VCMS HR Section Lead
The University of California, San Diego
About this position
Position Description
Under the general direction of the VCMS HR Director, the VCMS HR Lead provides senior-level human resources support across multiple SIO sections and serves as the primary HR partner to supervisors, managers, and senior leadership. The position applies professional HR concepts to independently perform a full range of HR functions, including employee relations, labor relations, recruitment, classification and compensation, and workforce planning, for assigned areas. This role operates with a high degree of independence and is responsible for resolving complex and sensitive HR matters, providing guidance to leadership, and ensuring consistent application of UC policies and procedures. Serves as the lead HR resource for assigned sections, aligning HR practices with operational needs while maintaining compliance and mitigating organizational risk. As part of the VCMS HR service model, this position provides functional oversight and guidance to HR staff supporting assigned areas, including HR team members. The role ensures quality, consistency, and timeliness of HR services, and serves as an escalation point for complex or sensitive issues. While not all assignments include direct supervision, the position is expected to provide direction, coaching, and support to HR staff to ensure effective service delivery. This position also supports a collaborative, cross-functional HR environment by cross-training with other HR Generalist team members and providing backup coverage across sections as needed to maintain continuity of operations and consistent HR support across VCMS. Interacts regularly with VCMS departments, Campus HR units (Employee Relations, Labor Relations, Compensation, and Talent Acquisition), and internal stakeholders to provide policy interpretation, develop job descriptions, support organizational changes, and address employee relations matters. The role also contributes to improving HR processes, workflows, and service delivery across the VCMS HR unit. Participates in VCMS-wide HR projects, activities, and initiatives that support consistency and alignment across sections. This includes contributing to centralized HR efforts such as review and coordination of personnel actions, compensation programs, leave administration, and process improvements. The role works collaboratively across the HR team to streamline practices, enhance service delivery, and ensure consistent application of policies across VCMS.
Qualifications
Thorough knowledge of human resources concepts, policies and procedures, employment practices, labor relations, salary administration, training and other areas of human resources. Demonstrated ability to provide consultative guidance to supervisors, managers, and senior leadership on complex HR matters, including employee relations, organizational structure, and workforce planning. Ability to interpret and apply policies and collective bargaining agreements. Knowledge of a human resources management system (HRMS), and / or other related business software programs and systems. Possesses strong analytical skills to conduct analysis and develop recommendations, demonstrating organization and problem-solving skills. Thorough knowledge of organizational policies and procedures, knowledge of functional area and understands how work may affect other areas. Skilled in communicating clearly and effectively verbally and in writing. Demonstrated ability to handle very difficult or volatile situations / individuals effectively. Demonstrated analytical, active listening, and critical thinking skills. Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply UC policies, procedures, and collective bargaining agreements to complex and sensitive situations, ensuring compliance and consistency. Demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities across multiple client groups or functional areas while maintaining accuracy, timeliness, and attention to detail. Demonstrated ability to manage sensitive and confidential information with discretion and sound judgment. Demonstrated ability to provide functional guidance, training, and support to other HR staff, ensuring consistency and quality of HR service delivery.
Job Location
SIO