Peoples Bank Director of Human Resources

Peoples Bank • Bellingham, WA

just now • Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Human Resources is a key officer-level leader who shapes and drives the people strategy for the bank. This role ensures we cultivate a thriving, mission-aligned workforce where employees feel valued, supported, and inspired to perform at a high level within a professional, relationship-driven culture.

As a trusted advisor to executive leadership, the Director provides strategic direction on workforce planning, organizational design, talent development, and cultural stewardship. This position plays a critical role in strengthening our culture, advancing our people initiatives, and ensuring the Bank remains a workplace where employees can grow, contribute meaningfully, and make a positive impact on the customers and communities we serve.

The Director leads the design, planning, and continuous improvement of HR practices and programs while ensuring full compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations.

Requirements

• You have a bachelor’s degree in human resources management or a related field.
• You have a minimum of 7-10 years’ human resource management experience.
• You have SHRM-SCP or SPHR certification.
• You have in depth knowledge of federal, state, and local regulatory issues related to employment laws and regulations.
• You have strong strategic thinking skills with the ability to align HR initiatives with organizational goals and influence decision-making at the executive level.
• You are proficient in Human Resources Information Systems, Word, Excel and Power Point.
• You are able to build and maintain strong, positive relationships and influence and guide others as well as effectively coach employees.
• You demonstrate professional conduct and the ability to maintain the confidentiality of employee and bank information.
• You can travel to other Peoples Bank locations and off-site for meetings and/or training as required.
• You have the ability to model the Peoples Bank Mission, Vision, and Values.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in highly regulated industries such as banking, financial services or healthcare is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Serving as a strategic business partner to executive leadership, contributing to organizational planning, workforce strategies, and long-term decision-making to ensure HR initiatives directly support the Bank’s mission, culture, and business goals.
• Providing tools, resources, and guidance to managers to support employee development, coaching, and performance management.
• Managing complex employee performance situations by providing expert guidance, developing improvement strategies, and partnering with leaders to ensure fair and timely resolution. This includes conducting or overseeing investigations into sensitive employee relations matters and providing clear, well-supported recommendations aligned with Bank policies and legal requirements.
• Overseeing negotiations and administration of employee benefits plans; including healthcare, life & disability insurance, and the EAP along with oversight of the Peoples Bank Salary Investment and Profit-Sharing Plan (401(k)).
• Directly supervising the HR Manager and Talent Acquisition Manager, with overall leadership of the HR department.
• Ensuring compliance with all federal, state, and local employment laws.

Benefits

• We are proud to offer hybrid work from home options for most non-customer facing positions.
• We share our success with you through Profit Sharing, Incentives, and other Bonus Structures, based on your position.
• We support healthy work/life balance by offering 20 days of paid vacation, 2 paid wellness days, 2 days of paid community service time, as well as paid sick leave that is accrued based on hours worked. Our employees will also enjoy 11 paid holidays throughout the calendar year.
• Wellness needs vary by individual, so we provide a full suite of Health benefits to employees and their families that include Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance, Mental Health Resources, and a $200 annual reimbursement for wellness related expenses.
• We invest in your financial security by providing an 8% 401(k) employer match and safety net of life and disability plans.

What This Job Offers

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