Director of Human Resources (HR Director) - AKIRA
AKIRA
Chicago, IL
Director of Human Resources (HR Director) – AKIRA
Location: Hybrid between Chicago, IL (HQ) & Bolingbrook, IL
Job Type: Full-Time, Onsite
About AKIRA
AKIRA is a fast-growing women's fashion brand with 30+ retail stores nationwide and a thriving eCommerce business. Our brand is bold, our pace is fast, and our people are everything. We believe in ownership, accountability, and delivering standout customer service.
The Role
AKIRA is hiring a Director of Human Resources to lead all HR operations for a high-volume, multi-state retail organization of 1,000+ employees across stores, warehouses, and corporate offices. This is a senior leadership role for a hands-on HR executive who knows retail inside and out and can scale systems, teams, and culture in a growing environment.
This role requires deep, hands-on retail HR leadership experience supporting large, multi-unit operations. Candidates must have experience managing HR across 40 or more retail locations. Experience limited to supporting a single store or a small number of locations is not aligned with the scope of this role.
Key Responsibilities
Lead and scale HR operations for 1,000+ employees across retail, distribution, and corporate teams
Serve as the top HR partner to executive leadership on workforce planning, performance, and organizational growth
Own retail recruiting strategy for store leadership, field teams, and warehouse operations
Oversee payroll, benefits, workers' comp, and leave administration
Drive compliance across multi-state employment laws
Lead employee relations, investigations, corrective action, and terminations
Design and execute training, leadership development, and retention programs for retail leaders
Manage HRIS, ATS, and reporting systems (iSolved, ADP, or similar)
Build and strengthen company culture, engagement, and DEIB initiatives
Develop policies and processes that support fast-paced retail operations
Required Experience & Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in HR, Business, or related field (HR certification a plus)
10+ years of progressive HR leadership experience
5+ years leading HR for a large, multi-unit retail organization (40+ locations required)
Proven experience supporting store managers, district leaders, and large hourly workforces
Strong background in payroll operations, compliance, and employee relations
Deep knowledge of federal and multi-state employment law
Expert-level experience with HRIS and ATS platforms
Proven ability to scale HR systems in a high-growth retail business
Strong executive presence with a hands-on leadership style
Compensation & Benefits
Salary range: $110,000–$170,000 based on experience
Medical, dental, vision, life, disability
401(k), FSA/HSA, transit benefits
Generous employee discount
Why This Role
This is not a desk-only HR job. This is an in-office, field-facing, operations-driven leadership role inside a fast-moving fashion brand. You will shape the future of AKIRA's people strategy and directly impact store performance, retention, and culture.
Apply today if you thrive in retail, love building teams, and want real ownership.