HR Director

Location: Baton Rouge, LA | Schedule: Full-time, on-site, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with occasional evenings/weekends and travel

Overview

A growing community bank is seeking an HR Director to lead all people functions across the organization. This department-of-one role blends strategic advising with hands-on execution, covering everything from policy development to payroll integration to daily employee relations. Reporting directly to the President and CEO, the HR Director will partner closely with a collaborative leadership team and play a key role in shaping the people strategy supporting the bank's continued growth.

What you'll do

• Administer all core HR functions: recruitment, onboarding, employee relations, performance management, training, benefits administration, compliance, and policy development
• Serve as a trusted advisor to supervisors, managers, and senior leadership on hiring decisions, performance issues, disciplinary actions, and terminations
• Maintain open communication with employees and provide coaching on performance, conduct, and workplace concerns
• Ensure consistent application of policies and procedures, recommending corrective action when needed
• Administer employee benefits programs (health, dental, vision, and more), including enrollment, vendor and broker coordination, and payroll integration
• Manage the full recruitment lifecycle: job postings, advertising, screening, interviews, reference checks, and applicant tracking
• Oversee EEO and applicable affirmative action compliance, including planning, documentation, and reporting
• Administer FMLA and PTO programs, including required notices, eligibility tracking, and payroll/timekeeping coordination
• Maintain accurate, confidential personnel files and required employment documentation
• Write, review, and maintain job descriptions across the organization
• Manage the employee uniform program, including vendor coordination and inventory
• Consult with external legal counsel on compliance and employment matters
• Complete required BSA/AML training and perform duties in compliance with internal policy

Required qualifications

• 7+ years of progressive HR experience across employee relations, benefits administration, recruitment, and compliance
• Proven ability to work independently and manage competing priorities in a highly autonomous, generalist role
• Ability to influence and guide HR practice at every level of the organization, with no direct reports
• Frequent travel to branch locations during the normal workday; occasional overnight travel for conferences

Preferred qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field strongly preferred; equivalent experience considered
• PHR or SPHR (HRCI) preferred; SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP also welcomed; candidates actively pursuing certification are encouraged to apply
• Experience ideally in roles similar or equivalent to HR Director, HR Manager, or HR Business Partner
• Banking or financial services background a plus

Why this role

This is an opportunity to serve as a trusted, high-autonomy HR leader who reports directly to the President and CEO and helps shape the people strategy behind the bank's continued growth.