Strategic HR Director: Change Leader & People Champion

Aquarius Professional Staffing; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Employee assistance program

Flexible spending account

Health savings account

401(k)

Job summary

Aquarius Professional Staffing is seeking an HR Director to lead and evolve the human resources function in a dynamic organization. You will design an integrated HR strategy, partner with the CFO on organizational design, and coach a high-performing HR team to drive business outcomes.

You will oversee recruitment, compensation, benefits, payroll, and employee relations while shaping leadership development and succession plans.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in HR, Business Admin or related field
• 8+ years HR experience, including 3+ years in leadership
• Generalist experience across recruiting, compensation, benefits, employee relations and compliance
• Strong working knowledge of federal and state employment law
• Experience managing and developing an HR team
• Proficiency with HRIS, payroll and applicant tracking systems
• Excellent judgment, discretion and ability to handle confidential information
• Strategic thinking and business acumen
• Clear, credible communication at every level
• Conflict resolution and sound decision-making
• Data-driven approach to people decisions
• Coaching and team leadership
• Integrity and confidentiality
• Master's degree in HR, Business or Organizational Development, preferred
• SHRM-SCP or SPHR certification, preferred
• Experience in a multi-state or multi-site organization, preferred
• Background in a regulated or growth-stage industry (e.g., healthcare, medical equipment, manufacturing), preferred
• Experience leading an HRIS implementation or M&A integration, preferred

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute an HR strategy aligned with business goals
• Advise CFO and leadership on organizational design, workforce planning and change management
• Lead, coach and develop the HR team; set goals and manage the department budget
• Report HR metrics (turnover, time-to-fill, engagement, labor cost) to leadership
• Oversee full-cycle recruiting, employer branding and onboarding
• Partner with hiring managers on headcount plans and job requirements
• Manage recruiting vendors, job boards and the applicant tracking system
• Design and maintain salary structures, pay bands and incentive programs
• Lead annual benefits renewal and open enrollment with brokers and carriers
• Oversee payroll accuracy and partnership with Finance
• Run the performance review cycle and goal-setting process
• Build leadership development, training and succession plans
• Support managers in coaching and performance improvement plans
• Investigate and resolve employee concerns, complaints and disciplinary matters
• Drive engagement surveys, recognition programs and retention initiatives
• Champion an inclusive, respectful workplace culture

Skills

Leadership

HR strategy

Change management

People management

Communication

Analytical thinking

Employee relations

Strategic thinking

Coaching

Decision making

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR or related field

Master's degree in HR, Business or Organizational Development

Tools

HRIS

Payroll systems

Applicant tracking systems

Job description

Aquarius Professional Staffing is seeking an HR Director to lead and evolve the human resources function in a dynamic organization. You will design an integrated HR strategy, partner with the CFO on organizational design, and coach a high-performing HR team to drive business outcomes.

You will oversee recruitment, compensation, benefits, payroll, and employee relations while shaping leadership development and succession plans.