Human Resources Director

A growing, multi-state organization is seeking a Director of Human Resources to build, lead, and scale a fully in-house HR function. This is a strategic and hands-on leadership role responsible for transitioning from a PEO model to internal HR, payroll, and benefits administration while ensuring compliance, scalability, and operational excellence.

This position requires a leader who can architect systems and policy while actively managing day-to-day HR operations across corporate, field, and seasonal teams.

Key Responsibilities

HR Leadership & Operations

• Design and implement a comprehensive in-house HR function

• Oversee employee lifecycle processes: recruitment, onboarding, performance management, employee relations, and offboarding

• Align workforce planning with company growth and seasonal labor cycles

• Develop policies, handbooks, SOPs, and documentation standards

HRIS & Payroll Infrastructure

• Lead selection and implementation of a new HRIS and payroll platform

• Oversee company-wide payroll operations (multi-state, exempt/non-exempt, seasonal)

• Ensure wage and hour compliance and develop internal payroll controls

• Administer benefits programs including health insurance, 401(k), and bonus structures

Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws

• Oversee workers’ compensation, unemployment claims, and internal investigations

• Maintain audit-ready personnel records and conduct internal compliance reviews

Financial & Strategic Partnership

• Partner with Finance on payroll accuracy, workforce cost forecasting, and compensation planning

• Manage HR budget, benefits spend, and technology investments

• Provide compensation benchmarking and reporting analytics

Leadership & Culture

• Serve as the primary HR advisor to executive leadership

• Coach managers on performance management and employee relations

• Establish scalable performance review frameworks and support leadership development

Qualifications

• 7–10+ years of progressive HR leadership experience

• Direct experience managing payroll operations

• Experience leading HRIS and/or payroll system implementation

• Strong knowledge of federal and state employment laws

• Experience in multi-state employment environments

• Proven ability to build or scale HR infrastructure

Preferred:

• Experience transitioning from PEO to in-house HR

• Background in events, entertainment, hospitality, or multi-site operations

• SHRM or PHR/SPHR certification