HR Operations Branch Chief (Supervisor II)

Job Description and Duties Why join CalHR? The California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) was named a 2026 Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award winner for strengths development, a national recognition of organizations that build cultures helping people do their best work. This honor reflects our department-wide investment in a strengths-based workplace that supports growth, leadership and a stronger employee experience. Join CalHR to work in an environment that prioritizes professional development and public service. The California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) is the pillar of human resources management for all state employees. Our success is made possible by the hard work of more than 400 CalHR team members who serve as trusted advisors to our strategic partners and the public. If you are interested in providing exceptional human resource services and guidance, CalHR is the place for you. By joining our team, you’ll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact while working alongside passionate professionals. Get to know us more here! CalHR employees are excluded from bargaining and are eligible to receive enhanced benefits, such as CoBen benefit allowance, employer paid life insurance, additional vacation/annual leave, and are not subject to State Disability Insurance payroll withholding. This is an exciting opportunity to join our diverse team in the following role. If you are interested in joining our team, apply today! About this Role Are you a collaborative, people-centered human resources leader who can strengthen operations, develop teams, and deliver services employees depend on? CalHR’s Human Resources Office is seeking an HR Operations Branch Chief to lead personnel transactions, payroll, benefits administration, leave accounting, disability benefits, protected leave, reasonable accommodation, workers’ compensation, and return-to-work services. Reporting to the Chief People Officer, this position provides leadership and oversight to subordinate supervisors and staff responsible for accurate, timely, and responsive service. In addition to supporting CalHR as the state’s human resources control agency, the Branch Chief and their team provide HR services to contracted client agencies. The role coordinates complex personnel matters, establishes clear priorities and service expectations, strengthens quality controls, and ensures employees and supervisors receive consistent guidance and timely follow-through. The ideal candidate is a credible advisor and skilled supervisor who combines technical knowledge with sound judgment and a commitment to customer service. They delegate effectively, coach and develop staff, resolve sensitive issues, and use data and feedback to improve operations. If you are ready to lead a team whose work directly supports employees’ pay, benefits, and ability to navigate important workplace transitions, we encourage you to apply. This is an exciting opportunity to join our diverse team in the following role. If you are interested in joining our team, apply today! How to Apply Information about applying for a state job can be found here: Three Steps to a State Job. If you’re interested in exploring additional job opportunities at CalHR, please reach out to our recruitment team at CalHRTalentEngagement@calhr.ca.gov. We’d love to hear from you! You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement. Special Requirements All interested applicants are required to submit a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ). The SOQ must include the applicant’s name in the upper-right corner and address the question below. Please provide direct responses to each of the numbered items listed below. Applicants must number and include the full text of the SOQ items in their response. Please include specific examples of your education, training, and/or experience. SOQs should be limited to a maximum of two (2) pages, single-spaced, twelve-point Arial font. • Describe your experience leading payroll, personnel transactions, benefits, or leave administration. Provide an example of how you directed supervisors or staff to resolve a complex issue while ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timely customer service. • Describe an operational improvement you led in an HR program. Explain how you identified the need, engaged and supported staff through the change, and evaluated the results. Note: Applicants who do not follow these instructions may be disqualified from the selection process. Cover letters and resumes do not take the place of the SOQ. For helpful guidance on writing an effective SOQ, please see our Work4CA guide. Desirable Qualifications In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate: • Expert knowledge of human resources laws, rules, regulations, policies, bargaining agreements, and personnel management practices. • Experience overseeing personnel transactions, payroll, benefits administration, leave accounting, disability benefits, onboarding, retirement, and separations. • Experience overseeing leaves of absence, reasonable accommodation, protected leave, workers’ compensation, and return-to-work services. • Ability to gain the confidence and support of executive leadership and advise executives on complex and sensitive personnel matters. • Experience identifying opportunities for operational improvement, developing policies and procedures, and successfully leading and implementing change. • Ability to research and analyze complex information, interpret data, apply applicable requirements, and develop effective recommendations and implementation plans. • Demonstrated ability to lead subordinate supervisors and staff, including coaching, mentoring, training, developing, and holding employees accountable for operational outcomes. • Ability to establish priorities, manage competing demands, delegate appropriately, and ensure timely, accurate, and high-quality completion of assignments. • Experience establishing quality controls, service standards, tracking practices, and performance measures to ensure compliance and improve service delivery. • Ability to strengthen operational continuity through cross-training, knowledge transfer, and staff development. • Effective communication, business acumen, decision-making, and problem-solving skills, including the ability to clearly present complex information and recommendations. • Customer-service oriented, adaptable, and able to collaborate effectively with leadership, staff, client agencies, control agencies, and external stakeholders. • Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive personnel and medical information and exercise sound judgment. • Ability to create and promote an equitable, inclusive, accessible, engaging, and respectful workplace where diversity is celebrated and valued. This position has a Conflict-of-Interest designation and requires disclosure of economic interests (Form 700). The incumbent is expected to demonstrate professional and ethical conduct that is reflective of CalHR’s mission, vision, and core values. CalHR employees are expected to model and support CalHR Core Values.