Director Of Human Resources

ABOUT AO:

At AO, WE are better together.

In addition to competitive pay and benefits, flexible work schedules, and Work-from-home options, AO offers an absolute one-of-a-kind culture with collaborative workspaces and driven coworkers. AO welcomes creativity, learning, and lasting relationships. Everything we do is motivated by what it takes to be effective and successful for our clients. We value service, our people, a roll-up-your-sleeves attitude, and continuous improvement.  If you are young in your career, grow with us.  If experienced, get better with us.  There is no one like you, and there is no place like AO.

Benefits:

We offer all the benefits of a big firm, with all the human connections of a small one.  You will never be a number at AO.  Join our community.

A partial list of benefits:

• Full Suite of Medical, Dental, Life & Supplemental Insurance             
• Ongoing Education and Exam Reimbursement
• Most Medical Plans fully paid for employee-only coverage 
• Company Paid Basic Life Insurance & Long Term Disability
• Retirement Plans, Health Savings, and Flexible Spending Accounts      
• Overtime Compensation for Hourly Employees
• Paid Vacation, Holidays and Sick Time        
• Flexible Schedule
• Rail Station one block from campus    
• Free parking   
• Employee discount card (OC ONLY)

About the Role:

AO is a dynamic and evolving Architectural Services company of 350+ individuals committed to fostering a positive work environment that empowers employees to achieve their full potential. We believe in the importance of nurturing strong employee-employer relationships, and we are seeking a talented and experienced Human Resources Director with a passion for Employee Relations to join our team. Under general direction of the Vice President of Operations, the Human Resources Director will direct and manage the performance of the overall workflow of the Human Resources department, including but not limited to; strategic direction, employee relations/investigations, leave of absence management, and new hire orientation/onboarding process improvement. The HR Director will serve as a business partner to leadership and employees, working transparently with all stakeholders to ensure employees are cared for and that employee relations processes are well designed to maximize the efficacy of employee interactions from a Human Resources perspective and coordinate with Management to ensure strategic HR goals are aligned with business objectives. The Human Resources Director will lead the development of and work with the relevant stakeholders on the implementation of HR policies and procedures, their dissemination through employee handbooks, and all relevant communications, and/or meetings.   This role will provide direct oversight and performance management of the Human Resources staff, including Human Resources manager and HR Coordinator.

Essential Job Functions

This role will focus on(partial list below):

• Employee Relations
  • Manage and address employee related issues such as: disciplinary actions, legal issues (harassment, discrimination, accommodations, etc.), policy interpretation/application and investigations,
  • Investigate employee complaints to ensure appropriate action is being taken to address complex issues. Interview employees and other witnesses to impartially assess and document the situation or perceived problem.  Collect sensitive and confidential information and documentation from appropriate sources, including through claimant, witness, and targeted employee interviews; prepare and maintain documentation related to investigations.
• Compensation and Performance Management
  • Oversee compensation and performance management process.
• Leave of Absence Administration
  • Full-cycle leave of absence administration
• Being the internal day to day representative and leader of the HR department

Additionally, this individual will:

• Serve as a trusted advisor to senior management on employee relations matters, providing guidance and recommendations.

• Proactively identify and address employee relations issues and concerns to create a positive workplace environment
• Conduct investigations into employee grievances, workplace conflicts, and disciplinary matters, ensuring fairness and compliance with relevant laws and regulations.
• Collaborate with various departments to design and deliver employee engagement initiatives, training/onboarding programs, retention and activities focused on the enhancement of our culture and improvement of our work environment from an HR perspective.
• Maintain and update HR policies and procedures, keeping them in line with evolving legal requirements and industry best practices.
• Provide leadership, coaching, and mentorship to the HR team, fostering a high-performance culture.

Qualifications, Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university preferably in Business, Human Resources, Psychology, or other related discipline or an equivalent amount of education and experience,
• SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP highly desired,
• At least 15 years of progressive experience in all aspects of Human Resources with 7-10 years of specific experience in an HR leadership role at the director or above level,
• At least 7-10 years of experience with employee relations matters and investigations,
• Minimum of 10 years of experience managing and supervising staff,
• Ability to operate at the strategic level, coupled with the willingness to manage the day-to-day aspects of the HR function,
• Thorough working knowledge of contemporary practices in the development, implementation and administration of HR topics, programs, and policies,
• Familiarity and working knowledge of local, state and federal employment regulations
• Analytical and quantitative skills with the ability to interpret and communicate metrics and trends,
• Strong verbal and written communication skills to interact with all levels of employees and management in all settings,
• Strong computer literacy with advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office skills, including Excel and experience with Human Resources information systems (HRIS).
• Proven experience in HR leadership roles, with a strong emphasis on employee relations.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• A proactive and strategic mindset with a passion for fostering positive employee-employer relationships.
• Demonstrated experience in leading and managing HR teams.

Work Schedule

• Generally a 5 x 8 day/hour workweek schedule – but will inevitably require time outside the normal workday. Overtime is required.
• This in-office position may allow for some remote working after an initial orientation period is completed.

If you are an HR professional who is passionate about employee relations and dedicated to creating a positive workplace culture, we encourage you to apply and join our team.