GSMR Human Resources Manager

Division/Department: Great Smoky Mountains Railroad (GSMR)/Human Resources
Reports To: General Manager
Position Type: Exempt / Salaried
Classification: Regular/Full Time
Compensation: $70,000 – $90,000

Location: Bryson City, NC

Benefits Offered: Regular classified employees are eligible for the following benefits: Medical/Rx, Dental, and Vision plan with a portion of the premiums paid for by American Heritage Railways. Employer-funded HSA (for qualified employees), company-funded Life AD&D insurance and Voluntary Life (premiums paid for by the employee), generous PTO plan, 401K plan with company-match, company provided Employee Assistance Program.

Job Summary: The Human Resources Manager is directly responsible for the overall administration, coordination and evaluation of the human resource function for the GSMR including recruitment, employee relations, compliance and workforce support for both seasonal and year-round employees. The position serves as a strategic business partner to operations leadership, providing expertise in recruitment, employee relations, workforce planning, compliance, performance management, onboarding and employee engagement.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Recruitment & Workforce Planning

• Lead full-cycle recruitment efforts for seasonal and year-round positions including job postings, candidate screening and interview support.
• Develop staffing plans with GSMR leadership that align with operating and special event schedules.
• Lead and support department Managers and GSMR leadership in job description creation and revisions as needed to accurately represent job duties and engage applicants

Onboarding & Employee Experience

• Oversee all aspects of onboarding and offboarding processes, ensuring a consistent employee experience across locations.
• Coordinate new hire orientation programs and support training initiatives related to company culture, safety, customer service, and compliance.
• Manage employee records and employment documentation through the company HRIS, Paycom.
• Promote employee engagement initiatives that enhance retention, communication, and workplace culture.

Employee Relations & Performance Management

• Serve as the primary HR resource for managers and employees regarding workplace concerns, policy interpretation, and employment matters.
• Conduct objective investigations involving employee complaints, workplace conflicts, and policy violations.
• Provide guidance and coaching to managers regarding performance management, corrective action, and employee development.
• Support leadership in creating a positive and inclusive work environment.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, provincial, and local employment laws across multiple jurisdictions.
• Work closely with the American Heritage Railways (AHR) HR department to maintain employment policies, handbooks, and HR procedures.
• Monitor legislative changes affecting seasonal and full time employment, wage and hour compliance, leave administration, and workplace safety.
• Oversee pre-employment processes including background checks, drug testing (when applicable), motor vehicle record reviews, and employment eligibility verification.
• Coordinate with AHR company leadership on legal employment-related matters.

Safety & Workers' Compensation

• Partner with GSMR and AHR leadership to support workplace safety initiatives and risk reduction programs.
• Manage workers' compensation claims, injury reporting, return-to-work programs, and related documentation.
• Assist managers with incident investigations and corrective action plans designed to reduce workplace injuries and improve safety performance.

Compensation, Benefits & HR Administration

• Support compensation reviews, salary benchmarking, and job description development.
• Assist with employee benefits communication and administration in partnership with the AHR Benefits Team.
• Assist the AHR Accounting team with payroll-related processes and ensure timely submission of a bi-weekly and weekly payroll.

Organizational Development

• Support leadership development and manager training initiatives.
• Work with the AHR HR team to identify opportunities to improve HR processes, workflows, and employee support systems.
• Champion company values, employee engagement efforts, and initiatives that position GSMR as an employer of choice.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education, Skills, and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in HR Administration or related field, OR 5+ years comparable professional experience required

• 3+ years in HR management

• PHR/SHRM-CP/SCP preferred

• Experience with Paycom or similar HRIS a plus

• Strong analytic thinker with a passion for process improvement

• Use of excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively interact with a variety of personalities

Working Environment

• Primarily office-based with regular time in operational areas

• Occasional domestic travel