Director of People Relations

Title: Director of People Relations

Reports To: Executive Operations

Department: Operations

Status: Full-time / Exempt

Pay: $120,000 - $140,000

Benefits: This position may be eligible for medical, dental, vision, and 401(k)

The Director of People Relations is responsible for leading the organization’s people strategy and supporting a high‑growth, technology‑driven environment. This leader will oversee talent management, employee relations, performance programs, HR operations, and compliance while fostering a collaborative, high‑performance culture.

This role is ideal for an HR executive who has successfully supported technical or software‑oriented workforces and has experience navigating the unique dynamics of a founder‑led or entrepreneurial organization, including rapid scaling, evolving structures, and hands‑on leadership teams.

Key Responsibilities

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, coach, and develop the People Relations team to deliver high-quality support across the organization.
• Oversee learning, development, and leadership training programs aligned with the needs of a technology‑centric workforce.
• Engage and manage external training partners to deliver relevant and modern learning solutions.
• Drive talent attraction and retention strategies, ensuring a positive candidate experience and efficient hiring processes.
• Promote an inclusive, engaging culture through recognition programs, connection‑building initiatives, and employee experience activities.

Performance, Culture & Employee Relations

• Manage a structured performance management program, ensuring consistency, clarity, and growth‑focused outcomes.
• Identify performance trends and partner with leaders to improve employee effectiveness.
• Handle sensitive employee relations matters with discretion, fairness, and professionalism.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to managers on communication, performance, conflict resolution, and leadership effectiveness—particularly in a fast‑paced, founder‑influenced culture.
• Reinforce clarity of HR policies, updates, and expectations across the organization.

People Operations & Compliance

• Oversee payroll operations in partnership with accounting, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
• Maintain and strengthen HR policies, procedures, and documentation aligned with best practices and legal requirements.
• Manage compensation processes, salary reviews, bonus programs, and benefits administration.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment regulations.
• Oversee leave programs including FMLA, ADA, and related accommodations.
• Partner with senior leadership to develop people strategies that support long-term organizational growth, scale, and operational excellence.

Required Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 10+ years of progressive HR experience, with significant responsibilities across recruitment, employee relations, training, compensation, and benefits.
• 3+ years in a senior or director-level HR role, preferably within a technical, SaaS, or software-driven company.
• Experience supporting or scaling a founder-led, entrepreneurial, or rapidly growing organization.
• HR certifications (PHR, SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP) preferred.
• Strong experience with modern HRIS platforms; Paylocity or similar systems strongly preferred.

Key Competencies & Skills

• Exceptional communication, listening, and relationship‑building skills across technical and non-technical teams.
• Ability to navigate high-velocity environments with evolving processes and hands‑on leadership involvement.
• Demonstrated discretion with confidential and sensitive information.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and decision-making skills.
• Effective leadership abilities with a coaching and development mindset.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and modern HR technology tools.
• Ability to work both collaboratively and independently in a hybrid environment.
• Reliable remote workspace with high-speed internet.

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