Our recruiting firm has been engaged by a well-established financial services firm in Orange County, California, to identify an accomplished Human Resources Director to lead and develop its human resources function.
This is an excellent opportunity for a strategic, business-minded HR leader who can balance organizational strategy with hands-on execution. The successful candidate will partner with executive leadership to drive talent strategy, strengthen organizational effectiveness, enhance employee engagement, and ensure HR practices support the firm's continued growth and long-term business objectives.
The ideal candidate brings a strong foundation in human resources leadership, sound business judgment, and experience navigating the regulatory, compliance, and talent considerations associated with a professional financial services environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and execute HR strategies aligned with the firm's business objectives and organizational priorities.
- Serve as a trusted advisor to executive leadership on workforce planning, organizational design, talent management, employee relations, and organizational development.
- Establish HR policies, programs, and processes that support business performance, scalability, and a strong workplace culture.
- Provide leadership and guidance on organizational change, succession planning, and workforce development initiatives.
Talent Acquisition & Workforce Planning
- Partner with business leaders to identify current and future talent needs.
- Oversee recruitment, selection, onboarding, and retention strategies to attract and retain high-performing professionals.
- Develop talent pipelines and succession plans for key leadership and business-critical positions.
- Collaborate with hiring managers to strengthen workforce planning, improve hiring effectiveness, and enhance the candidate experience.
Employee Relations & Performance Management
- Provide guidance on complex employee relations matters, workplace investigations, performance issues, and conflict resolution.
- Promote a culture of accountability, professionalism, inclusion, and employee engagement.
- Oversee performance management, employee development, leadership coaching, and career progression programs.
- Ensure consistent application of HR policies and employment practices across the organization.
Compensation, Benefits & HR Operations
- Oversee compensation planning, benefits administration, salary benchmarking, and related HR programs.
- Evaluate compensation structures and incentive programs to support talent attraction, retention, and internal equity.
- Ensure HR systems, reporting, records management, and administrative processes are efficient, accurate, and effective.
- Use workforce analytics and HR metrics to inform decision-making and measure the effectiveness of HR initiatives.
Compliance & Risk Management
- Maintain HR policies and practices consistent with applicable federal, California, and local employment laws and regulations.
- Partner with legal, compliance, and business leadership on employment-related risk, policy development, and regulatory considerations.
- Oversee employee handbook updates, required training, workplace documentation, and HR compliance processes.
- Maintain appropriate confidentiality and discretion when handling sensitive employee and organizational matters.
Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Organizational Development, or a related field; equivalent relevant experience may be considered.
- Approximately 8-12+ years of progressive HR experience, including meaningful leadership responsibility.
- Demonstrated experience leading core HR functions, including employee relations, talent acquisition, compensation, benefits, performance management, and compliance.
- Experience partnering with senior executives and advising business leaders on strategic and operational HR matters.
- Financial services industry experience strongly preferred, particularly in a regulated or compliance-sensitive environment.
- Strong knowledge of California employment law and practical experience applying HR policies and procedures.
- Proven ability to manage sensitive employee matters, resolve complex issues, and exercise sound professional judgment.
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, analytical, and leadership skills.
- Ability to operate effectively in a dynamic business environment while balancing strategic priorities with day-to-day HR needs.
An HR certification such as SHRM-SCP, SPHR, SHRM-CP, or PHR is preferred.