Director, HR Operations & Total Rewards (City of Poughkeepsie)

Our client, a confidential organization committed to operational excellence, is hiring a Director, HR Operations & Total Rewards to lead critical HR functions and drive strategic transformation within their Human Resources department. This is a high-impact, hands-on leadership role ideal for a dynamic professional ready to shape and optimize HR processes in a growing environment.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and enhance end-to-end HR operational processes, including process audits, automation, and system optimization to streamline workflows and reduce manual tasks.
• Lead the transition from manual/paper-based procedures to automated, efficient systems, building dashboards and reporting on HR data through HRIS platforms such as Paycor, and potentially ADP or Oracle.
• Provide oversight and backup support for payroll operations, ensuring accuracy and compliance while collaborating closely with Finance on provider negotiations and incentives.
• Manage benefits administration by overseeing claims, plan alignment, and open enrollment, and lead a 401(k) cleanup and consolidation project currently in RFP phase.
• Ensure HR compliance, oversee leave administration (via outsourced partners), and maintain a focus on regulatory adherence.
• Spearhead key projects over the first 6 to 12 months, including the overhaul of the 401(k) program, payroll assessments, and automation of HR workflows.
• Evaluate and potentially restructure the current HR team within 3-6 months, with plans to add an HR analyst to support ongoing operations.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field; advanced certifications are a plus.
• Proven experience in HR operations leadership with a focus on payroll oversight, HRIS systems, benefits administration, and process improvement.
• 5+ years of HR operations experience, with at least 2 years in a managerial or early director role.
• Demonstrated ability to lead automation initiatives, system integrations, and data reporting.
• Strong project management skills with a hands-on, build-and-fix approach in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent cross-functional partnership skills, especially with Finance and external vendors.
• Deep understanding of payroll operations, particularly in complex or single-state environments, and familiarity with outsourced benefits and leave processes.
• Adept at analyzing workflows, identifying gaps, and implementing efficient solutions.
• Experience with system vendor evaluations and integrations (Paycor, ADP, Oracle).
• Background in benefits plan redesign and compliance management.
• Prior involvement in 401(k) program overhaul or similar benefit projects.
• Willingness to adapt to organizational needs and participate in confidential, strategic initiatives.
• Location in or near the Hudson Valley region (NY), with a hybrid work arrangement of 2-3 days onsite initially. Candidates should reside within approximately one hour of the location.

Salary: The posted range is not a guarantee. The actual salary will be based on qualifications, experience, and education and could fall outside of this range.