Human Resource Manager

Dewey Ford - Ankeny, IA

Full time

R0043939

Ken Garff Automotive Group is currently looking for a Human Resource Manager that aligns with our core values and acts with respect, integrity, growth, humility and teamwork.

We're seeking a proactive HR professional with 3-5 years of experience in Human Resources, Talent Acquisition, Employee Relations, or a related field. The ideal candidate is equally comfortable managing HR operations and compliance, leading full-cycle recruiting efforts, and partnering with leaders to create an engaging, high-performing workplace culture. This person is organized, detail-oriented, and confident balancing employee support, administrative responsibilities, and business partnership while driving positive employee experiences from hire to retire.

** This position is on-site daily in a dealership environment and requires the ability to travel within the Des Moines and Ankeny metro areas as business need determines. **

Why you’ll love working with us:

• Competitive compensation package and 401k with company match

• Wellness Time Off, plus holidays, plus a Personal Purpose Day

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability Insurance, AD&D and Life Insurance

• Flex Spending, Health Savings Account, EAP, Wellness Plan, Mental Health Support, Diabetes Management Program, and Parental Leave Stipend

• Year-end bonus program for ALL employees (Garff Giveback)

• Employee discounts on vehicle purchase, parts, service and more!

What You'll Do

As an HR Manager you will not be responsible for managing direct reports, but rather be responsible for serving as the primary HR resource for the dealership, balancing employee support, operational excellence, and compliance/administrative needs while helping create an outstanding workplace culture.

Lead HR Operations & Compliance

• Serve as the go-to resource for employees and managers by interpreting policies, answering HR-related questions, and providing guidance on employment matters.

• Own the day-to-day administrative aspects of key HR programs and processes, ensuring compliance with employment laws, company policies, and HR best practices.

• Manage employee records, onboarding documentation, I-9 administration, background screenings, drug testing, MVR reporting, and new hire compliance requirements.

• Support benefits administration, employee enrollments, leave of absence and FMLA processes, unemployment claims, and workplace incident reporting.

Deliver an Exceptional Employee Experience

• Coordinate and present weekly onboarding and orientation programs that help new employees feel welcomed, prepared, and connected from day one.

• Coordinate regular 30/60/90-day follow-ups with new hires to support engagement, retention, and long-term success.

• Coordinate employee recognition programs, engagement initiatives, and culture-building activities that reinforce company values.

Talent Acquisition & Recruitment

• Own the full-cycle recruiting process from start to finish, partnering with hiring managers to attract and hire top talent.

• Create and manage job postings, source candidates, conduct phone screens, coordinate interviews, and guide candidates through the selection process.

• Partner with leadership to assess talent, make hiring recommendations, and ensure a positive candidate experience from application through onboarding.

• Track recruiting activity, monitor hiring metrics, and identify opportunities to improve hiring effectiveness and time-to-fill.

Partner with Leaders to Build Strong Teams

• Act as a trusted advisor to dealership leadership on employee relations, coaching, performance management, and workplace concerns.

• Support managers in navigating employee issues, conducting difficult conversations, and driving positive outcomes for both employees and the business.

• Identify trends and recommend solutions that improve retention, engagement, and overall team effectiveness.

Support Training, Development & Communication

• Coordinate training programs and leadership development initiatives that help employees and managers grow their skills and careers.

• Facilitate employee surveys, analyze feedback, and partner with leadership to implement meaningful improvements.

• Promote clear, consistent communication across the dealership and celebrate team achievements internally and externally.

Leverage HR Technology & Workforce Data

• Become a Workday subject matter expert, supporting managers and employees with system transactions, reporting, and troubleshooting.

• Track key workforce metrics, identify trends, and help leadership make informed decisions regarding engagement, retention, and organizational effectiveness.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer

(( We Hear You ))

You're in for a great ride (excuse the car metaphor)

We're not your standard dealership or group of dealerships and we're pretty darn proud of that. We're out to do things differently. We want to consistently change, grow, and progress.

For that reason, our employees are proud of where they work. Our history is rich in the tradition of doing things differently. It began with Ken Garff himself. It continued through all of those who followed Ken and is alive and thriving today.