HR Business Partner Director

The Winston Family of Companies, anchored by Winston Water Cooler, one of the most established plumbing supply distributors in the southern U.S., operates as a shared service center supporting 80 locations across a diverse, multi-company footprint. Each location's ownership and leadership retain full authority over their own HR decisions, this role exists to make sure they never have to make those decisions without an expert in their corner. We are seeking an HR Business Partner Director who leads with expertise and earns trust through consistently sound, practical advice. This is a role for someone who is energized by solving real problems for real people and someone who can translate complex employment law, benefits design, and compliance requirements into clear, accurate, usable recommendations that location leaders can act on with confidence. You'll be the expert each location calls when they need to get it right and need a recommendation to make a final decision. What You Will Own HR Advisory & Location Support Serve as the primary point of contact and trusted advisor for HR questions, issues, and escalations across all 80 locations, from routine policy questions to complex terminations and accommodation requests. Provide clear, accurate, and legally sound recommendations that equip location owners and leaders to make confident, informed decisions, while respecting that final decision‑making authority rests with them. Build strong, responsive relationships with location leadership so they see HR as an accessible resource, not just a compliance gatekeeper. Coach and educate location leaders on best practices for performance management, documentation, and day‑to‑day people management, building their capability over time rather than solving every issue for them indefinitely. Help facilitate job description drafting and job postings for locations as needed, tailoring the approach to what each location needs rather than force‑fitting a single standardized description or process across all 80 locations. Benefits Program Administration Administer the centralized benefit programs available to Winston locations (medical, dental, vision, life, disability, HSA/FSA, 401(k), and voluntary offerings), and manage the relationships with brokers, TPAs, carriers, and consultants that make those programs work. Lead Open Enrollment end‑to‑end: strategy, communications, compliance documents, and system accuracy. Manage required filings (5500s, PCORI, ACA reporting) and the Section 125 cafeteria plan. Translate plan details into plain‑language guidance that location leaders and employees can actually use. HR Compliance Guidance & Risk Mitigation Maintain deep, current expertise in FMLA, ADA, COBRA, ERISA, HIPAA, ACA, FLSA, NLRA, and applicable multi‑state employment law, and serve as the go‑to subject‑matter expert locations can rely on for accurate answers. Maintain the employee handbook, HR policy library, and compliance calendar (filings, notices, renewals) as shared resources available to every location. Flag emerging regulatory changes and proactively advise locations on what those changes mean for them in practice. Partner with legal counsel on investigations and higher‑risk matters, and know when an issue needs to be escalated. Payroll Oversight & Support Oversee payroll operations to ensure accuracy, timeliness, and compliance, in partnership with Finance and the payroll team/vendor. Advise locations on worker classification (exempt/non‑exempt, W‑2 vs 1099), overtime practices, and multi‑state tax compliance. Oversee payroll tax compliance and year‑end reporting (W‑2s, ACA filings). Drive consistent, effective use of the HRIS/payroll platform (currently Paycom) so locations get accurate data and self‑service tools. Employee Relations Advisory Act as the escalation point for complex employee relations matters like workplace conflict, accommodation requests, and separations, providing location leaders with a clear, defensible path forward. Maintain consistent investigation protocols and documentation standards that locations can apply confidently on their own. Support a structured, compliant offboarding process. HR Operations & Shared Services Team Lead and develop a small shared‑services team that delivers consistent, high‑quality support across all 80 locations. Build practical tools, templates, and workflows (onboarding, leave, accommodations, offboarding) that make it easy for locations to stay compliant without adding red tape. Continuously improve how the shared services function delivers value, prioritizing responsiveness and usability for location leaders over centralized control. A Note on Scope This leader will actively support locations with job description drafting and job postings as needed, helping individual locations get roles defined and posted well, without forcing every location into the same template or process. What works for one location's hiring needs may not fit another, and this role should tailor that support accordingly rather than standardizing it. Beyond that, this leader will continue to play a connective role, ensuring HR infrastructure supports hiring and development efforts through strong onboarding handoffs, compliance training alignment, and accurate job documentation. What We're Looking For Experience & Education Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field; HR certification preferred. 7+ years of progressive HR experience, including experience operating in an HR Business Partner, HR Director, or senior generalist capacity. Experience supporting multiple, independently operated business units, franchise locations, or a similarly decentralized organizational structure strongly preferred. Hands‑on experience across benefits administration, payroll oversight, and HR compliance. Strong working knowledge of ERISA, HIPAA, COBRA, ACA, FMLA, ADA, FLSA, Section 125, NLRA, and multi‑state employment law. Experience with benefits plan administration and broker/carrier relationships. Solid payroll acumen, including compliance and risk considerations. A consultative style: able to earn trust and influence outcomes without formal authority over the people receiving the advice. Excellent judgment for knowing when a matter needs escalation versus when a location leader can be equipped to handle it themselves. Proficiency with HRIS/payroll platforms; Paycom experience is a plus. The Ideal Mindset A natural advisor: someone who finds satisfaction in helping others get to the right answer rather than owning the decision themselves. Comfortable holding deep technical expertise loosely and confident enough to give a clear recommendation, defers to the location leader regarding weight of factors the Director doesn't see. Values consistency and risk management, but pursues it through influence, education, and accessible tools Enjoys variety; no two locations or issues look the same Preferred Credentials PHR/SPHR or SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP certification. CEBS (Certified Employee Benefits Specialist) designation. Multi‑state employment law experience, particularly across TX, NE, ID, OK, AR, NM, NV, FL, CA, and surrounding southern states. Prior experience in a shared services, franchise support, or multi‑entity advisory HR role. Why the Winston Family of Companies A high‑visibility role where you're the go‑to HR expert for leaders across 80 unique, entrepreneurial businesses. Real variety and real impact; every day brings a different location, a different problem, and a chance to make a meaningful difference. Competitive base salary, annual bonus potential, comprehensive benefits package, and 401(k) with employer match. #J-18808-Ljbffr Winston Water Cooler, Ltd.