Director of Human Resources Operations and Employee Services

Bankwell Financial Group • New Canaan, CT

7d

About The Position

The Director of Human Resources Operations and Employee Services is responsible for building an operationally excellent, responsive, and trusted HR organization at Bankwell. The role strengthens HR’s operational foundation by improving processes, clarifying ownership, enhancing manager support, and delivering high-quality employee service. The Director ensures consistent, efficient, compliant, and accountable HR operations while preparing the department to support future organizational growth.

The immediate focus is on dependable HR operations and employee services rather than building a sophisticated talent management or organizational development function. The Director oversees recruitment, onboarding, benefits administration, employee records, HRIS administration, leave administration, policy administration, employee inquiries, and employment documentation. The role also advises managers, leads continuous process improvement, manages compliance and risk, develops the HR team, and provides executives with reliable operational information.

During the first 12 months, priorities include reviewing the value and ownership of HR administrative work; clarifying process ownership; simplifying or eliminating outdated activities; standardizing procedures; improving service levels, recruiting, and onboarding; implementing operational metrics; creating an annual improvement plan; and supporting organizational change related to the bank’s core conversion. Success is measured by reliable, simple processes, accountable ownership, effective manager partnership, respectful employee service, streamlined administration, and readiness for future growth.

Requirements

• Demonstrated success improving HR operations and service delivery.
• Strong process improvement and organizational skills.
• Experience leading HR operations within a regulated environment, preferably banking or financial services.
• Knowledge of employment law, compliance, benefits, payroll, and HR systems.
• Ability to simplify complex processes and improve operational efficiency.
• Excellent judgment, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Practical, service-oriented leadership style with a strong customer focus.
• Demonstrated operational discipline, process orientation, continuous improvement mindset, accountability, and sound judgment.
• Ability to lead collaboratively, solve problems calmly and practically, and build trust across all levels of the organization.
• Commitment to treating employees with dignity, consistency, and respect.

Nice To Haves

• Experience leading HR operations in banking or financial services.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate and improve HR operational processes, including reviewing administrative work for value, ownership, efficiency, and necessity.
• Eliminate unnecessary administrative and compliance work and simplify essential processes.
• Standardize HR procedures and documentation, establish clear process ownership, and improve workflows through redesign and appropriate technology.
• Develop service standards and performance measures for HR operations.
• Oversee recruitment, employee onboarding, benefits administration, employee records, HRIS administration, leave administration, policy administration, employee inquiries, and employment documentation.
• Ensure HR services are responsive, consistent, professional, accessible, and respectful.
• Advise managers on hiring, employee relations, performance management, corrective action, policy interpretation, promotions, terminations, and workplace concerns.
• Help managers resolve issues early while ensuring consistency and fairness.
• Lead ongoing operational improvement initiatives and promote a culture of continuous improvement within HR.
• Maintain regulatory and employment law compliance, accurate personnel records, policy governance, audit readiness, and document retention standards.
• Build a high-performing HR team by setting expectations, defining roles, developing staff capabilities, improving accountability, and promoting customer service and continuous learning.
• Provide executives with information on HR service levels, workforce metrics, recruiting progress, compliance status, process improvements, and organizational readiness.
• Recommend practical operational improvements and support organizational change associated with the bank’s core conversion.
• Complete an HR Administrative Value and Ownership Review, clarify recurring process ownership, standardize core procedures, improve service levels, implement operational metrics, and develop an annual HR operational improvement plan.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Employer-paid life and disability insurance.
• Health Savings Account (HSA) option.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Telehealth and wellness resources.
• Supplemental insurance options.
• Pet insurance.
• Legal plan benefits.
• Benefits become effective on the first day of the month following the date of hire.

What This Job Offers

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