Human Resources Director

Engineering Consulting Service; Chantilly (VA); On-site; USD 185,000 - 215,000; Full time

Job summary

ECS Group of Companies seeks a Director of Human Resources in Chantilly, VA. You will lead HR strategy, compliance, and employee programs across a national footprint, advising leadership on workforce planning and risk management.

The role requires at least 10 years of HR leadership, strong knowledge of federal contracting laws, and the ability to drive policy implementation while nurturing a high-trust culture. Equal Opportunity Employer.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of related HR experience; leadership of HR teams
• Bachelor’s degree in HR, Business, or equivalent; Master’s preferred
• Certified in SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, SPHR or related certifications
• Experience with federal contracting regulations and EEO compliance
• Ability to handle confidential information and manage multiple initiatives

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive HR strategy aligned with business objectives
• Serve as strategic advisor to leadership on workforce planning and employee relations
• Lead change-management initiatives and policy development
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws
• Coach managers on performance management and documentation
• Partner with legal, Total Rewards, Safety and Payroll on policies and initiatives
• Oversee HR programs, processes, and HR policy administration
• Strengthen employee engagement and organizational culture

Skills

HR leadership

employee relations

compliance awareness

policy development

Education

Bachelor’s degree in HR/Business

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

HRIS

HR analytics

MS Office

Job description

Responsibilities

The Director of Human Resources is a strategic HR leader responsible for developing and executing human resources strategies, policies, programs, systems, and practices that support the organization’s business objectives while ensuring compliance with applicable federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive HR strategy aligned with the organization’s mission, goals, workforce needs, and business objectives.
• Serve as a strategic advisor to leadership and management on workforce planning, organizational effectiveness, employee relations, employee retention and people-related risks.
• Translate organizational objectives into actionable HR initiatives, programs and priorities.
• Lead change-management initiatives associated with organizational growth, restructuring, acquisitions, policy changes, HR systems, and other significant business activities.
• Promote a culture of accountability, respect, and continuous improvement.
• Ensure HR policies, procedures, and practices comply with applicable federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.
• Monitor changes in employment legislation and regulatory requirements and recommend appropriate organizational responses.
• Lead the organization’s employee relations strategy and establish consistent, fair and well-documented practices.
• Identify recurring employee relations trends and recommend organizational or policy changes to address root causes.
• Coach managers on effective communication, conflict resolution, documentation, and performance management.
• Partner with Total Rewards, Safety and Payroll on policy initiatives, programs and matters of significance to the organization.
• Partner with legal counsel, compliance professionals, and other external advisors when appropriate.
• Evaluate HR programs and processes and identify opportunities to improve efficiency, consistency, compliance and the employee experience.
• Develop and maintain HR compliance calendars, processes, controls, and monitoring procedures.
• Provide compliance training and guidance to managers and employees.
• Lead the development, review, implementation, and ongoing maintenance of the organization’s HR policies, systems and procedures.
• Ensure policies are communicated effectively and applied consistently across the organization.
• Develop HR procedures, manager guidelines, SOPs and implementation tools to support consistent policy administration and process improvement.
• Develop initiatives that strengthen employee engagement, communication, trust and organizational culture

Qualifications

• 10+ years of related experience
  • Education and certifications may be substituted for years of experience
• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, or equivalent. Master’s degree preferred
• Certified in SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, SPHR or relevant HR certifications
• If driving for, or on behalf of, any ECS subsidiary, a valid driver's license is required
• In-depth knowledge of federal contracting regulations, including those related to affirmative action, EEO, government contracting, and the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR).
• In-depth knowledge of federal and state employment laws and regulations.
• Demonstrated ability to handle highly confidential and sensitive information.
• Strong ethical compass and ability to handle confidential and sensitive information.
• Adaptability in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
• Leadership experience, including managing and developing a team of HR professionals.
• Strong project management skills, including the ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously.
• Strong understanding of performance management, corrective action, workplace accommodations, leave administration, and employment practices.
• Demonstrated experience conducting or overseeing workplace investigations.
• Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal and presentation skills.
• Demonstrated experience developing and implementing enterprise-wide HR policies, programs and procedures.
• Experience partnering with employment counsel.
• Experience with HR analytics, HRIS platforms, and compliance reporting.
• Proficiency in MS Office applications

The expected pay range for this role and location is $185,000 - $215,000/year. The final agreed-upon compensation will be determined based on specific location and other individual qualifications.

About Us

ECS Group of Companies (ECS) was founded in 1988 with the goal to raise the standards of professional engineering consulting. Today, we are a leader in geotechnical, construction materials, environmental and building science + infrastructure consulting services. We are employee-owned with more than 3,200 employees in 125 offices and testing facilities coast to coast. ECS is currently ranked #60 in Engineering News-Record’s Top 500 Design Firms (April 2026), #148 in Engineering News-Record’s Top 200 Environmental Firms (October 2025) and #38 in Zweig Group’s Hot Firm List (June 2026). For additional information about ECS, visit: www.ecslimited.com.

ECS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.