Director of HR

Director of HR

Location: 100% in office in Laguna Hills, CA

About Paragon Forensics

Paragon Forensics is a leading full-service consulting firm specializing in forensic analysis and expert opinions for the medico-legal and insurance industries. Our team provides expertise in accident reconstruction, premises liability, biomechanics, and safety analysis to support the evaluation of injury-related claims.

We are a multidisciplinary group of Engineers and PhDs who collaborate in a professional, relaxed, and fast-paced environment. We are seeking an HR Generalist who enjoys being a hands-on HR partner and helping support a growing organization.

Position Summary

The Director of Human Resources will serve as the organization’s senior HR leader and strategic partner to leadership, overseeing all aspects of Human Resources for a growing, multidisciplinary organization. This role will develop and implement HR strategies, policies, and programs that support business objectives while ensuring compliance with federal, state, local, and multi-state employment requirements.

The Director will provide leadership and guidance across employee relations, performance management, benefits, leave administration, compliance, recruiting, employee development, HR operations, and workplace policies. This is a highly visible, hands-on role that requires strong judgment, discretion, and the ability to balance strategic planning with day-to-day HR needs.

The ideal candidate will be a trusted advisor to leadership and employees, bringing a proactive, practical approach to HR while helping foster a professional, collaborative, and positive workplace culture.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the company’s overall HR strategy in alignment with organizational goals, culture, and business needs
• Serve as a trusted HR advisor to senior leadership and managers, providing guidance on employee relations, performance management, organizational development, and employment practices
• Oversee the full employee lifecycle, including recruiting, onboarding, employee development, performance management, promotions, and offboarding
• Develop, implement, and maintain HR policies, procedures, employee handbooks, and compliance programs
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, local, and multi-state employment laws and regulations, with particular attention to California requirements
• Lead employee relations initiatives, including performance issues, workplace investigations, conflict resolution, corrective action, and other employee concerns
• Oversee administration of leaves of absence and accommodations, including FMLA, CFRA, ADA, disability, and workers’ compensation matters
• Oversee benefits administration and serve as a resource to employees regarding benefits, policies, and HR programs
• Partner with leadership and managers on workforce planning, organizational needs, recruiting, retention, and talent development
• Oversee HRIS administration, personnel records, employee data, and confidential HR documentation, ensuring accuracy and compliance
• Ensure proper administration of new hire documentation, including Form I-9 and E-Verify requirements
• Develop and oversee employee training and development programs, including required compliance and workplace training
• Oversee workplace safety programs, required postings, regulatory reporting, and related compliance initiatives
• Monitor changes in employment legislation and proactively assess their impact on company policies and practices
• Conduct periodic HR audits and implement process improvements to strengthen compliance, efficiency, and the overall employee experience
• Provide leadership and support in developing and maintaining a positive, professional, and collaborative workplace culture
• Maintain the highest level of confidentiality, professionalism, and discretion when handling sensitive employee and business matters

Qualifications

• 7 years of progressive Human Resources experience, with demonstrated growth into an HR leadership or management role
• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field required; Master’s degree preferred
• Strong knowledge of federal, state, and local employment laws and HR compliance requirements, with particular expertise in California employment law
• Proven experience serving as a strategic HR partner to senior leadership, managers, and employees
• Experience developing, implementing, and maintaining HR policies, procedures, handbooks, and compliance programs
• Strong employee relations experience, including performance management, investigations, conflict resolution, and workplace issue management
• Demonstrated experience managing or overseeing employee lifecycle processes, including onboarding, offboarding, leaves of absence, accommodations, and personnel records
• Experience overseeing benefits administration, HRIS systems, payroll coordination, and other core HR operations
• Experience with multi-state employment requirements and supporting employees across multiple jurisdictions
• Demonstrated ability to assess organizational needs and develop practical HR strategies that support business objectives and company growth
• Strong knowledge of leave administration, including FMLA, CFRA, ADA accommodations, disability, and workers’ compensation
• Experience coordinating or overseeing employee training, safety programs, compliance initiatives, and required employment postings
• Excellent leadership, communication, interpersonal, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• High level of integrity and discretion in handling confidential employee and business information
• Ability to work independently and operate effectively in a professional, fast-paced, and collaborative environment
• PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, or SHRM-SCP certification preferred

Benefits

• 401(k) with 3% safe harbor contribution and profit sharing
• Discretionary year-end bonus
• $750/month toward Blue Shield medical and dental insurance
• 15 days paid vacation
• 10 days paid sick leave
• 11 paid holidays

Compensation

Starting at $115,000 based on experience

Learn more about Paragon Forensics: www.paragonforensics.com

Salary : $750