Senior Director of Human Resources & People (Department Head)

Senior Director of Human Resources & People (Department Head)

Ocean State Job Lot ("OSJL" or the "Company") is a dynamic $850+ million general merchandise retailer with a strong foothold across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic. With over 170 stores currently and ambitious plans to reach 180 locations, OSJL offers exciting opportunities for growth and contribution. We are an opportunity-driven retailer owning over 50% of our operating locations, totaling 8 million square feet, demonstrating our stability and long-term vision. At OSJL, you will be part of a team committed to delivering exceptional value to our customers while driving positive change and a more responsible future for retail within our communities.

Description

The Senior Director of Human Resources & People is a pivotal leadership role at Ocean State Job Lot ("OSJL" or the "Company"), designed for a transformational leader who will architect the Company's future-state People strategy. More than a functional head, this leader will serve as a strategic thought partner to the Vice President, empowered to influence critical business decisions with data-driven evidence. The core mission is to design the "support center of the future" while leading the company through enterprise-wide change.

This position requires a unique ability to balance this visionary, long-term strategy with the operational excellence of core HR functions, including Total Rewards, Associate Relations, Compliance, and Development. The Senior Director will take full ownership of the talent and succession pipeline and unify a high-performing team under a single vision. This role is ideal for an intrinsically motivated change agent focused on building a People function that delivers a sustainable competitive advantage for OSJL.

Key Responsibilities

• Architect and Drive the People Vision: In partnership with the VP, serve as a principal architect of the Company's forward-thinking People strategy. Establish a clear vision for the entire HR function that anticipates the future of work, leveraging data, HR technology, and AI to build a sustainable competitive advantage for the business.
• Lead Organizational Transformation & Design: Critically evaluate the current Company and department structures to lead the transformation of the "support center of the future." Drive initiatives that enhance organizational effectiveness, streamline processes, and align the workforce structure with evolving business goals.
• Own the Talent & Succession Pipeline: Lead the development and implementation of a robust, proactive succession planning process. Champion a culture of internal mobility and leadership development to build a strong talent pipeline at all levels of the organization.
• Unify and Develop a High-Performing Team: Guide a blended team of strategic and operational professionals, unifying them under a single, compelling vision. Focus the team on the most critical priorities through expert coaching, talent development, and mentorship.
• Serve as a Strategic Partner and Challenger: Act as a true thought partner to executive leadership. Use data-driven evidence and deep business knowledge to challenge ideas, advocate for optimal People strategies, and influence critical decisions that benefit the long-term health of the Company.
• Ensure Foundational & Operational Excellence: Provide strategic oversight for all core People functions, including Total Rewards, Associate and Labor Relations, Performance Management, Payroll, and Compliance. Drive modernization and efficiency in these areas to ensure foundational stability while the future state is being built.
• Lead Change Management & Adoption: Drive organizational transformation by developing and executing communication strategies that foster stakeholder buy-in. Champion the adoption of new processes, technologies, and strategies by ensuring the delivery of effective training, coaching, and support.
• Foster a Positive Associate Relations Climate: Drive a productive and engaging work environment by providing strategic guidance on complex associate matters. Ensure a proactive, consistent approach to labor relations and legal compliance, championing strategies that strengthen the company's direct relationship with its associates.

Qualifications

• Bachelor Degree or equivalent preferred.
• 10+ years of experience in Operations or Human Resources with a demonstrated track record of success.
• 5 or more years of experience as a senior executive or VP level in a retail or similar company is required.
• Ability to demonstrate proficiency with AI tools.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Passion for developing and coaching others.
• SPHR/SCP or Equivalent Preferred
• Excellent interpersonal and conflict resolution skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong supervisory and leadership skills.
• Thorough knowledge of employment-related laws and regulations.
• Knowledge of and experience with varied human resource information systems.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office, G-Suite, UKG, Domo, desktop publishing programs, Adobe Creative Suite and an understanding of social media and digital platforms.

Work Environment

• Work is performed in both a climate-controlled office and warehouse environments; experience with the operational and safety dynamics of a warehouse setting is preferred.
• Works in an office environment remaining stationary at a desk, table, or computer workstation for extended periods of time. Frequently uses near vision for reading and computer tasks.
• Full Office Presence: This role is based in the Corporate Office and requires in-office presence Monday through Friday. Occasional, pre-approved exceptions to work remotely may be granted based on business needs.
• Regular travel necessary to visit stores and attend leadership meetings (travel estimated to be 20% or less).
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

This job description does not list all the duties of the job. You may be asked by supervisors or managers to perform other job duties and tasks, some of which may be essential to the position. Management has the right to revise this job description at any time. The job description is not a contract, either express or implied. You are an at-will employee, meaning either you or the Company may terminate your employment at any time, with or without notice.

OSJL Featured Total Rewards & Perks:

• Competitive Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Including but not limited to Medical, Dental, Vision, and much more.
• 401K Program
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• If applicable, company will support expenses affiliated with relocation

Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.