Director of HR, North America

SANS Institute

3d • $180 - $220 • Remote

About The Position

We are seeking a Director of HR, North America to join our Human Resources team. This role plays a key part in
for serving as the HR leader senior HR business partner for the North America region and corporate functions, providing strategic and hands-on HR leadership aligned to business priorities and organizational goals.
Reporting directly to the Chief Human Resources Officer, this leader will manage a team of three HR Business Partners who support the North America region and corporate functions. The Director will partner closely with business leaders to guide talent strategy, organizational effectiveness, employee relations, change management, leadership coaching, and workforce planning. This individual will also collaborate with regional HR Directors in EMEA and APAC on employee relations matters and people issues that span multiple regions.
The role will work closely with HR Operations to build and execute operational activities and key people processes. In partnership with the Manager, Global Talent Management, this leader will provide business input, share best practices, and identify business implications related to talent programs, processes, and policies. The ideal candidate is a strategic business partner who brings sound judgment, business acumen, and a pragmatic approach to solving complex people challenges.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, business, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive Human Resources experience.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience managing HR Business Partners or similar HR professionals.
• Demonstrated experience serving as a strategic HR business partner to senior leaders.
• Strong employee relations experience, including managing complex and sensitive workplace matters.
• Experience advising leaders on performance management, organizational effectiveness, change management, and talent strategy.
• Strong understanding of employment law and HR practices in North America.
• Proven ability to balance strategic thinking with operational execution.
• Strong interpersonal, coaching, and influencing skills with the ability to build trust across all levels of the organization.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong judgment, discretion, and ability to handle confidential information appropriately.
• Ability to work effectively in a remote, geographically dispersed environment.
• Ability to travel domestically up to 20% of the time.
• Unrestricted authorization to work in the USA; visa sponsorship is not available.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in human resources, business administration, or related field.
• SPHR, SHRM-SCP, or similar HR certification.
• Experience supporting both business functions and corporate/shared services functions.
• Experience working in a global organization with collaboration across multiple regions.
• Experience leading HR support in a remote work environment.
• Strong business acumen and ability to translate business strategy into people priorities.
• Experience in professional services, education, technology, or other fast-paced, mission-driven organizations.
• Demonstrated ability to lead through complexity with a pragmatic, solutions-oriented approach.
• Demonstrated ability to use technology and emerging AI tools to improve HR efficiency, manager support, decision-making, and employee experience, while applying sound judgment and maintaining compliance, confidentiality, and appropriate human oversight.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the strategic HR leader for the North America region and corporate functions, aligning people strategies with business goals and organizational priorities.
• Lead, coach, and develop a team of HR Business Partners, ensuring high-quality support to leaders and employees across the region.
• Partner with senior leaders to provide counsel on organizational design, workforce planning, succession planning, talent development, team effectiveness, and change management.
• Act as a trusted advisor to leaders on employee relations matters, performance management, policy interpretation, risk mitigation, and complex workplace issues.
• Collaborate with regional HR Directors in EMEA and APAC to address employee relations matters, policy considerations, and people strategies that span multiple regions.
• Partner with HR Operations to build and execute operational activities, people processes, and compliance-related requirements.
• Work closely with the Manager, Global Talent Management to provide business input on talent processes, programs, and policies, while sharing best practices and identifying business implications.
• Use data, trends, and business insight to identify people-related risks and opportunities and recommend practical solutions.
• Support leaders through organizational change and business transformation while helping maintain employee engagement and alignment.
• Champion a consistent employee experience grounded in SANS culture and values while balancing regional and business needs.
• Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local employment laws and HR policies across North America.
• Contribute to broader HR initiatives and projects as a member of the HR leadership team.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Competitive base salary, bonus opportunities, and a 401(k) plan with company match.
• Robust medical, dental, and vision plans; company-provided short term disability; optional long-term disability, supplemental life and AD&D insurance for employees and dependents; voluntary benefits including accident insurance and identity theft protection; fitness and wellness programs; and a company paid employee assistance program (EAP).
• Generous paid time off, including volunteer time.
• Access to professional development and SANS training opportunities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees