Director of Human Resources

Purpose The Director of Human Resources is responsible for building and strengthening the foundational HR infrastructure necessary to support a growing organization. This role is a hands-on leader who ensures compliance, establishes consistent HR practices, and implements scalable systems across all areas of human resources.   This position will play a critical role in stabilizing and standardizing HR operations while laying the groundwork for future strategic HR leadership (VP/CHRO level).     Key Responsibilities Leadership and Partnership (30%) Partner with leadership to align HR practices with organizational needs. Provide guidance and coaching to managers on HR fundamentals. Serve as a trusted, practical advisor focused on execution and consistency. Create a culture of ownership, accountability, innovation and customer focus within the HR team. Recruit, develop, and lead a high-performing team.   HR Operations & Infrastructure (30%) Assess current HR practices and identify gaps in compliance, annual reporting, processes, and documentation. Establish and standardize HR policies, procedures, and workflows. Build and maintain consistent employee file management systems (digital and/or physical). Ensure proper documentation and audit readiness across all HR functions.   Compliance and Risk Management (20%) Lead and maintain I-9 compliance, including audit readiness and corrective action. Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws. Oversee and track required compliance training (harassment prevention, safety, etc.). Develop and implement compliance calendars and monitoring systems.   HR Systems and Process Improvement (20%) Evaluate and implement HRIS or optimize existing systems. Create reporting and tracking mechanisms for key HR metrics. Streamline manual processes and introduce scalable solutions. Build tools, templates, and resources for managers.   Additional duties may be assigned to meet organizational goals and priorities. Duties and responsibilities, as required by business necessity, may be added, deleted, or changed at any time at the discretion of management, formally or informally, either verbally or in writing, to meet organizational goals and priorities.     Qualifications Education: Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Psychology, Organizational Development, or a related field required. Certifications: SHRM-CP/SHRMP-SCP or PHR/SPHR certifications preferred. Experience: 7-10 years of progressive HR experience, with strong emphasis on HR operations and compliance. Proven experience building or rebuilding HR infrastructure in a growing or evolving organization. Deep knowledge of employment law, compliance, and HR best practices. Strong attention to detail with a process-oriented mindset. Ability to balance hands-on execution with leadership responsibilities. Leadership Profile: Strong organizational and documentation skills. Builder mindset. Practical problem-solving and risk awareness.     Working Arrangement This role will work 100% onsite at our Des Moines, IA headquarters.     Physical Demands Sedentary: Exerting up to 10 lbs. of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Involves sitting most of the time but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time.   To ensure a safe work environment while meeting the physical demands of the job you must be able to perform the following physical and mental tasks with or with or without reasonable accommodation: Balancing - maintaining equilibrium when walking, climbing, crouching, etc. Repetitive Motions - Substantial movements (motions) of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers. Sitting/Standing – must be able to sit or stand as required for extended periods of time. Stooping – bending at the waist Lifting motions or lifting objects up to 10 lbs. Walking Climbing - ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles etc. Hearing Talking Capacity to think, concentrate and focus for long periods of time Ability to read complex documents in the English language Capacity to reason and make sound decisions Ability to write complex documents in the English language Capacity to express thoughts orally Expertise in: Ability to regularly perform all job functions at company office or worksite Ability to withstand environmental conditions such as extreme heat or cold, grass, wind, sand, fumes, odors, gases, noises, etc.