HR Manager

Flying Bark Productions is working on exciting projects such as the recently announced Netflix's Stranger Things animated series, Avatar: The Last Airbender feature film, Marvel Studios’ What If...?, Disney Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur, as well as our production of Tales From Outer Suburbia by Shaun Tan.

About the role:

Flying Bark Productions is seeking an operationally-focused HR Manager to join our team. In this role, you’ll be a key part of our People & Culture department and will report directly to the VP, Production, based locally in Los Angeles, with a reporting line to the Head of People & Culture, based in Sydney, Australia. This is primarily a full-time position but could be ideal for an experienced Senior HR Manager looking for the flexibility of working part time.

The HR Manager will play a vital role in managing day-to-day HR operations and ensuring our HR practices align with both business objectives and legal requirements. This position offers the chance to make a meaningful impact across a range of HR functions, including employee relations, recruitment support, benefits and compliance.

Key Responsibilities:

• Employee Relations & Labor Relations: Manage employee relations, including workplace disputes, performance management, and disciplinary action, ensuring compliance with federal and state labor laws and company policies.
• Union Relations (Animation Guild): Serve as the primary point of contact for all union-related matters, including negotiations and compliance with collective bargaining agreements, and maintain positive relationships with the Animation Guild.
• Recruitment & Talent Acquisition Support: Collaborate with our show producers to support recruitment efforts, assist with the hiring process, and provide a smooth candidate experience. Build industry networks to develop a strong talent pipeline.
• Benefits & Compensation Administration: Administer employee benefits programs and support compensation processes to ensure competitive and fair practices. Conduct regular benchmarking to maintain alignment with industry standards.
• Employee Engagement: Support employee engagement initiatives, including culture-building activities, learning and development programs, and wellness efforts.
• HR Projects: Collaborate with the Head of People & Culture on strategic HR projects, ensuring alignment across all studios (Los Angeles, Sydney, and Madrid) as Flying Bark continues to scale globally.
• HR Compliance & Reporting: Ensure compliance with federal and state labor regulations. Handle HR reporting to provide key insights for business decisions.
• Employee Support & Guidance: Serve as a trusted advisor to managers and employees on HR policies, fostering a positive, inclusive, and legally compliant workplace culture.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Qualifications: A degree in Human Resources, Business, or a related field is required.
• Experience:  Minimum of 5 years in a senior HR role, with expertise in employee relations and labor relations (union experience preferred).
• Industry Knowledge: Animation industry experience strongly preferred, with an understanding of the unique dynamics, recruitment needs, and union considerations within the sector.
• Union/Animation Guild Experience:  Experience dealing with unions (particularly the Animation Guild) and a deep understanding of collective bargaining agreements is essential.
• Interpersonal Skills: Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across all levels of the organisation.
• Organisational Skills: Demonstrated ability to prioritise tasks, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and handle sensitive information with discretion.
• Operational Focus: A hands-on approach to HR, with a strong emphasis on executing HR activities and supporting team members.

Why work with us?

• We work on some of the coolest projects in the industry! Check out our website: Flying Bark.
• We have cake days, a dedicated culture club, and regular studio social events!
• Love dogs? You’ll often see some of our furry companions around the studio.
• We offer flexible work-from-home days with a hybrid working approach.
• Career development is a priority for us, and we provide ongoing training and support opportunities.
• Our employees rave about our inclusive and welcoming culture—everyone is celebrated here!