The Director of Human Resources and Associate Relations will play a critical role in shaping the future of HR at Beacon Health System and will drive the transformation and optimization of the Human Resources department. Reporting directly to the VP of HR Operations and Transformation, the position will lead a multidisciplinary team in a matrix model and collaborate closely with key stakeholders to enhance HR operations, foster Associate relations, and drive strategic initiatives. This position requires a strategic mindset, strong leadership capabilities, and a passion for driving organizational change.

Strategic Leadership:

• Partner with the VP of HR Operations and Transformation to develop and execute strategic initiatives aligned with organizational goals and objectives.
• Lead the development and implementation of HR strategies, policies, and programs to support business objectives and drive employee engagement.
• Drive continuous improvement and innovation in HR operations, leveraging best practices, technology, and AI solutions.
• Project manage assigned HR strategic initiatives.

Corporate Services HR Management:

• Oversee HR Shared Services functions, including payroll processing, benefits administration, onboarding, compliance administrative functions, and employee records management.
• Ensure efficient and effective delivery of HR services to employees, managers, and stakeholders, meeting service level agreements and performance targets.
• Streamline HR processes, workflows, and systems to enhance operational efficiency, accuracy, and compliance.

Associate and Labor Relations:

• Provide leadership and guidance on Associate relations matters, including investigations, disciplinary actions, grievances, and conflict resolution.
• Ensure compliance with labor laws, regulations, and collective bargaining agreements, partnering with legal counsel and labor relations specialists as needed.
• Develop and implement proactive strategies and standard HR operating procedures to promote positive employee relations and mitigate risks, including implementing best-in-class investigation processes, technology tools and recordkeeping.
• Expertly manages all Associate relations-related issues that may arise.
• Proactively addresses Associate concerns and is a leader in all investigations and follows up in partnership with HR Operations Managers and HRBPs.
• Ensures consistent application of HR policies and successfully manages workforce and compliance risk.
• Promptly notifies HR Business Partners and key stakeholders of any EEOC and/or lawsuit possibilities.
• Seeks to develop strong understanding of Employment Law and align local practice with industry and division best practices.

HR Operations Team Development (HR Operations Managers and HRBPs)

• Mentor, coach, and develop HR Operations Team in collaboration with the VP, HR Operations and Transformation to enhance their business acumen, HR expertise, and strategic partnering skills. This team reports directly to the VP, HR Operations and Transformation with dotted line matrix reporting to this role.
• Collaborate with HR Operations Team to align HR initiatives with business objectives, address organizational challenges, and support talent management strategies.
• Provide guidance and support on complex Associate relations issues and organizational change initiatives.

Change Management and Transformation:

• Coordinate and consult on change management initiatives under the direction of the VP of HR Operations and Transformation to drive adoption of new processes, technologies, and organizational structures.
• Engage stakeholders, communicate effectively, and manage resistance to change to ensure successful implementation and sustainability.
• Foster a culture of innovation, agility, and continuous improvement within the HR department and across the organization.

Education and Experience

• The knowledge, skills and abilities as indicated below are normally acquired through the successful completion of a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred). Juris Doctor (JD) preferred, but not required. Alternatively, strong labor relations and associate relations experience with demonstrated expertise in leading investigations, training, and resolution. Ten plus years of progressive experience in HR leadership roles, with a focus on HR Shared Services, HR Operations, Employee and Labor Relations, and HRBP management, preferably in a healthcare setting.

Knowledge & Skills

• Extensive experience in HR leadership roles, with a focus on corporate services HR and labor relations within a complex organizational structure.
• Deep understanding of labor laws, regulations, and best practices, with the ability to interpret and apply them effectively.
• Proven track record of strategic HR leadership, including the development and implementation of HR initiatives to drive organizational success.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate at all levels of the organization.
• Demonstrated leadership in driving transformational change and building high-performing teams.
• Proficiency in HR technology solutions, including HRIS, payroll systems, and AI tools.
• Excellent leadership, communication, interpersonal, and conflict resolution skills.
• Strategic mindset, analytical thinking, and ability to drive results in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in creating compelling presentations for executives, Boards, and Associate learning using PowerPoint and Canva.
• Proficiency in leveraging Office 365 suite of tools to enhance communication, streamline workflows, summarize meetings and data, and drive efficiency (including Planner, Loop, Power BI, SharePoint, etc.).