, inclusive workplace culture in the dynamic solar industry. This role is primarily o0ice-based at our Fairfield, IA headquarters, with occasional travel for audits or training.

Key Responsibilities

Prevailing Wage Compliance:

• Ensure full compliance with state and local prevailing wage laws, including Davis-Bacon Act requirements, for all solar installation and construction projects.
• Review and verify payroll records, certified payroll reports, and fringe benefit calculations to ensure adherence to prevailing wage standards.
• Collaborate with project managers, accounting department, and payroll provider (ADP) to monitor wage classifications, apprenticeship ratios, and job-specific pay rates.
• Conduct regular audits of wage and hour practices to identify and resolve discrepancies, ensuring documentation meets regulatory standards.
• Stay updated on changes to prevailing wage legislation and train staff on compliance requirements.

Recruitment & Talent Management:

• Develop and implement recruitment strategies to attract skilled talent for solar installation, engineering, and administrative roles.
• Work with Department Heads to ensure adequate candidate pipelines to support strategic growth initiatives.
• Oversee onboarding processes, ensuring new hires are informed of wage compliance policies and company expectations.
• Manage performance evaluation process, employee development programs, and succession planning.
• Provide training for managers on interviewing and hiring best practices, including interview process, etiquette, and structured interviews.

Employee Relations:

• Serve as the primary point of contact for HR-related employee inquiries and participate in conflict resolution as required.
• Provide written reports and documentation of employee issues to reporting managers in a timely manner.
• Promote a positive workplace culture aligned with the company’s mission to advance renewable energy.
• Ensure fair and consistent application of HR policies, particularly those related to compensation and labor standards.

Benefits & Compensation:

• Administer employee benefits programs, including health insurance, 401(k), profit share program, and other offerings.
• Ensure compliance with prevailing wage fringe benefit requirements at all times.
• Collaborate with Leadership Team to design competitive compensation packages that meet both market standards and regulatory mandates.

Training & Development:

• Provide training for managers in relation to HR responsibilities, including utilization of HRIS, timing of annual reviews, procedures for pay increases, and process for disciplinary action.
• Work with Leadership Team to develop and deliver training programs on prevailing wage compliance, workplace safety (OSHA standards), and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).
• Support workforce development initiatives, including management of apprenticeship programs.

Policy Development & Risk Management:

• Update and maintain HR policies to reflect industry best practices and legal requirements, with a focus on labor law compliance.
• Mitigate risks by ensuring adherence to federal and state employment laws (e.g., FLSA, FMLA, ADA) and industry-specific regulations.
• Maintain accurate records for audits by government agencies or contractors.

Record Keeping & HRIS:

• Maintain all records and documentation in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
• Serve as the point of contact for company HRIS; conduct system upgrades and improvements, e0iciency measures, and buildout of new systems.
• Assist other teams with system integrations as necessary.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field (Master’s degree or HR certification, e.g., SHRM-CP or PHR, preferred).
• Minimum of 5 years of HR experience, with at least 2 years focused on prevailing wage compliance or labor law in construction, renewable energy, or a related industry.
• In-depth knowledge of Davis-Bacon Act, prevailing wage laws, and certified payroll processes.
• Experience in the solar or renewable energy sector is highly desirable.
• Strong understanding of federal and state employment regulations (e.g., FLSA, OSHA, EEO).
• Proficiency in HRIS systems, payroll software, and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Impeccable communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and meet departmental deadlines and deliverables.
• Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams, including project managers, payroll staff, and legal counsel.
• Proven ability to maintain compliance with all applicable HR laws and regulations.
• Proven ability to handle sensitive data with discretion and integrity.

Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with solar industry workforce trends, such as demand for electricians, installers, and engineers.
• Experience managing HR for government-funded projects with requirements such as prevailing wages.