Head of HR Operations & Employee Services

BANKWELL FINANCIAL GROUP; New Canaan (CT); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Employer-paid life and disability保险

HSA option

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Telehealth and wellness resources

Supplemental insurance options

Pet insurance and legal plan benefits

Job summary

Bankwell Financial Group in New Canaan, CT seeks a Director of Human Resources Operations and Employee Services to build an operationally excellent HR function that serves as a trusted partner to executives, managers, and staff.

The role focuses on improving processes, clarifying ownership, delivering exceptional employee service, and ensuring compliance while supporting future growth and strategic goals. Leadership of HR services, recruitment, onboarding, benefits, and HRIS will be key.

Qualifications

• Proven success improving HR operations and service delivery.
• Experience in regulated environments, preferably banking or financial services.
• Excellent judgment, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to simplify complex processes and drive operational efficiency.

Responsibilities

• Lead HR operations and employee services with strong ownership and accountability.
• Partner with executives to align HR with business strategy and growth.
• Develop operational metrics, service standards, and performance measures.
• Oversee recruitment, onboarding, benefits administration, and HR records.
• Ensure regulatory compliance, audit readiness, and policy governance.
• Drive continuous process improvement and technology-enabled efficiency.
• Coach managers on hiring, performance, and employee relations.
• Manage HRIS administration and documentation standards.

Skills

HR operations

Process improvement

People leadership

Regulatory compliance

Employee relations

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR or related field

SHRM-SCP / SPHR

Tools

HRIS systems

Payroll software

Job description

Bankwell Financial Group in New Canaan, CT seeks a Director of Human Resources Operations and Employee Services to build an operationally excellent HR function that serves as a trusted partner to executives, managers, and staff.

The role focuses on improving processes, clarifying ownership, delivering exceptional employee service, and ensuring compliance while supporting future growth and strategic goals. Leadership of HR services, recruitment, onboarding, benefits, and HRIS will be key.