Director of HR, Central Services

Vertex Education • Chandler, AZ

16d

About The Position

Be the one who makes a difference! At Vertex Education we are a team of high achievers, courageous leaders, and passionate believers in changing lives through education. As a purpose-led education services provider, our mission is destined to benefit many and yet it starts with just one person inspired to work together with us to make a memorable and meaningful difference for our clients, schools, students, and communities. Be the one who makes a difference—with us. At Vertex Education we are a team of high achievers, courageous leaders, and passionate believers in changing lives through education. As a purpose-led education services provider, our mission benefits many but starts with just one person inspired to work together with us to make a memorable and meaningful difference for our clients, schools, students, and communities. This role operates with all those purposes in mind. We are seeking a hands-on Director of Human Resources to own and operate our internal people operations. This critical Central Services leader will build and run a standardized, data-driven operational backbone, transforming our total rewards, HR technology, and employee relations functions into a disciplined engine. You will lead post-acquisition HR integrations, enforce process integrity within our HR systems, and ensure that our people have access to a compelling Total Rewards program. This role is for a leader who thrives on execution, accountability, and creating order from complexity while leveraging data to drive sound judgment and sustainable growth.

Requirements

• 10+ years of progressive Human Resources experience, including 5+ years in a senior leadership role overseeing HR Operations, Total Rewards, and Employee Relations.
• Deep hands-on experience implementing and governing standardized processes within Workday or other HCM.
• Demonstrated success leading HR integration for acquisitions, including systems, benefits, payroll, and compensation harmonization.
• Proven expertise in compensation operations, job leveling execution, and benefits cost management.
• Strong track record using HR data and analytics to drive decisions and improve operational outcomes.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with compensation management platforms such as Payscale, Mercer, etc.
• Experience leading vendor negotiations with benefits brokers
• Professional certifications such as SHRM-SCP, SPHR, or CCP.

Responsibilities

• HR Systems, Operations & Service Delivery: Own and operate standardized HR workflows within Workday HCM to ensure operational efficiency, scalability, and data integrity. Serve as the primary business owner for the HR technology stack, governing system configurations, vendor relationships, and contract negotiations. Conduct regular audits of HR data and workflows, directly participating in cleanup and remediation efforts to maintain the HRIS as a single source of truth. Establish HR operational governance, SLAs, and performance metrics to improve service delivery and reduce rework and errors.
• Total Rewards & Compensation Operations: Lead annual compensation and merit cycles in partnership with Finance, ensuring disciplined budget management and equitable pay outcomes. Manage all employee benefits programs and renewals, balancing cost management with competitive and valued offerings. Analyze total rewards effectiveness and present data-driven recommendations connecting investment decisions to retention and performance outcomes.
• Employee Relations, Leaves & Compliance: Establish and operationalize a standardized employee relations framework, playbooks, and SOPs to ensure consistent application and proactive risk mitigation. Act as the final point of authority for complex employee relations issues, personally leading investigations and resolution strategies. Provide coaching to senior leaders and managers on performance management, disciplinary actions, terminations, and accommodations. Monitor changes in employment law and ensure timely updates to policies, handbooks, and practices to maintain compliance.
• M&A HR Integration & Organizational Scalability: Own and execute the HR integration playbook for acquisitions, consolidating systems, payroll, benefits, compensation, and leveling into Vertex standards. Conduct HR due diligence for potential acquisitions, identifying risks and integration requirements. Lead employee communication and change management efforts to ensure smooth, timely post-acquisition transitions. Continuously refine integration practices based on lessons learned to improve speed and consistency over time. Execute and govern the application of Vertex’s job architecture and leveling framework, ensuring consistent application
• People Leadership & Cross-Functional Partnership: Lead, develop, and hold accountable a high-performing CS-HR team across HR Operations, Total Rewards, and Employee Relations. Establish clear priorities, operating rhythms, and performance expectations for the HR function. Partner closely with Finance, Legal, IT, and business leaders to align people operations with organizational needs.

Benefits

• Enjoy industry-leading pay, rewards, referral bonuses, with unlimited flexible paid time-off for performance.
• Be able to care for your health and your family with comprehensive medical, dental and vision benefits and invest in your future with 401(k) plans with a 6% employer match on your contributions.
• Enhance your growth and development with mentoring and money to take training classes.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Education Level: No Education Listed