Human Resources Business Partner

North America Sekisui House, LLC; Manhattan Beach (CA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

North America Sekisui House, LLC is seeking a Director of Human Resources in Manhattan Beach, CA to partner with the CEO and leadership team, aligning talent, structure, and performance systems with evolving priorities.

This role balances strategic HRBP responsibilities with hands-on HR operations including payroll, benefits, compliance, and policy development. The position requires 10+ years' HR experience, California employment law knowledge, and HRIS/payroll oversight.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in HR, business administration, or related field required; Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of 10+ years of progressive HR experience, including HRBP or leadership roles.
• Strong experience in strategic HR (HRBP) and hands-on HR operations within a small to mid-sized organization.
• Demonstrated knowledge of California employment laws, including wage and hour regulations.
• Experience overseeing payroll processes and working with external payroll vendors.
• Experience developing and implementing HR policies, programs, and organizational initiatives.
• Experience supporting executive leadership and influencing business decisions.
• HR certification (e.g., SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, SPHR) preferred.

Responsibilities

• Partner directly with the CEO and leadership team to develop and execute HR strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Lead organizational design, workforce planning, and talent strategies to ensure capabilities and leadership.
• Advise management on performance management, employee engagement, and organizational effectiveness.
• Drive initiatives that strengthen a performance-driven culture aligned with values and priorities.
• Act as strategic advisor on complex employee relations matters, including investigations and coaching.
• Bridge U.S. operations and global stakeholders to align practices across regions.
• Lead HR initiatives related to organizational change, process improvement, and policy development.
• Utilize HR data and analytics to inform decision-making and drive improvement.
• Oversee day-to-day HR operations, including recruitment, onboarding, and payroll.

Skills

Strategic HRBP

Employee relations

Payroll coordination

HR policies

HRIS experience

Executive coaching

Cross-cultural collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR/Business

Master's degree preferred

Job description

The Director, Human Resources serves as a strategic partner to the CEO and leadership team, driving HR initiatives that directly support business performance and organizational effectiveness. This role is responsible for aligning talent, organizational structure, and performance systems with evolving business priorities, while ensuring efficient HR operations and full compliance with applicable laws, including California employment regulations. This is for our office in Manhattan Beach, CA.

The position balances strategic HR Business Partner (HRBP) responsibilities with hands-on execution of HR operations, including employee relations, talent acquisition, payroll, benefits administration, compliance, and HR program development.

HR Business Partner (Strategic) Responsibilities

• Partner directly with the CEO and leadership team to develop and execute HR strategies aligned with business objectives and evolving organizational needs.
• Lead organizational design, workforce planning, and talent strategies to ensure the right capabilities, structure, and leadership are in place.
• Advise management on performance management, employee engagement, organizational effectiveness, and leadership development.
• Drive initiatives that strengthen a performance-driven culture aligned with company values and business priorities.
• Act as a strategic advisor on complex employee relations matters, including investigations, risk mitigation, and leadership coaching.
• Serve as a bridge between U.S. operations and global stakeholders, fostering mutual understanding and integrating diverse cultural practices into the organization to support business objectives.
• Lead HR initiatives related to organizational change, process improvement, and policy development.
• Utilize HR data and analytics to inform decision-making and drive continuous improvement.

HR Operations (Execution / Hands-On) Responsibilities

• Oversee and execute day-to-day HR operations, including recruitment, onboarding, offboarding, and employee records management.
• Manage full-cycle recruitment activities, including job postings, candidate screening, interview coordination, and offer administration.
• Administer employee relations processes, including disciplinary actions and performance management implementation.
• Maintain and update HR policies, procedures, and employee handbook in compliance with applicable laws.
• Ensure data accuracy and maintenance of employee records within HRIS systems.
• Oversee payroll operations, ensuring timely, accurate, and compliant processing.
• Partner with external payroll vendors and collaborate with Administration for payroll reconciliation and issue resolution.
• Administer benefits programs, including enrollments, changes, and employee communications.
• Serve as primary contact for 401(k) plan administration and compliance.
• Ensure compliance with wage and hour laws, tax regulations, and internal payroll policies.
• Reconcile payroll discrepancies and coordinate with Finance or external providers as needed.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws, including California wage and hour regulations (overtime, exempt/non-exempt classification, meal/rest breaks, final pay requirements).
• Maintain documentation for compliance and support internal and external audits.
• Support training and development programs and track participation.
• Improve HR processes, systems, and operational efficiency on an ongoing basis.
• Collaborate with Administration and Finance teams to ensure effective operational execution.
• Support workforce restructuring initiatives where necessary, including role redesign, workforce planning adjustments, and organizational realignment.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

• Lead and oversee the HR function and staff
• Provide direction, coaching, and development for HR team members
• Act as a player-coach, stepping into execution when needed

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job the employee is regularly required to remain in an office at a computer workstation and access information from a computer. The employee will regularly listen and speak in person, or via telephone or video conference. The employee is required to be mobile to, from, and within the office, and may be required to leave the office and maneuver throughout the facility. The employee may occasionally move up to 20 pounds.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field required; Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of 10+ years of progressive HR experience, including HRBP or HR leadership roles.
• Strong experience in both strategic HR (HRBP) and hands-on HR operations within a small to mid-sized organization.
• Demonstrated knowledge of California employment laws, including wage and hour regulations.
• Experience overseeing payroll processes and working with external payroll vendors.
• Experience developing and implementing HR policies, programs, and organizational initiatives.
• Experience supporting executive leadership and influencing business decisions.
• HR certification (e.g., SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, SPHR) preferred.

JOB KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

• Strong understanding of California labor law compliance, including overtime, exempt/non-exempt classification, and meal/rest break requirements
• Proven ability to operate both strategically and tactically
• Strong business acumen with the ability to align HR initiatives with organizational goals
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and influencing skills, with demonstrated ability to advise senior leadership
• Strong problem-solving, conflict resolution, and employee relations capabilities
• High level of discretion and ability to handle sensitive and confidential information
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities
• Experience with HRIS platforms and payroll systems
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Self-motivated, adaptable, and comfortable working in a cross-cultural, global organization

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This is an onsite role based in the Los Angeles office. Regular in-office presence is required to effectively support employees and collaborate with leadership.

Ability to travel domestically and internationally as needed.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT

The Company complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment, including the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA).

AT-WILL EMPLOYMENT STATEMENT

Employment with the Company is at-will. This means that either the employee or the Company may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice, subject to applicable law.

PAY TRANSPARENCY (CALIFORNIA COMPLIANCE)

• The expected salary range for this position is $130,000 - $150,000. Actual compensation will be determined based on experience, qualifications, and internal equity, in accordance with California law.