New

Director of Human Resources

Vaco
$160,000.00 - $190,000.00 / yr
401(k), retirement plan
United States, California, Santa Ana
Feb 14, 2026
Director of Human Resources - On-Site Overview The Director of Human Resources is a senior leader within the HR function, partnering closely with executive leadership to ensure strong governance, compliance, and operational excellence. This role provides oversight of HR risk management, HR systems, and people operations while translating organizational priorities into scalable policies, processes, and training. This position leads a small HR operations team and serves as the primary escalation point for compliance, systems, and complex employee relations matters. Key Responsibilities HR Compliance and Risk Management * Own HR related compliance across federal, state, and local requirements, translating regulations into practical policies, procedures, and training * Serve as the senior escalation point for sensitive employee relations matters and internal investigations * Lead the development, maintenance, and periodic review of employee policies and handbooks * Partner with internal and external legal resources on regulatory matters, audits, and risk mitigation HR Systems and Operational Leadership * Provide strategic oversight of HR systems, ensuring data integrity, security, and compliance reporting * Guide system level planning and execution for core HR processes such as onboarding, performance cycles, and benefits administration * Identify and implement improvements to HR operational workflows to support scale and consistency * Translate HR strategy into sustainable systems, processes, and operating models Leadership and Cross Functional Partnership * Ensure alignment across HR systems, policy execution, and compliance training * Lead and develop HR team members responsible for HR operations, systems, and learning coordination * Serve as the final escalation point for HR operational and compliance related issues * Support workforce planning initiatives through system readiness and process alignment Responsibilities may evolve based on business needs. Qualifications * Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business, or a related field, or equivalent experience * Professional HR certification such as SHRM CP, PHR, or HRCI * Ten or more years of progressive HR experience, including senior leadership responsibility for HR operations, compliance, and systems * Experience working in regulated environments * Experience supporting both onsite and distributed employee populations Core Capabilities * Strong knowledge of U.S. employment law, employee relations, and HR systems governance * Ability to translate complex regulations into clear, actionable guidance * Executive level communication and stakeholder partnership skills * High judgment, discretion, and confidentiality management * Strong problem solving and decision making capabilities * Ability to operate independently while collaborating across functions Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco/Highspring depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to the individual's skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, office location and other geographic considerations, as well as other business and organizational needs. With that said, as required by local law in geographies that require salary range disclosure, Vaco/Highspring notes the salary range for the role is noted in this job posting. The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses, and can participate in medical, dental, and vision benefits as well as the company's 401(k) retirement plan. Vaco by Highspring values a diverse workplace and strongly encourages women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply. EEO Notice Vaco by Highspring is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race (including but not limited to traits historically associated with race such as hair texture and hair style), color, sex (includes pregnancy or related conditions), religion or creed, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, status as a veteran, union membership, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, political affiliation, or any other protected characteristics as required by federal, state or local law. Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact HR@vaco.com . Vaco by Highspring also wants all applicants to know their rights that workplace discrimination is illegal. By submitting to this position, you agree that you will be giving Vaco by Highspring the exclusive right to present your as a candidate for the foregoing employment opportunity. You further agree that you have represented information about yourself accurately and have not affirmatively misrepresented your qualifications. You also agree to maintain as confidential, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any information you learn from Vaco by Highspring about the position and you will limit disclosure of information about the position only to the extent necessary to perform any obligations in furtherance of your application. In exchange, Vaco by Highspring agrees to exercise reasonable efforts to represent you through all solicitation, job screening and resume dispersal. Privacy Notice Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries ("we," "our," or "Vaco by Highspring") respects your privacy and are committed to providing transparent notice of our policies. California residents may access Vaco by Highspring HR Notice at Collection for California Applicants and Employees here. Virginia residents may access our state specific policies here. Residents of all other states may access our policies here. Canadian residents may access our policies in English here and in French here. Residents of countries governed by GDPR may access our policies here. Pay Transparency Notice Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco by Highspring depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to: the individual's skill sets, experience and training; licensure and certification requirements; office location and other geographic considerations; other business and organizational needs. With that said, as required by local law, Vaco by Highspring believes that the following salary range referenced above reasonably estimates the base compensation for an individual hired into this position in geographies that require salary range disclosure. The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses.