Director of Human Resources

Thrive Physical Therapy Partners • Chicago, IL

57d • $110,000 - $130,000

About The Position

Thrive Physical Therapy Partners is seeking an experienced, hands-on Human Resources Director to become our first dedicated HR representative. This is a unique opportunity to build the foundation of a scalable HR function while making an immediate impact across a growing, multi-state healthcare organization. We are looking for a true builder-operator: someone who can assess the current environment, address immediate employee and compliance needs, and progressively introduce the policies, processes, tools, and structure needed to support Thrive’s continued growth. In this role, you will build and lead Thrive's HR function in close partnership with Operations, Talent Acquisition, Payroll, Finance, practice leaders, and outside counsel.

Requirements

• A practical, builder-oriented mindset with the humility to listen, the judgment to prioritize, and the willingness to work hands-on.
• An empathetic and approachable communication style, with exceptional listening skills and the ability to navigate sensitive conversations with clarity and discretion.
• Significant progressive human resources leadership experience.
• Strong expertise in employee relations, workplace investigations, and multi-state employment compliance.
• Experience building or substantially professionalizing an HR function.
• Sound judgment in sensitive and higher-risk employee matters.
• The ability to translate complex requirements into practical, usable processes.
• A collaborative leadership style with excellent communication skills.
• Comfort balancing hands-on execution with longer-term strategy.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in healthcare, multi-site operations, or another highly regulated environment is a plus.
• Experience supporting a distributed portfolio of locally branded businesses, each with its own identity and culture, is a strong plus.
• Bachelor’s degree and SHRM-SCP or SPHR certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Work collaboratively with leadership to evaluate needs, present clear recommendations, outline risks and options, and secure alignment before implementing significant policies or programs.
• Assess federal, state, and local employment practices and develop a prioritized compliance and risk-remediation plan.
• Serve as the primary HR resource for complex employee relations matters, including investigations, discipline, accommodations, and terminations.
• Build foundational HR policies, workflows, templates, documentation standards, and employee lifecycle processes.
• Strengthen leave administration, accommodations, wage-and-hour practices, I-9 compliance, workers’ compensation, and employee records.
• Coach leaders and improve the consistency, responsiveness, and quality of HR support.
• Use employee feedback, engagement, retention, and exit trends to recommend practical improvements.
• Chair cross-functional culture and benefits committees.
• Collaboratively build an HR function capable of supporting growth from approximately 1,200 employees to 2,500 and beyond.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director