Human Resources & Payroll Director

The Talent Shop is hiring a Human Resources & Payroll Director on behalf of a growing client organization. This role reports directly to the CEO and plays a critical role in supporting team members, strengthening company culture, managing benefits, and ensuring accurate, compliant payroll operations. The company is in growth mode so the candidate will play an integral role in ensuring the right people systems & processes are in place to support this growth. This position requires a highly motivated, detail-oriented professional with a passion for team member relations, compliance, and operational excellence.

This role partners closely with the Executive and Operations teams to execute HR initiatives, manage payroll and benefit processes, and support a fast-paced, high growth, results-driven airport environment. The ideal candidate thrives in a collaborative, innovative environment and is eager to grow through a performance-based career development plan.

What the Human Resources & Payroll Director Does:

Human Resources, Recruiting & Team Member Relations

· Serves as the first point of contact for team member relations matters, advising leaders and team members on appropriate resolution strategies

· Conducts thorough, fair, and timely workplace investigations as needed

· Assists in updating and maintaining the team member handbook, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws

· Maintains compliance with employment regulations and HR best practices; reviews and recommends policy updates as needed

· Partners with operations to offer recruiting support and execute company-wide recruiting strategies to maintain proper staffing levels at all locations

· Attends job fairs and recruiting events as a brand ambassador as necessary

· Assists with onboarding and badging of new team members

· Manages monthly attrition reporting and supports retention efforts and programs

· Creates and support the implementation of an annual team member engagement survey; analyzes results and partners with leadership to develop action plans

· Develops and supports company culture and team member engagement initiatives

· Creates and supports workplace safety programs and initiatives

· Engages with team on site at airports regularly to show support to our most valuable assets – our team members

· Will serve as the primary point of contact if any of our locations become unionized

Payroll, Benefits & HR Operations

· Manages and oversees end-to-end payroll processing to ensure accuracy, timeliness, and compliance

· Partners with leadership to reconcile payroll data, resolve discrepancies, and deliver accurate reporting

· Ensures payroll practices comply with wage and hour laws, tax regulations, and company policies

· Maintains team member payroll records, audits data for accuracy, and ensures confidentiality

· Own HRIS strategy and administration

· Will act as Project Manager for new Payroll system choice, implementation, configuration, optimization, and ongoing enhancements

· Manages benefits administration, including open enrollment communication and team member education

· Develops and produces HR and payroll-related reports as needed for leadership and compliance purposes

Collaboration & Support

· Works cross-functionally with Executive and Operations teams

· Provides guidance and support to managers on HR, benefits and payroll-related matters

· Performs additional duties and special projects as assigned

What You Need to Be Successful

· Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience

· 3+ years of experience in an HR/Payroll Manager or related role

· Working knowledge of traditional human resources practices and payroll administration

· Demonstrated experience building strong relationships with operational teams

· Experience in restaurant, hospitality, or retail environments strongly preferred

· SHRM-CP or PHR preferred (certification sponsorship available upon hire)

· Ability to read, write, and speak Spanish preferred, but not required

· Strong written and verbal communication skills

· Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite

· High level of professionalism with the ability to maintain confidentiality

· Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities

· Knowledge of emerging HR trends and federal, state, and local compliance requirements

· Ability to travel to airport restaurant locations (currently DCA, IAD, IAH & BWI)

· Passionate about people, culture, and operational excellence

· Airport operation experience helpful, but not required