Head of Human Resources

Abacus Group, LLC; New York (NY); On-site; USD 165,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

Abacus Group, LLC is seeking a Head of Human Resources to lead and oversee all HR functions in our New York operations. This senior role focuses on building structure, implementing best practices, and advising executive leadership on people strategy.

The ideal candidate is a seasoned, hands-on HR professional with 15+ years of experience in wholesale/apparel/consumer products, capable of operating as a one-person HR department within a smaller organization while driving employee relations,

Qualifications

• 15+ years of progressive HR experience including senior leadership.
• Experience in wholesale, apparel, accessories, consumer products or brand-driven businesses preferred.
• Experience running HR independently within a small to midsize organization.
• Strong employee relations expertise and ability to navigate sensitive matters.
• Experience developing HR policies and implementing performance management processes.
• Knowledge of payroll, benefits, HR compliance, and PEO relationships.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and executive presence.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of HR, including employee relations, talent acquisition, onboarding, off-boarding, performance management, benefits and compliance.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership on employee matters and HR best practices.
• Evaluate and improve HR policies, processes, and introduce greater structure and efficiency.
• Develop and implement a formal performance review process with guidance for managers.
• Manage sensitive employee relations matters, including conflict resolution and disciplinary actions.
• Partner with department leaders to support workforce planning and business needs.
• Oversee the employee lifecycle and maintain consistent, positive employee experience.
• Manage the relationship with the company’s PEO for payroll and benefits administration.
• Ensure compliance with employment laws and maintain accurate records and documentation.
• Support and reinforce company culture while engaging long-tenured employees and leadership.

Skills

Strategic HR Leadership

Employee Relations

Policy Development

Payroll & Benefits

PEO Management

Stakeholder Management

Job description

Our client, an established design, licensing, and wholesale company is seeking an experienced Head of Human Resources to lead and oversee all aspects of its HR function. This is an opportunity to build upon existing HR practices, implement structure and best practices, and serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership.

The ideal candidate will be a seasoned, hands-on HR professional with experience in wholesale, apparel, accessories, consumer products, or branded goods. This individual must be comfortable operating independently as a one-person HR department while bringing strong leadership, sound judgment, and a practical approach to employee relations and HR operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of HR, including employee relations, talent acquisition, onboarding, off-boarding, performance management, benefits, and compliance.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership on employee matters, organizational decisions, and HR best practices.
• Evaluate existing HR policies and processes, identifying opportunities to introduce greater structure, consistency, and efficiency.
• Develop and implement a more formal performance review process, providing managers with guidance on employee development and accountability.
• Manage sensitive employee relations matters, including conflict resolution, disciplinary actions, and performance improvement.
• Partner with department leaders across design, production, sales, logistics, and operations to support workforce planning and business needs.
• Oversee the employee lifecycle, ensuring a consistent and positive employee experience.
• Manage the company's relationship with its Professional Employer Organization (PEO), which supports payroll and benefits administration.
• Ensure compliance with applicable employment laws and maintain accurate employee records and documentation.
• Support and strengthen company culture while building relationships with long-tenured employees and leadership.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of progressive Human Resources experience, including experience in a senior HR leadership position.
• Background in wholesale, apparel, accessories, consumer products, licensing, or a similar brand-driven business strongly preferred.
• Experience managing HR independently within a small or midsize organization.
• Strong employee relations expertise and demonstrated ability to navigate complex personnel matters.
• Experience developing HR policies, implementing performance management processes, and improving HR operations.
• Working knowledge of payroll, benefits, HR compliance, and PEO relationships.
• Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills.
• Strong executive presence, sound judgment, and the confidence to make decisions and provide thoughtful guidance to leadership.
• Highly organized, adaptable, and comfortable balancing strategic responsibilities with hands-on execution.