Human Resources Director

A growing organization is seeking an experienced Human Resources Director to lead its HR function with a strong focus on employment law compliance, workforce planning, and operational excellence. This role is ideal for a strategic, hands‑on HR leader who can partner with executive leadership while overseeing the day‑to‑day execution of all HR functions. The ideal candidate has deep expertise in California employment law, experience scaling HR operations, and a proven ability to lead cross‑functional initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the subject matter expert on California and federal employment law, ensuring compliance with wage and hour regulations, leave laws, Cal/OSHA requirements, PAGA, AB 5, and other applicable legislation.
• Develop, review, and maintain employee handbooks, policies, and HR procedures to align with evolving legal requirements.
• Lead employee relations matters, including investigations, disciplinary actions, and terminations, while partnering with outside legal counsel on complex employment issues.
• Partner with executive leadership, finance, and department managers to develop workforce plans, hiring forecasts, and succession strategies aligned with business growth.
• Analyze HRIS data, compensation benchmarks, and workforce trends to support strategic hiring and compensation decisions.
• Oversee full‑cycle HR operations, including talent acquisition, onboarding, performance management, compensation, benefits administration, payroll oversight, employee development, and offboarding.
• Own the administration and optimization of the HRIS platform, including reporting, payroll, benefits, time and attendance, and analytics.
• Lead cross‑functional HR initiatives such as HRIS implementations, compensation reviews, benefits renewals, and policy rollouts from planning through execution.
• Manage HR budgets, vendor relationships, and external service providers while driving continuous improvement across HR processes.
• Build, mentor, and develop the HR team while advising leadership on organizational design, culture, and people strategy.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; JD, legal studies, paralegal background, or formal employment law training strongly preferred.
• 8+ years of progressive Human Resources experience, including 3+ years in an HR leadership role.
• Extensive knowledge of California employment law and HR compliance requirements.
• Experience developing workforce planning models, headcount forecasts, and strategic hiring plans.
• Proven success leading cross‑functional projects and implementing HR initiatives.
• Strong employee relations experience, including conducting workplace investigations and managing complex personnel matters.
• Hands‑on experience with HRIS platforms such as ADP Workforce Now, Paylocity, Rippling, UKG, or similar enterprise systems.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and leadership skills with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
• PHR, SPHR, SHRM‑CP, or SHRM‑SCP certification is preferred.
• Experience with multi‑state employment law, HRIS administration, payroll, benefits, and compensation benchmarking is highly desirable.