Director Human Resources Operations

A growing, multi-state organization is seeking a Director of HR Operations to lead the systems, processes, and infrastructure that support the company’s people function. This role oversees HR technology, payroll operations, benefits and leave administration, compliance, policy governance, and employee lifecycle operations. Works closely with HR, Finance, IT, Recruiting, and business leaders to ensure a consistent, compliant, and high-quality employee experience. Directly manages one HR Operations team member.

Key Responsibilities:

HR Systems & Technology

• Lead administration of HR systems (HRIS, onboarding, and leave/benefits platforms).
• Maintain workflows, permissions, data accuracy, and system integrations.
• Troubleshoot issues, optimize processes, and drive HR tech improvements.

Payroll & Compensation Operations

• Oversee bi-weekly payroll accuracy and approvals.
• Manage bonus cycles, compensation changes, and year-end payroll processes.
• Review and resolve complex payroll, compensation, and LOA-related issues.

Benefits, Leave, & Retirement Administration

• Lead open enrollment strategy and vendor management.
• Oversee benefits operations, escalations, and multi-state leave programs.
• Serve as primary administrator for the organization’s 401(k) plan, including contributions, audits, and compliance requirements.

Compliance, Policy & Reporting

• Maintain employee handbook, policies, and state-specific requirements.
• Ensure compliance with federal and multi-state regulations (FLSA, FMLA, ADA, ACA, EEO).
• Lead HR audits, reporting, and data analytics (turnover, headcount, compensation).
• Support risk and compliance functions with required HR documentation.

Employee Lifecycle Operations

• Oversee onboarding and offboarding processes, background checks, I-9/E-Verify, and system provisioning.
• Maintain SOPs, operational checklists, and workflow consistency.
• Partner with Recruiting to ensure a seamless candidate-to-employee transition.

Employee Support & Cross-Functional Partnership

• Provide guidance on HR policies, processes, and HR systems.
• Support leadership with employee relations documentation and sensitive matters.
• Draft employee communications and ensure timely support through the HR inbox.
• Lead planning and logistics for company-wide engagement events.

M&A Integration

• Lead HR due diligence for acquisitions and assess policy, compensation, and benefits alignment.
• Coordinate onboarding conversions, tenure mapping, and benefits/compensation alignment for incoming employees.
• Serve as HR project manager for integration timelines and cross-functional coordination.

Qualifications:

• 10 years of progressive HR experience with strong HR operations, HRIS, payroll, benefits, or compliance expertise.
• Advanced experience with modern HRIS platforms (ADP preferred).
• Strong understanding of multi-state employment law.
• Demonstrated ability to audit payroll, compensation changes, and complex pay/benefit issues.
• Experience managing benefits vendors and 401(k) administration.
• Strong analytical and communication skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Ability to build trusted relationships and handle sensitive information with discretion.
• M&A integration experience strongly preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred or equivalent HR operations experience.