Director, People Ops, Compliance, Comp

Heartland Human Care Services•Chicago, IL

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Director, People Operations, Compliance & Compensation provides leadership and operational oversight across benefits, compensation, payroll, HRIS, and learning and development. This role ensures HR practices are efficient, legally compliant, data-driven, and aligned with organizational strategy. This role is responsible for the design, implementation, and administration of operational processes used to deliver HR programs and projects, driving excellence in service delivery and data integrity in all areas. The role partners closely with HR Business Partners and leadership to create a consistent and high-performing employee experience. The role is responsible for developing scalable methodologies and tools to optimize HR operations and streamline core processes like onboarding, hiring, terminations, rewards, and timekeeping. In addition, the role Implements policies to ensure compliance with HR regulations, payroll, benefits administration including discrimination, pay equity, and data security initiatives and ensures that reporting and filings are accurate, timely, and compliant with regulatory requirements.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institute of higher learning in human resources management, business administration, or related fields.
Minimum ten (10) years of progressive Human Resources experience required.
Minimum seven (7) years of HR management at the Director level or above required.
Human Resource Certification at SHRM PHR or SPHR level required.
Strong expertise in HRIS systems, payroll operations, benefits, and compensation programs.
Strong understanding of employment law, payroll regulation, and HR best practices.
Advanced analytical skills with the ability to translate data into actionable insights.
Excellent communication, training, and relationship-building skills.
High level of professionalism, confidentiality, and judgment.
Strong project management and organizational skills.
Ability to lead through change and drive cross-functional alignment.
Skilled in process optimization, technology adoption, and systems thinking.
Excellent communication skills. Strong networker, relationship builder and communicator with experience collaborating with diverse work teams and stakeholders.
Demonstrated ability to handle confidential and sensitive information possessing skills to handle situations in a professional and diplomatic manner.
A high degree of collaboration and emotional intelligence, self-motivation, and analytical ability.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Internet Explorer, Outlook/Exchange; Windows operating systems; and other software routinely used by HHCS.
Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
Strategic thought partnership and consultancy skills.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree preferred.
Work experience in a nonprofit organization is a plus
Lean or other process improvement certification, is a plus.

Responsibilities

Leads and manages the People Operations teams responsible for Benefits, Compensation, Payroll, HRIS, and Learning & Development.
Ensures efficient, accurate, and service-oriented HR processes across the full employee lifecycle.
Develops and maintains HR processes, SOPs, and service-level expectations to drive consistency and quality.
Implements process improvements that enhance data accuracy, minimize manual work, and optimize employee and manager experiences.
Ensures alignment across HR functions through strong communication, collaboration, and operational integration.
Oversees the design, implementation, administration, and evaluation of employee benefits programs including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, 401 K, wellness initiatives, and voluntary benefits.
Ensures benefits are competitive, cost-effective, compliant, and aligned with organizational philosophy and budget.
Leads annual open enrollment, vendor management, benefits communication, and employee education.
Partners with Benefits staff to troubleshoot escalated issues, resolve complex cases, and enhance benefit processes.
Ensures compliance with ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, COBRA, FMLA, and other regulatory requirements.
Leads compensation program strategy including salary structures, market pricing, job leveling, pay equity analysis, and variable pay programs.
Oversees annual compensation cycles including merit planning, market adjustments, and performance-based compensation.
Works with Finance on workforce planning, forecasting, and compensation budgeting.
Ensures job descriptions, classifications, and FLSA determinations are accurate, consistent, and aligned with industry benchmarks.
Provides compensation consultation and guidance to HR Business Partners and organizational leaders.
Oversees payroll operations to ensure accurate, timely, and compliant payroll processing for all employees.
Ensures payroll compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, wage and hour laws, and organizational policies.
Collaborates with Finance to support payroll budgeting, audits, general ledger processes, and reconciliation activities.
Works with HRIS and Payroll teams to ensure accurate data flow across systems, including HR/benefits/payroll integrations.
Drives improvements to payroll processes, including automation, standardization, and accuracy.
Oversees HRIS systems including configuration, optimization, reporting, integrations, and user support.
Ensures data accuracy, security, and role-based access controls across HR and payroll systems.
Develops dashboards and analytics to support strategic workforce decisions.
Leads HR technology implementation, upgrades, vendor relationships, and training programs.
Oversees the design and management of learning and leadership development initiatives.
Leads curriculum development, LMS oversight, training delivery, and learning analytics.
Partners with leaders to identify skill gaps and create development pathways.
Drives leadership development, onboarding programs, and organization-wide training initiatives.