Director, People

WS Development•Newton, MA

5d•$150,000 - $170,000

About The Position

At WS Development, we pride ourselves on providing a collaborative, entrepreneurial environment where employees are encouraged to contribute to the decisions, planning, process, and culture of the firm. We are a vertically integrated firm, focused on developing, building, owning, and managing beautiful places where people want to be! We are seeking a seasoned and strategic Director, People, to join our People team. Reporting to the SVP, People, this is a senior HR leadership role for someone who combines deep HR expertise with strong business acumen and a genuine desire to partner closely with our operating groups. As a real estate developer and owner, WS Development relies on its HR Business Partners to be true extensions of the businesses they support and the Director, People will serve as the HRBP to several of our most dynamic teams, including Development, Construction, Investments, Brand & Marketing. This individual will also take on a broader set of strategic responsibilities beyond the traditional HRBP scope, helping to shape and elevate the People function as the company continues to grow.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in human resources, business administration, or a related field with a record of high academic achievement.
8+ years of progressive human resources experience, including significant experience as an HR Business Partner supporting senior leaders and multiple client groups, ideally within real estate, professional services, or another fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.
Demonstrated ability to build credibility and trust with senior executives, acting as a strategic partner rather than solely a functional expert.
Curiosity and fluency with AI tools, with a genuine interest in adopting new technology to improve HR processes, decision-making, and day-to-day efficiency.
Strong knowledge of HR principles, practices, and regulations, with particular depth in employee relations, performance management, organizational design, and compensation.
Excellent communication, interpersonal, and negotiation skills, with the executive presence and judgment to navigate sensitive and high-stakes conversations.
Proven ability to manage ambiguity and competing priorities across several client groups simultaneously, while still delivering with a high level of rigor and attention to detail.
A track record of taking on work beyond the traditional scope of the role. You must be comfortable rolling up your sleeves on strategic projects, process improvement, and other initiatives as the business needs evolve.
Experience managing complex employee relations issues effectively.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, specifically Excel.
Commitment to integrity, confidentiality, and professionalism in all aspects of People management.
Desire (and ability) to laugh and have fun.

Responsibilities

Serving as the primary HR Business Partner to leaders and employees across multiple departments, developing a deep understanding of each business and its people needs.
Acting as a trusted advisor and thought partner to senior leaders and executives on organizational design, workforce planning, succession planning, and talent strategy.
Leading full life-cycle HR support for your client groups, including performance management, employee relations, compensation planning, promotions, and talent development.
Partnering with the SVP, People and the broader People team to design and roll out company-wide programs, policies, and initiatives, and ensuring they are effectively adopted within your client groups.
Leveraging AI tools and platforms to streamline HR processes—from talent analytics and reporting to drafting communications and policy documents—modeling for client groups how AI can be used to work smarter and more efficiently.
Coaching and developing managers on leadership effectiveness, performance conversations, team dynamics, and change management.
Managing complex and sensitive employee relations matters, including leading investigations and ensuring fair, consistent, and legally sound resolutions.
Analyzing metrics and trends within your client groups, such as turnover, engagement, and headcount, to proactively identify issues and recommend solutions.
Leading or contributing to cross-functional and ad hoc strategic projects that extend beyond the traditional HRBP scope such as process improvements, HR systems and reporting enhancements, culture and engagement initiatives, and special projects for the SVP, People and executive team.
Mentoring and providing guidance to other members of the People team and serving as a role model for the level of partnership and judgment expected across the department.
Staying ahead of legal and regulatory developments related to employment law and labor relations across our markets and ensuring your client groups remain compliant with all applicable laws, regulations, and company policies.