Employment Services Manager 1 (HR - Employee Services Division)

Full Job Description

This position manages the day-to-day operations and functions of the Office of Employee Service. Services are provided to several departments that include, but are not limited to managing, monitoring, analyzing data, and providing support to the Human Resource staff and internal and external customers. Responsibilities include customer service, and the daily administration and application of the laws and regulations as they apply to Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), Americans with Disabilities (ADA) and other federal, state and city mandated programs. The manager provides directions to the professional staff within the function and addresses training, and coaching of the Employee Services Consultants in the areas of onboarding, employee relations, leave administration, talent retention,andemployee engagement.

The Employee Services Manager provides strategic leadership and direction for the Employee Services function, ensuring consistent, equitable, and compliant support across all departments. The role also drives accountability, data-informed decision-making, and proactive workforce planning to enhance service delivery to departments.

For Placement in Employee Engagement
Lead and advance employee engagement strategies across the City of Detroit by partnering with key stakeholders to foster a culture of engagement, collaboration, and innovation. This role engages, influences, and collaborates across departments to share insights, implement best practices, and drive continuous improvement. Responsibilities include operationalizing engagement measurement tools, programs, and strategic initiatives to strengthen organizational effectiveness and employee experience.

Requirements

Qualifications

Qualifications (required)

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Management, Business Administration, or other related field of study.

• Master's degree preferred. Must be able to perform the essential functions of the position,

• Must have a minimum of five (5) years of work-related experience, with a minimum of three (3) years of direct management / supervisory experience.

Equivalency

• Equivalent combinations of education and experience that provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities will be evaluated on an individual basis.

License / Certificates
Designations from the Society of Human Resources Management, or HR Certification Institute

• SHRM-CP / SCP Certification preferred.
• SPHR / PHR preferred.
  

Additional Information

Evaluation Plan

• Interview: 70%
• Evaluation of Training, Experience & Personal Qualifications: 30%
• Total of Interview and Evaluation T.E.P: 100%

Additional points may be awarded for:

• Veteran Points: 0 – 15 points
• Detroit Residency Credit: 15 points

LRD: 03/20/2026

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of:

• An in-depth understanding and ability to apply the necessary policies and procedures to administer effective employee relations treatment of an extensive population within the City of Detroit.
• Extensive knowledge of employee services, policies and procedures is required.
• Knowledge of laws, rules, regulations, case law, principles and practices related to employee administration, including FMLA, and other mandated programs and regulations and other policy applications as is necessary.
• Thorough knowledge of management and supervisory principles.

Skill in:

• Analyzing policies, data and information to make effective and economical decisions.
• Current business principles, policies and practices.
• Customer Service and service orientation.
• Decision making.
• Effective and accurate communication, both oral and written.
• Effective problem solving.
• Organizational awareness.
• Policy administration
• Project management.
• Quality management and process improvement principles.
• Teamwork and team development.

Ability to:

• Ability to conduct and perform successful administration and development of staff employees.
• Acquire additional training and knowledge of contemporary principles and best practices of function managed.
• Bring focus and perspective to group and team projects.
• Build and maintain relationships with entire network.
• Conduct and perform successful administration and development of staff employees.
• Determine City of Detroit business requirements by conferring with departmental functional experts.
• Develop an environment of continuous improvement and innovation.
• Display professionalism and credibility.
• Identify change management issues; evaluate and implement changes in procedures and activities.
• Identify compliance issues.
• Identify problems and conceptualize solutions, prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.
• Implement improvements to operating procedures.
• Implement strategic management plans.
• Interpret and analyze statistical data.
• Lead and cultivate a climate of integrity and ethics.
• Maintain records, prepare reports and compose correspondence related to work.
• Make effective and timely decisions when lines of authority are unclear.
• Manage effectively as a team leader.
• Manage multiple priorities.
• Plan, direct, and coordinate program and administrative activities of a complex, interrelated, and interdependent nature.
• Proficiently utilize standard office and pertinent specialized software.
• Provide prompt and effective customer service.
• Respond to workplace dynamics in a timely, visionary and proactive manner.

Distinguishing Characteristics

Physical Demands

• The work is characterized as sedentary.
• Employee Services employees sit comfortably to do their work, interspersed by brief periods of walking, standing, bending, and extended periods requiring the use of computer terminals and technology to accomplish work objectives.

Work Environment

• Work is performed in a comfortable office environment which is appropriately lighted, heated, and cooled.
• The work environment contains no significant hazards.
• Some work may require walking and standing in conjunction with travel to and attendance at meetings and conferences away from the work site.

Candidates considered for placement in this classification may be subject to a Criminal Background Investigation based on the requirements of the position.

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to the class. Incumbents may be required to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this specification. Specific job duties may vary from position to position. The City of Detroit is an Equal Opportunity Employer. No applicant for employment shall be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, or other criteria prohibited by City, State, or Federal law.