Human Resources Director

VetJobs; Lexington (KY); On-site; USD 90,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

VetJobs in Lexington, KY seeks an experienced Human Resources Director to lead HR strategy and operations for a growing, exempt full-time organization. You will advise executives, guide workforce planning, and manage recruiting, compensation, benefits, and compliance.

The role requires hands-on leadership, confidentiality, and a track record of strengthening HR processes in a fast-paced environment. This position reports to the Chief Administrative Officer.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, business administration, organizational leadership, or a related field.
• 8–10 years of progressive human resources experience.
• At least 3 years of HR leadership or management experience.
• Strong working knowledge of employment law, employee relations, compensation, benefits, recruiting, and performance management.
• Demonstrated experience advising executives and senior managers.
• Experience conducting workplace investigations and managing sensitive employee matters.
• Proficiency with HR information systems, payroll platforms, and Microsoft Office applications.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement HR strategies that support the company’s business objectives and continued growth.
• Advise executive leadership and managers on personnel matters, organizational structure, workforce planning, and employee performance.
• Manage the full recruiting and hiring process, including job descriptions, candidate screening, interviews, offers, background checks, and onboarding.
• Oversee employee relations matters, including workplace concerns, investigations, disciplinary actions, performance improvement plans, and terminations.
• Administer the company’s performance-management process and assist managers in setting expectations, conducting evaluations, and addressing performance issues.
• Manage compensation programs, salary reviews, incentive plans, promotions, and internal pay consistency.
• Oversee employee benefits, leave administration, workers’ compensation, and coordination with benefit brokers and outside providers.
• Develop, maintain, and consistently administer employee policies, handbooks, procedures, and workplace standards.
• Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.
• Maintain accurate and confidential personnel records, employment agreements, and other HR documentation.
• Coordinate payroll-related employee changes with the company’s payroll and finance teams.
• Develop employee training, leadership‑development, succession‑planning, and retention initiatives.
• Monitor employee engagement and recommend practical ways to improve communication, accountability, morale, and workplace culture.
• Prepare HR reports and workforce metrics for executive leadership.
• Manage outside employment counsel, recruiters, benefits advisors, and other HR vendors as appropriate.
• Support acquisitions, reorganizations, office relocations, and other significant organizational changes.
• Perform other duties and special projects assigned by executive leadership.

Skills

HR leadership

Employee relations

Compensation & benefits

Recruiting

Performance management

Policy development

Employment law

Executive advising

Investigations

Confidentiality

Leadership coaching

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR/related field

Master's degree in HR (preferred)

SHRM-SCP/SHRM-CP/SPHR/PHR (preferred)

Tools

HRIS

Payroll platforms

Microsoft Office

Job description

Reports To

Chief Administrative Officer

Employment Status

Full-time, Exempt

Position Summary

The Human Resources Director is responsible for leading and managing all human resources functions for the company. This position serves as a trusted advisor to executive leadership and ensures that the company attracts, develops, supports, and retains a high-performing workforce.

The HR Director will provide both strategic leadership and hands‑on management in recruiting, employee relations, compensation, benefits, performance management, training, policy development, compliance, and organizational planning. The successful candidate will be practical, responsive, highly confidential, and comfortable working in a growing and fast‑paced organization.

Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and implement HR strategies that support the company’s business objectives and continued growth.
• Advise executive leadership and managers on personnel matters, organizational structure, workforce planning, and employee performance.
• Manage the full recruiting and hiring process, including job descriptions, candidate screening, interviews, offers, background checks, and onboarding.
• Oversee employee relations matters, including workplace concerns, investigations, disciplinary actions, performance improvement plans, and terminations.
• Administer the company’s performance-management process and assist managers in setting expectations, conducting evaluations, and addressing performance issues.
• Manage compensation programs, salary reviews, incentive plans, promotions, and internal pay consistency.
• Oversee employee benefits, leave administration, workers’ compensation, and coordination with benefit brokers and outside providers.
• Develop, maintain, and consistently administer employee policies, handbooks, procedures, and workplace standards.
• Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.
• Maintain accurate and confidential personnel records, employment agreements, and other HR documentation.
• Coordinate payroll-related employee changes with the company’s payroll and finance teams.
• Develop employee training, leadership‑development, succession‑planning, and retention initiatives.
• Monitor employee engagement and recommend practical ways to improve communication, accountability, morale, and workplace culture.
• Prepare HR reports and workforce metrics for executive leadership.
• Manage outside employment counsel, recruiters, benefits advisors, and other HR vendors as appropriate.
• Support acquisitions, reorganizations, office relocations, and other significant organizational changes.
• Perform other duties and special projects assigned by executive leadership.

Leadership Responsibilities

• Establish a professional, responsive, and service‑oriented HR function.
• Demonstrated experience managing HR operations for an organization or workforce of 300 or more employees.
• Promote accountability and the consistent application of company policies.
• Coach managers on effective leadership, communication, documentation, and personnel decisions.
• Build productive relationships with employees and leaders at all levels of the organization.
• Handle sensitive information and workplace matters with discretion, fairness, and sound judgment.

Success Measures

• Quality and timeliness of recruiting and onboarding.
• Employee retention and workforce stability.
• Responsiveness to employees, managers, and executive leadership.
• Consistent application of company policies and employment practices.
• Accuracy and completeness of HR records and documentation.
• Effective resolution of employee‑relations matters.
• Development of managers and future company leaders.
• Compliance with applicable employment laws and contractual requirements.
• Contribution to the company’s growth, culture, and organizational effectiveness.

Success In This Position Will Be Evaluated Based On

• Quality and timeliness of recruiting and onboarding.
• Employee retention and workforce stability.
• Responsiveness to employees, managers, and executive leadership.
• Consistent application of company policies and employment practices.
• Accuracy and completeness of HR records and documentation.
• Effective resolution of employee‑relations matters.
• Development of managers and future company leaders.
• Compliance with applicable employment laws and contractual requirements.
• Contribution to the company’s growth, culture, and organizational effectiveness.

  Compensation And Benefits

  The company offers a competitive executive‑level compensation package based on experience and qualifications, including:

  • Competitive base salary.
  • Performance‑based annual bonus opportunity.
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
  • Retirement‑plan benefits.
  • Paid time off and company holidays.

  Auto req ID

  481622BR

  Minimum Education Required

  Bachelors

  Preferred Education

  Bachelors

  Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in human resources, business administration, organizational leadership, or a related field.
  • At least 8–10 years of progressive human resources experience.
  • At least 3 years of HR leadership or management experience.
  • Strong working knowledge of employment law, employee relations, compensation, benefits, recruiting, and performance management.
  • Demonstrated experience advising executives and senior managers.
  • Experience conducting workplace investigations and managing sensitive employee matters.
  • Strong written, verbal, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to balance strategic responsibilities with hands‑on execution.
  • High degree of professionalism, integrity, confidentiality, and sound judgment.
  • Proficiency with HR information systems, payroll platforms, and Microsoft Office applications.

  Preferred Qualifications

  • SHRM-SCP, SHRM-CP, SPHR, or PHR certification.
  • Master’s degree in human resources, business administration, or a related discipline.
  • Experience supporting multiple companies, business units, or locations.
  • Experience in a growing, privately held, government‑contracting, defense, manufacturing, engineering, or workforce‑development organization.
  • Familiarity with federal‑contractor employment requirements and compliance obligations.
  • Experience building or modernizing an HR department, policies, and systems.

  Certificates/Security Clearances/Other

  Background Check required.

  Equal Employment Opportunity

  The company is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable law.

  City

  Lexington

  State

  Kentucky

  Job Category

  Human Resources

  Job Code

  Director Director

  Affiliate Sponsor

  BG Workforce Solutions

  Salary Range

  $100,000