HR Manager (0001)

OCT Consulting is a business management and technology consulting firm that supports the Federal Government and its clients. We provide consulting services in Strategy, Process Improvement, Change Management, Program and Project Management, Acquisition/Procurement, and Information Technology. OCT Consulting is seeking an experienced HR Manager with strong operational, compliance, and interpersonal skills to lead the company's human resources function in a fast-moving federal consulting environment. This role combines hands-on ownership of payroll, benefits, and multi-state employment compliance with strategic partnership to executive leadership on workforce planning, talent acquisition, and retention. The HR Manager will own the semi-monthly payroll and timesheet cycle; administer health, retirement, and supplemental benefits programs; manage the full employee lifecycle from onboarding through separation; coordinate recruiting across funded programs and active proposals; administer performance management and policy development; and serve as a trusted advisor to leadership and staff on sensitive employee relations matters. The ideal candidate will bring strong expertise in HR operations, federal contractor workforce requirements, and HR systems, along with the judgment to handle complex and confidential matters with discretion. This is a hands-on role within a growing federal small business. The right candidate enjoys variety, takes ownership, and is comfortable contributing beyond a traditional HR scope to support the day-to-day needs of the company. This position is based at our McLean, VA corporate office on a hybrid schedule. The role requires two (2) to four (4) days onsite each week, with onsite presence scaling up during peak periods such as payroll cycles, open enrollment, onboarding, and office events. Candidates must be able to reliably work onsite up to four days per week. Responsibilities and Duties Day-to-day responsibilities include: Payroll and Timesheet Administration - Own the semi-monthly payroll cycle, including timesheet reminders, employee timesheet review in the company's timekeeping system, payroll processing, and coordination with leadership for QuickBooks submission; administer wage garnishments and other payroll-related deductions through applicable state portals. Benefits Administration - Administer the company's health, dental, vision, life, disability, FSA/HSA, and 401(k) programs; reconcile monthly carrier invoices, process retirement and HSA contributions, manage annual open enrollment in partnership with the company's benefits broker, and serve as the primary point of contact for employee benefits questions. Multi-State Employment Compliance and Reporting - Maintain compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws across all jurisdictions in which OCT operates, including unemployment portal management, state tax filings, new-state agency registrations as the workforce expands, DCAA-related training, and support of the annual 401(k) audit and other recurring compliance items on the company's compliance calendar. Talent Acquisition and Recruiting Coordination - Partner with leadership, capture teams, and recruiters to manage the open positions pipeline across both funded programs and active proposals; participate in recurring business development and operations recruiting calls; coordinate the offer letter process; and analyze compensation and benefits trends to support competitive pay programs. Employee Lifecycle Management - Own the end-to-end employee lifecycle, including onboarding and new hire orientation, offboarding and separations, FMLA and medical leave administration, verifications of employment, and maintenance of complete and accurate personnel files. Performance Management and Retention - Administer the monthly performance review cycle, including initiation, supervisor coordination, and leadership review meetings; track and report monthly retention and turnover metrics; and refresh and release the Employee Handbook annually. Employee Relations and Investigations - Administer sensitive matters including reasonable accommodations, workplace investigations, disciplinary actions, and terminations; serve as a trusted advisor to leadership, managers, and staff on complex and confidential HR matters. Federal Contractor and Security Compliance - Coordinate weekly with the company's Facility Security Officer (FSO) on clearance status and updates, and support workforce compliance requirements specific to federal government contractors. HR Systems and Vendor Management - Administer the company's HR technology stack, including HRIS, timekeeping, benefits administration, and payroll/accounting systems; manage relationships with the company's benefits broker, retirement plan provider, plan auditors, and other HR service providers. Strategic HR Partnership and Communications - Partner with executive leadership on HR strategy, workforce planning, and policy development; develop and maintain HR policies and SOPs; produce the company newsletter and other internal communications; and stay current on HR best practices, regulatory changes, and emerging technologies. Office Administration and Operations - Manage day-to-day administrative operations of OCT's McLean, VA corporate office, including processing incoming mail and correspondence, maintaining office and kitchen supplies and inventory, coordinating with the company's IT contact on workstation setups and laptop provisioning for new hires, managing relationships with office vendors and building services, and planning and supporting office gatherings, team events, and holiday celebrations that contribute to OCT's culture. Perform other duties as assigned