Interim Director of Human Resources

Job Description

Job Description

Gordon Highlander

Dallas, TX | 6-Month Engagement | Initially Full-Time Onsite | Transitioning to Fractional / Hybrid

Reports To: Chief People & Culture Officer

Employment Type: Project-Based / 1099 Consulting Engagement (anticipated)

Build the HR Foundation for the Next Phase of Growth

Gordon Highlander is seeking an experienced HR leader to help strengthen and modernize its Human Resources function during an exciting period of growth and transformation.

This is not a traditional HR leadership position. It's an opportunity to step into a respected, employee-owned commercial construction company, evaluate the current HR landscape, build scalable processes, strengthen operations, and partner closely with executive leadership to position the organization for long-term success.

You'll work alongside Mandy Pearcy, Chief People & Cultural Officer, and the executive leadership team to help integrate HR and People & Culture while creating sustainable systems, coaching leaders, and improving the employee experience across the organization.

If you're the type of leader who enjoys building infrastructure, solving problems, mentoring others, and leaving organizations stronger than you found them, we'd love to connect.

Why This Opportunity Stands Out

✔ High-impact six-month engagement with executive visibility

✔ Opportunity to build and improve HR infrastructure within a growing employee-owned (ESOP) organization

✔ Partner directly with executive leadership on meaningful organizational initiatives

✔ Start with a full-time onsite presence before transitioning to a more flexible fractional schedule as objectives are achieved

✔ Collaborative leadership team committed to continuous improvement

✔ Opportunity to make a lasting impact while helping prepare the organization for its next stage of growth

What You'll Do

• Partner with executive leadership to align HR strategy with business objectives and organizational growth.
• Evaluate, strengthen, and scale HR operations, systems, and processes.
• Champion a collaborative, ownership-driven culture while supporting the continued integration of HR and People & Culture.
• Oversee onboarding, offboarding, performance management, and employee lifecycle processes.
• Ensure HRIS data integrity and develop meaningful workforce reporting and analytics.
• Oversee payroll accuracy, benefits administration, and employment law compliance.
• Support employee relations, conduct investigations, and coach managers through complex situations.
• Strengthen recruiting processes and help build sustainable talent acquisition practices.
• Guide organizational development, leadership coaching, and change management initiatives.
• Develop scalable HR infrastructure that positions Gordon Highlander for continued long-term success.

What We're Looking For

Required

• 8–12+ years of progressive Human Resources experience
• 3–5+ years of HR leadership experience
• Expertise in HR operations, recruiting, payroll, benefits administration, and employment law compliance
• Demonstrated success improving HR processes, systems, and organizational effectiveness
• Strong HRIS proficiency with the ability to leverage workforce data and analytics
• Exceptional communication, coaching, and executive partnership skills

Preferred

• Experience supporting an employee-owned (ESOP) organization
• Construction, engineering, manufacturing, industrial, or related industry experience
• SHRM-SCP, SPHR, or equivalent HR certification
• Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree preferred

What Success Looks Like

• A stronger, more scalable HR function built to support future growth
• Streamlined HR processes and improved operational efficiency
• Payroll, benefits, compliance, and employee relations operating smoothly
• Strong partnership with executive leadership and People & Culture
• Improved recruiting processes and workforce planning
• Clear HR metrics that support informed business decisions
• A sustainable HR foundation that continues to serve the organization after the engagement concludes

About Gordon Highlander

Gordon Highlander is a nationally recognized commercial construction company with a reputation for operational excellence, long-standing client relationships, and a people-first culture. As an employee-owned (ESOP) organization, the company is investing in the people, systems, and leadership needed to support its continued growth while preserving the culture that has made it successful.

If you're energized by building, improving, and creating lasting impact, we'd welcome the opportunity to connect.

EEOC Statement: We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.