Friedman Williams
Director of Human Resources Denver Colorado
Job ID: 21591
Our client, a highly respected professional services organization in Denver, is seeking an accomplished Director of Human Resources to lead its human resources function and serve as a trusted strategic advisor to senior leadership.
This is a highly visible leadership opportunity for an experienced HR executive who brings strong expertise in employment law compliance, employee relations, workplace investigations, HR operations, and organizational leadership.
The Director will work closely with senior leadership and department heads on complex people matters, providing thoughtful, practical guidance on sensitive employee issues, organizational strategy, performance, talent, and risk. The ideal candidate will have the executive presence and judgment to navigate challenging situations while also being comfortable rolling up their sleeves and remaining engaged in the day-to-day HR function.
What Makes This Opportunity Exciting
This role offers the opportunity to shape and lead the HR strategy of a sophisticated organization, with meaningful access to senior leadership and the ability to influence culture, talent, organizational effectiveness, and employee experience.
You will have the opportunity to:
- Serve as a trusted HR advisor to senior leadership.
- Shape workforce and talent strategies that support organizational growth.
- Lead the organization’s approach to employee relations and workplace investigations.
- Strengthen HR policies, compliance, systems, and infrastructure.
- Develop and enhance performance management and leadership development programs.
- Drive recruiting, retention, engagement, and employee development initiatives.
- Lead and develop the HR function while maintaining hands-on involvement in key initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic HR Leadership
- Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership on talent, performance, engagement, organizational health, and workforce strategy.
- Partner with leadership on workforce planning, succession planning, organizational design, and talent development.
- Provide thoughtful and candid guidance on sensitive and complex employment matters.
- Advise leaders on performance issues, workplace conflict, accommodations, leaves, discipline, and employee separations.
Employee Relations & Workplace Investigations
- Lead prompt, thorough, fair, and well-documented workplace investigations.
- Assess employee complaints and determine appropriate investigative approaches.
- Conduct sensitive interviews, evaluate information, and develop well-supported findings and recommendations.
- Maintain confidentiality and ensure employee concerns are addressed consistently and appropriately.
- Work with General Counsel and outside employment counsel when appropriate.
Employment Compliance & Policies
- Lead the organization’s employment compliance efforts and promote consistent, legally sound HR practices.
- Monitor changes in federal, state, and local employment laws and recommend appropriate updates.
- Oversee compliance related to wage and hour requirements, leaves, accommodations, employee classifications, payroll practices, benefits, and record retention.
- Maintain and enhance HR policies and provide training and guidance to leaders.
Performance Management & Development
- Lead and continuously improve the performance management process.
- Coach leaders on performance expectations, difficult conversations, documentation, accountability, and employee development.
- Partner with leadership to strengthen career development and advancement opportunities.
- Support training and development initiatives that enhance leadership capabilities and organizational effectiveness.
Talent, Retention & Employee Engagement
- Oversee professional staff recruiting and onboarding initiatives.
- Develop strategies to attract, retain, and develop high-performing talent.
- Monitor workforce trends, turnover, engagement, and market competitiveness.
- Lead employee engagement, culture, recognition, and communication initiatives.
- Partner with leadership to assess organizational effectiveness and identify opportunities for improvement.
HR Operations, Payroll & Benefits
- Provide executive oversight of HR operations, including payroll, benefits, HR systems, employee data, and reporting.
- Ensure accurate and compliant payroll and benefits administration.
- Oversee benefits programs and vendor relationships.
- Evaluate and improve HR systems, processes, and infrastructure to enhance efficiency and employee experience.
What We’re Looking For
The ideal candidate is a seasoned HR leader who combines strategic thinking with hands-on execution and is comfortable operating at both the executive and operational levels.
Qualifications include:
- 12+ years of progressive HR experience, including significant leadership responsibility.
- Experience leading an HR function within a law firm, professional services organization, or similarly sophisticated environment strongly preferred.
- Demonstrated experience advising senior executives and leadership teams on complex personnel matters.
- Strong background in workplace investigations and employee relations.
- Deep knowledge of federal, state, and local employment laws and HR compliance.
- Experience overseeing payroll, benefits, leave administration, HR policies, HR systems, and broader HR operations.
- SHRM-SCP or SPHR certification strongly preferred.
- Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or relevant legal, compliance, or employee relations education is a plus.
The Ideal Leadership Profile
We are looking for someone who brings:
- Strong executive presence and credibility with senior leadership.
- Excellent judgment when handling sensitive or high-risk employee matters.
- Exceptional discretion, integrity, and confidentiality.
- Strong employment law and compliance knowledge.
- Outstanding employee relations and conflict-resolution skills.
- The ability to balance empathy, accountability, and business considerations.
- A strategic mindset coupled with a willingness to remain hands-on.
- Excellent communication, coaching, and relationship-building skills.
Compensation & Benefits
Salary: $180,000$220,000 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications.
The organization also offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:
- Health insurance
- 401(k) contribution
- Paid time off
- Annual bonus potential based on organizational performance
Schedule: MondayFriday, 8:00AM 5:00PM
Location: Denver, Colorado
This is an exempt, senior-level leadership position with significant visibility and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on people strategy, organizational culture, and the overall employee experience. If you are interested in this role or any other job opportunity throughout the US, please contact James Martinos @ jmartinos@friedmanwilliams.com and call James on 732-965-1094