Director of Human Resources

JK Executive Strategies, LLC; Buffalo (NY); On-site; USD 115,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

JK Executive Strategies, LLC is actively seeking a Human Resources Director to lead HR across the organization. You will partner with the CEO and leadership to implement people strategies, ensure compliance, and drive a high-performance culture.

The role encompasses strategic HR planning, talent acquisition, employee relations, payroll oversight, and performance management. You will act as a trusted advisor to managers, guiding investigations, policy development, and benefits/program

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in HR, Business Administration, or related field.
• 7+ years of progressive HR experience with a minimum of 4+ years in a supervisory capacity.
• Strong knowledge of employment laws and regulatory compliance.
• Demonstrated experience managing employee relations matters and investigations.
• Experience overseeing payroll and benefits administration.
• SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or SPHR certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Partner with executive leadership to develop and execute HR strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Lead full-cycle recruitment, onboarding, and workforce planning.
• Oversee employee relations matters, investigations, and disciplinary actions.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.
• Oversee payroll processes and benefits administration; analyze compensation trends.
• Coach and develop HR staff and provide training coordination.

Skills

Leadership

Employee relations

HRIS

Regulatory compliance

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in HR

SHRM certification preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

HRIS systems

Job description

Our client is a growing, multi-location organization committed to operational excellence and delivering high-quality solutions to its customers. With a strong emphasis on teamwork, integrity, and continuous improvement, our client is focused on building a workplace where employees are supported, developed, and empowered to contribute at a high level.

We are seeking an experienced Human Resources Director to lead and oversee all HR functions across the organization. Reporting to the CEO, this role serves as a strategic partner to leadership while managing the day-to-day execution of human resources operations. The HR Director will ensure compliance, consistency, and alignment with business goals while fostering a culture of accountability, engagement, and performance.

Position Overview

The Human Resources Director will lead recruitment, employee relations, compliance, payroll oversight, benefits administration, and performance management. This individual will act as the primary HR advisor to managers and leadership, ensuring effective talent strategies and a positive, compliant workplace environment.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic HR Leadership

• Partner with executive leadership to develop and execute human resource strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Support workforce planning, talent development, succession planning, and retention initiatives.
• Develop HR strategies that support organizational growth and operational goals.
• Prepare and present HR metrics and reports to leadership.

Talent Acquisition & Workforce Planning

• Lead full-cycle recruitment and onboarding processes.
• Develop targeted recruitment strategies for technical, professional, and operational roles.
• Collaborate with managers to identify required skills and competencies.
• Partner with external agencies as needed to support hiring needs.

Employee Relations & Engagement

• Serve as the primary resource for employee relations matters.
• Provide guidance to management on performance issues, disciplinary actions, and investigations.
• Oversee employee disciplinary meetings, investigations, and terminations.
• Promote a culture rooted in accountability, safety, professionalism, and engagement.

Compliance & Policy Management

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.
• Develop, implement, and maintain HR policies and procedures.
• Maintain knowledge of employment law changes and HR best practices.
• Support regulatory compliance requirements relevant to operations.

Compensation, Benefits & Payroll

• Oversee payroll processes in coordination with external providers.
• Administer and support employee benefits programs.
• Analyze compensation trends and recommend competitive pay strategies.
• Partner with leadership on annual benefit renewals and compensation planning.

Performance Management & Development

• Oversee performance review processes.
• Coach and support managers in employee development initiatives.
• Support training coordination and compliance-related training programs.
• Mentor and develop HR or administrative staff as applicable.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field.
• Minimum of 7+ years of progressive HR experience with a minimum of 4+ years in a supervisory capacity.
• Strong knowledge of employment laws and regulatory compliance.
• Demonstrated experience managing employee relations matters and investigations.
• Experience overseeing payroll and benefits administration.
• Ability to act with integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality.
• Strong communication, organizational, and leadership skills.
• Proficiency in HRIS systems and Microsoft Office Suite.
• SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or SPHR certification preferred.

Salary Range

• $115k - $130k plus comprehensive benefits package and annual incentive

JK Executive Strategies is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of JK Executive Strategies to provide equal opportunity in employment and conditions of employment to all individuals regardless of age, race, color, religious beliefs, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex, veteran or military status, disability, pregnancy-related condition, predisposing genetic characteristics, genetic information, marital status, familial status, prior arrest, domestic violence victim status, non-job related convictions, participation in lawful activities outside of our workplace, or any other status protected by law.