HR Director

ApplicantPool; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

ApplicantPool is seeking a hands-on, strategic Human Resources Director to lead and strengthen our HR function in Charlotte, NC. Reporting to the CFO and partnering with the executive team, this role develops and executes the people strategy while guiding day-to-day HR operations.

This is ideal for an experienced HR leader who thrives in a growing organization, enjoys building structure and processes, and mentors an HR team.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in HR, Business Admin, Organizational Development, or related field
• 10+ years of progressive HR leadership experience
• Experience leading multiple HR disciplines: talent acquisition, employee relations, compensation, benefits, and organizational development
• Experience as senior HR leader within a mid-sized organization
• Proven success partnering with executive leadership on workforce initiatives
• Experience designing, implementing, and improving HR processes, policies, and programs
• Strong knowledge of employment law, compliance, and HR operations
• Demonstrated experience leading and developing HR teams

Responsibilities

• Serve as the senior HR advisor to executive leadership
• Develop and execute HR strategies aligned with business goals
• Build, lead, mentor, and develop the HR team
• Create and implement HR processes, procedures, policies, and operational structure
• Lead workforce planning, organizational development, and change management initiatives
• Oversee talent acquisition, employee relations, performance management, compensation, benefits, and payroll
• Partner with Finance on workforce planning and labor cost strategies
• Drive employee engagement and foster a positive, high-performance culture
• Ensure compliance with employment laws and HR best practices
• Oversee HR systems, reporting, audits, and data governance
• Strengthen leadership development, succession planning, and talent retention efforts

Skills

Strategic thinking

People leadership

Change management

HR operations

Executive partnering

Mentoring

Workforce planning

Policy development

Education

Bachelor’s degree in HR or related field

Master’s preferred

Tools

HRIS

Job description

Build the Function. Develop the Team. Lead the Strategy.

SATO America is seeking a hands-on, strategic Human Resources Director to lead and strengthen our HR function. Reporting to the CFO and partnering closely with the Executive Leadership Team, this role will be responsible for developing and executing the company's people strategy while also rolling up their sleeves to support day-to-day HR operations.

This is an ideal opportunity for an experienced HR leader who thrives in a growing organization, enjoys building structure and processes, and is excited about developing and mentoring an HR team. The successful candidate will balance strategic leadership with operational execution, creating scalable HR programs, policies, and procedures that support business growth and organizational effectiveness.

Note: This position is required to be 100 % on-site during the first 90 days. After this, the position may move to a 3 days in office and 2 days remote option. Candidates MUST be within driving distance to Charlotte, NC.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the senior HR advisor to executive leadership
• Develop and execute HR strategies aligned with business goals
• Build, lead, mentor, and develop the HR team
• Create and implement HR processes, procedures, policies, and operational structure
• Lead workforce planning, organizational development, and change management initiatives
• Oversee talent acquisition, employee relations, performance management, compensation, benefits, and payroll
• Partner with Finance on workforce planning and labor cost strategies
• Drive employee engagement and foster a positive, high-performance culture
• Ensure compliance with employment laws and HR best practices
• Oversee HR systems, reporting, audits, and data governance
• Strengthen leadership development, succession planning, and talent retention efforts

What We're Looking For

We are looking for a leader who can think strategically while remaining closely connected to the daily work. This individual must be comfortable building processes from the ground up, establishing accountability, and providing hands-on support across all areas of Human Resources. Success in this role requires a balance of executive presence, operational excellence, and a willingness to personally contribute where needed while building the capabilities of the HR team.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Organizational Development, or a related field
• 10+ years of progressive Human Resources leadership experience
• Experience leading multiple HR disciplines, including talent acquisition, employee relations, compensation, benefits, and organizational development
• Experience serving as the senior HR leader within a mid-sized organization
• Proven success partnering with executive leadership on business and workforce initiatives
• Experience designing, implementing, and improving HR processes, policies, and programs
• Strong knowledge of employment law, compliance, and HR operations
• Demonstrated experience leading and developing HR teams

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Organizational Development, or a related field
• SHRM-SCP or SPHR certification
• Experience supporting manufacturing, distribution, service, or technology-focused organizations
• Experience working within a global organization and partnering with international HR teams
• Experience leading HR process improvement, organizational transformation, or function-building initiatives

If you're a strategic HR leader who enjoys creating structure, building teams, and staying engaged in the day-to-day work that drives organizational success, we'd love to hear from you.