An environmental consulting firm is seeking a Human Resources (HR) Director in the San Francisco Bay Area or Irvine, CA. The HR Director will report to the Chief Operating Officer (COO) and work with the executive management team, including the President and Chief Financial Officer (CFO). The HR Director will play a key role in aligning the people strategy with the overall company strategic goals, while also handling day-to-day HR operations.
The HR Director will be responsible for developing and executing HR strategies that foster a productive and inclusive work environment, enhance employee engagement, and drive talent acquisition and retention.
This role offers the right candidate a unique opportunity to shape the HR function within a dynamic, fast-paced AEC environment, balancing high-level strategic initiatives with hands-on operational responsibilities.
Responsibilities:
Talent Acquisition and Retention:
- Lead and support the recruitment pipeline process to attract top-tier talent in the AEC industry, including job description development, candidate sourcing, career fairs coordination, interviewing, and offer letters.
- Manage employee onboarding and ensure a smooth integration of new hires into the company's culture and operations.
- Analyze turnover rates and exit interview data to develop targeted retention strategies and address underlying issues.
- Lead efforts to measure and improve employee satisfaction, engagement, and retention through proactive surveys, feedback mechanisms, programs, and events.
Training and Development:
- Grow and maintain a comprehensive training program specific to employee job duties, regulatory requirements of the employees' home state, and project/client requirements.
- Grow and maintain the company's professional development and career advancement programs.
- Develop leadership programs to expand and build the skills of current and future leaders within the company.
- Manage and mentor the HR/Administration staff and promote professional development opportunities for the team.
Compensation and Benefits:
- Understand and manage the company's compensation strategy, ensuring it is competitive and equitable.
- Manage employee benefits programs, including health insurance, disability, enrollment in retirement plans, and similar benefits.
- Conduct market analysis and coordinate with industry specialists to ensure compensation and benefits are aligned with industry standards.
Performance Management:
- Implement and manage employee performance review cycles, feedback systems, and employee development programs.
- Develop necessary key performance indicators (KPIs) for individuals and teams to achieve the company's strategic initiatives.
- Provide coaching to managers and employees on personnel communication, goal setting, and career development.
- Ensure adequate accountability measures, including performance improvement plans, are established and implemented for employees not meeting expectations or KPIs.
Employee Relations:
- Serve as a point of contact for employee concerns and issues, maintaining an open-door policy.
- Handle complex employee issues, providing conflict resolution and counseling, and maintaining a positive and respectful work environment.
- Manage and enforce employee disciplinary issues and reporting.
Culture:
- Champion and foster the company culture by supporting initiatives that promote collaboration, diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Work with various departments to ensure inclusive practices are integrated across the organization.
- Promote and manage existing and new employee wellness initiatives to support work-life balance and overall well-being.
- Coordinate and plan company-wide events and meetings.
Compliance and Recordkeeping:
- Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local labor laws, as well as industry-specific regulations.
- Manage the maintenance of employee records, documentation, and required filings.
- Collect and analyze data to understand and drive HR decisions, assess workforce trends, and inform strategic planning.
- Develop and manage the HR department budget, ensuring resources are allocated effectively.
- Create and oversee HR policies and procedures to ensure compliance with employment laws and best practices.
- Support CFO in maintaining business registrations, payroll, and unemployment insurance taxes for all offices nationwide.
- Manage workers' compensation claims in collaboration with the Health and Safety Manager.
Qualifications and Experience:
- Bachelor's degree in human resources, business administration, or a related field.
- 8+ years of progressive HR experience, with at least 3 years in a managerial or leadership role.
- Prior experience with an employee-owned company.
- Strong knowledge of federal and state employment law, compensation practices, benefits administration, and compliance requirements (multi-state experience preferred).
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to both collaborate and work independently, managing multiple projects and deadlines.
- Ability to have a strong, candid relationship with the COO and senior management.
- Strong ability to deal directly and fairly with discord and disagreement; ability to provide direct, clear feedback; ability to lead and mentor the HR/Administration team.
- Ability to manage, analyze, and present HR data and trends effectively to the COO and senior management.
- Strong sense of personal accountability, integrity, and timely follow-through.
- Strong and energetic leadership skills with the ability to engage and motivate teams.
- Ability to focus on the big picture, including proactively identifying developing issues and potential solutions that affect the company.
Benefits:
This firm offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:
- Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits packages.
- Career advancement opportunities.
- Outstanding training opportunities.
- Incentive compensation.
- Retirement benefits through ESOP and 401(k) profit sharing contributions.
- Group medical, vision, and dental benefits.
If you are an experienced HR leader looking to drive meaningful change in a growing firm, we encourage you to apply. Join us in our mission to foster a productive and inclusive work environment. Apply today and help us make a positive impact on our projects and clients!
