Human Resources Manager / Director

SustainableHR; Madison (WI); On-site; USD 85,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

SustainableHR in Madison, Wisconsin is seeking an experienced Human Resources Director to lead all HR operations—policy development, recruitment, onboarding, payroll and benefits, and compliance with applicable laws.

This hands-on executive collaborates with the leadership team to align HR strategy with business goals, improve employee engagement, manage HRIS and records, and guide managers on investigations, performance, and employee relations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in HR, Business Admin, Management, or related field.
• 6–10 years of progressive HR experience with focus on general HR management and employee relations.
• Experience leading HR operations and partnering with organizational leadership.
• Strong knowledge of federal, state, and local employment laws.
• Experience with employee relations, investigations, and performance management.
• Knowledge of compensation administration, benefits management, payroll processing, and employee development.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Microsoft 365, HRIS platforms, and payroll systems.
• Excellent communication, organizational, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, maintain confidentiality, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills to advise employees and management.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee daily HR operations, including managing HR staff and programs.
• Partner with leadership to develop and implement HR strategies aligned with goals.
• Manage full recruitment, interviewing, onboarding, and retention initiatives.
• Develop and update job descriptions for compliance.
• Create and oversee employee training and leadership development programs.
• Manage employee relations, investigations, and conflict resolution for managers.
• Oversee performance management, evaluations, and development plans.
• Analyze turnover trends and implement engagement strategies.
• Manage compensation programs and market wage research.
• Oversee biweekly payroll processing and financial reporting.
• Administer benefits programs with brokers and leadership.
• Oversee workers' compensation, OSHA compliance, and return-to-work programs.
• Ensure compliance with employment laws and reporting requirements.
• Maintain HR policies, equal opportunity, conduct, and safety guidelines.
• Maintain confidential records and HRIS data.
• Provide HR guidance on policies, leave, and workplace concerns.
• Represent the organization in personnel-related hearings and investigations.
• Assist with budgeting and continuous HR process improvement.
• Oversee administrative functions and cross-department support.

Skills

HR leadership

Employee relations

Policy development

Recruitment & onboarding

Performance management

Training & development

Executive collaboration

Conflict resolution

Analytical & problem solving

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR, Business Admin, Management, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office 365

HRIS systems

Payroll systems

ADP Payroll

Job description

Human ResourcesDirector

Job Type: Full-Time
Schedule: Monday–Friday, 40 hours per week
Compensation:85,000-105,000

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Human Resources Manager / Director to lead and oversee all aspects of human resources operations. This individual will be responsible for developing and implementing HR policies, managing employee relations, overseeing recruitment and onboarding, administering payroll and benefits, and ensuring compliance with employment laws and regulations.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on HR professional who can balance strategic planning with day-to-day HR responsibilities. This position works closely with executive leadership to support business objectives, strengthen employee engagement, and foster a positive and productive work environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee daily human resources operations, including managing HR staff, administrative personnel, policies, procedures, and programs.

• Partner with executive leadership and management to develop and implement HR strategies that align with organizational goals.

• Manage the full recruitment and hiring process, including talent acquisition, interviewing, selection, onboarding, and employee retention initiatives.

• Develop, maintain, and update job descriptions to ensure accuracy and compliance with applicable employment regulations.

• Create and oversee employee training, professional development, and leadership development programs.

• Manage employee relations, including addressing workplace concerns, conducting investigations, resolving conflicts, and advising managers on personnel matters.

• Oversee performance management processes, including employee evaluations, performance improvement initiatives, and employee development.

• Evaluate employee turnover trends and implement strategies to improve employee engagement and retention.

• Manage compensation programs, conduct market wage research, and recommend competitive and equitable pay structures.

• Oversee biweekly payroll processing, ensuring accuracy, timely completion, and appropriate financial reporting.

• Administer employee benefits programs, working closely with insurance brokers and leadership to manage benefits offerings and enrollment.

• Oversee workers' compensation claims, workplace injury reporting, OSHA compliance, and return-to-work programs.

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws, regulations, and reporting requirements.

• Develop, implement, and maintain HR policies and procedures, including those related to equal employment opportunity, workplace conduct, and employee safety.

• Maintain accurate and confidential employee records, HRIS systems, and personnel documentation.

• Provide guidance and support to employees and managers regarding HR policies, benefits, leave management, and workplace concerns.

• Represent the organization in personnel-related hearings, investigations, and other employment matters as needed.

• Assist with organizational planning, budgeting, and continuous improvement of HR processes.

• Oversee administrative functions and provide support to other departments as needed.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Management, or a related field.

• 6–10 years of progressive human resources experience, preferably with an emphasis on general HR management and employee relations.

• Experience leading HR operations, managing personnel, and partnering with organizational leadership.

• Strong knowledge of federal, state, and local employment laws and HR compliance requirements.

• Experience with employee relations, conflict resolution, workplace investigations, and performance management.

• Knowledge of compensation administration, benefits management, payroll processing, and employee development.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Microsoft 365, HRIS platforms, and payroll systems.

• Excellent communication, organizational, leadership, and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities, maintain confidentiality, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships and effectively advise employees and management.

Preferred Qualifications

• PHR or SPHR certification.

• Experience with ADP Payroll and SharePoint.

• Experience developing and implementing employee training, career development, and leadership programs.

• Demonstrated ability to support strategic HR initiatives and organizational growth.

• Experience managing HR staff and administrative operations.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a knowledgeable, approachable, and proactive HR leader who enjoys working directly with employees while also contributing to organizational strategy. They are comfortable handling sensitive employee matters, supporting leadership decisions, and managing multiple HR functions independently.

This individual should be adaptable, detail-oriented, and confident in their ability to improve HR processes, support employee development, and maintain a compliant and positive workplace.