Sr. Manager, Human Resources

Sr. Manager, Human Resources

Overview

Cree LED is seeking a Sr. Manager, Human Resources to support our employee populations across the United States and EMEA. This role will serve as a trusted advisor to leaders and employees while managing a broad range of HR activities across the employee lifecycle, including employee relations, performance management, talent planning, organizational effectiveness, and policy guidance. As Cree LED establishes its own HR and payroll systems and benefit plans, the Sr. Manager will oversee and manage these programs, partnering with internal teams and vendors to deliver accurate payroll, competitive benefits, and compliant employment administration.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary HR partner for assigned employee populations across the United States and EMEA, providing practical, consistent, and locally appropriate guidance to leaders and employees.
• Advise and coach leaders on employee relations, performance management, organizational effectiveness, workforce planning, career development, and disciplinary actions.
• Manage employee matters across the employee lifecycle, including onboarding, employment changes, leaves, accommodations, employee concerns, investigations, and separations, in partnership with internal stakeholders and external advisors as appropriate.
• Support the implementation of the company’s HR, payroll, and benefits programs, including system setup, data migration, process design, testing, and employee communications.
• Oversee payroll administration in partnership with Finance and payroll providers, ensuring accurate and timely processing, employee data integrity, tax and statutory reporting, and resolution of payroll inquiries or discrepancies.
• Manage the company’s benefit plans, including enrollments, open enrollment, employee communications, annual renewals, carrier and broker relationships, issue escalation, and alignment with the company’s broader benefits strategy.
• Serve as the HR owner of the HRIS and payroll systems; maintain data accuracy, monitor vendor performance, compliance obligations, plan filings, and costs; and identify gaps and recommend process or system improvements.
• Partner with Centers of Excellence to implement key HR programs across the United States and EMEA, including performance reviews, compensation planning, talent development, succession planning, engagement, and recognition.
• Interpret and apply company policies and local employment requirements consistently, partnering with Legal and external counsel on complex or country-specific matters.
• Partner with the HR team in Asia to ensure global consistency and support.
• Analyze workforce trends, employee feedback, and HR metrics to identify risks, improve the employee experience, and recommend practical solutions.
• Support culture, inclusion, change management, and organizational development initiatives across a geographically dispersed workforce.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources Management, Business Administration, or a related field, or equivalent education and experience.
• 8+ years of progressive human resources experience, including experience as an HR Business Partner or HR generalist supporting multiple countries or regions.
• Demonstrated knowledge of U.S. employment practices and experience supporting employees in EMEA; ability to identify when country-specific legal or specialist guidance is required.
• Hands-on experience managing HRIS, payroll, and benefits programs, including vendor and broker management; experience implementing or transitioning HR systems or benefit plans strongly preferred.
• Strong employee relations and case management experience, with sound judgment and the ability to navigate sensitive or complex matters.
• Experience leading or implementing HR programs, including performance management, compensation planning, engagement, talent reviews, and succession planning.
• Track record of establishing strong partnerships and influencing employees, managers, and leaders at all levels of an organization.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively across cultures, geographies, and time zones.
• Ability to exercise discretion, maintain confidentiality, and manage sensitive information appropriately.
• Strong project, program, and vendor management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Location

This position is located in Durham, NC

Travel

None

Compensation & Benefits

The base pay range that the Company reasonably expects to pay for this position in the United States is $130,000 - $160,000; the pay ultimately offered may vary based on business considerations, including job-related knowledge, skills, location, experience, and education. The position is bonus-eligible, and there are medical, dental, and vision benefits available. There is a 401k saving plan and other benefits, such as Paid Time Off, Life Insurance, and an Employee Assistance Plan.   

Inclusion & Belonging Statement

We are committed to creating an inclusive environment that embraces differences and fosters belonging for all.

Equal Opportunity Statement                                                              

We are an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and strongly committed to all policies which will afford equal opportunity employment to all qualified persons without regard to age, national origin, race, ethnicity, creed, gender, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.