What are the responsibilities and job description for the Human Resources Manager position at Free Country?
Company Description:
Founded over 35 years ago, Free Country is built on the belief that everyone should have access to affordable outdoor apparel for their adventures. Headquartered in New York City since 1990, Free Country designs and produces high-quality outwear, activewear and swimwear for men, women and even pets.
Job Description:
Free Country is looking for an experienced, hands-on HR Manager to lead the HR function and support our employees and managers across the organization. This role will oversee a small HR team and partner closely with leadership to ensure we attract, develop, and retain strong talent while maintaining a positive, accountable workplace.
Please note that this job requires candidates to be located within commuting distance of New York City and able to work on-site, full-time.
Responsibilities
- Lead the HR function — Manage and develop the HR team, including the HR Specialist and Payroll & Benefits Coordinator, ensuring effective execution across recruiting, employee relations, payroll, benefits, and HR administration.
- Partner with managers and leadership — Provide practical guidance on organizational needs, staffing, performance, employee development, and workplace issues.
- Oversee talent acquisition and onboarding — Work with department leaders to identify hiring needs and ensure an effective recruiting and onboarding process.
- Drive performance and employee development — Establish clear performance management practices and help managers effectively coach, develop, and address performance issues with their teams.
- Manage employee relations — Handle sensitive or complex employee matters with sound judgment, consistency, and discretion.
- Oversee compensation, benefits, and HR policies — Ensure programs and policies are competitive, consistently administered, and compliant with applicable employment laws.
- Strengthen culture and engagement — Help foster a collaborative, high-performing workplace that reflects Free Country’s values and encourages communication and accountability.
- Improve HR systems and processes — Identify opportunities to streamline workflows, improve HR systems and reporting, and create more efficient ways of working across the organization.
- Ensure HR compliance — Maintain appropriate policies, documentation, employee records, and practices in accordance with federal, state, and local requirements.
Qualifications
- 8 years of HR experience, including experience managing an HR team.
- Broad HR knowledge with strong experience in employee relations, performance management, recruiting, and HR compliance.
- Strong leadership, judgment, and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent communicator with the ability to build trust and work effectively with employees, managers, and senior leadership.
- Highly organized, proactive, and comfortable managing multiple priorities.
- Experience in apparel, retail, wholesale, consumer products, or a similarly fast-paced entrepreneurial environment is a plus.