Human Resource Director

City of Freeport, Texas • Freeport, TX

21h

About The Position

Under the direction of the City Manager, plans, directs, and manages the City's human resources function, providing both strategic and operational leadership for talent acquisition, classification and compensation, employee relations, benefits administration, performance management, training and organizational development, and HR policy and program development. Ensures compliance with applicable federal and state employment laws and City policies; supports consistent and equitable employment practices; and reduces employment-related risk through strong internal controls, accurate records management, and effective guidance to supervisors and employees. Provides oversight of HRIS and payroll related processes in coordination with the Finance Department to ensure accuracy, auditability, and regulatory compliance.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Public Administration, or related field.
• Seven years of progressively responsible professional HR experience, including employee relations, classification/compensation, benefits administration, and HR policy/program management.
• Four years of supervisory/management experience.
• Working knowledge of employment law and human resources best practices, with the ability to interpret and apply policies consistently and equitably.
• Demonstrated experience with human resources and payroll systems, including the establishment and maintenance of internal controls and audit ready documentation.
• Strong investigation, documentation, and conflict-resolution skills, with the ability to handle sensitive and confidential matters with discretion and professionalism.
• Proven ability to build trust and credibility with employees and supervisors while maintaining appropriate boundaries and ensuring compliance with applicable laws and City policies.
• Valid Texas driver's license (or ability to obtain) and ability to attend occasional evening meetings.
• Must pass a drug analysis test, physical exam, and successfully complete a background check.

Nice To Haves

• PHR/SPHR or SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP preferred (or ability to obtain within 12 months of hire).
• Municipal/government HR experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Strategic HR Leadership Leads the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of citywide HR programs, policies, and procedures; advises the City Manager and department leadership on HR strategy and organizational effectiveness. Serves as a strategic partner to department leadership to support workforce planning, retention, succession planning, and employee development.
• Employee Relations, Performance, and Investigations Oversees employee relations activities including counseling, conflict resolution, grievances, and workplace investigations; ensures consistent documentation and appropriate coordination with legal counsel as needed. Administers and improves the employee performance evaluation program; coaches supervisors on performance management and progressive discipline.
• Classification, Compensation, and Benefits Oversees job descriptions, classification practices, and pay plan administration; conducts salary/benefit surveys and provides recommendations to maintain internal equity and market competitiveness. Administers employee benefits programs and related communications; ensures compliant plan administration and serves as Privacy Official for the City's health plans, as applicable.
• Compliance, Risk, Safety, and Records Ensures compliance with federal and state employment laws and regulations (e.g., FLSA, FMLA, ADA) and City policies; monitors changes in law and recommends policy updates. Oversees workers' compensation coordination and supports risk management/safety initiatives to reduce claims and improve workplace safety. Ensures accurate, confidential, and auditable HR records management (personnel files, medical/confidential files, I-9 documentation, retention schedules, and public information coordination as needed).
• HRIS / Payroll Oversight and Internal Controls (key modernization) Ensures payroll and HRIS processes are accurate, timely, and auditable through documented workflows, segregation of duties, reconciliations, exception reporting, and periodic internal review. Coordinates with Finance on controls and reporting.
• Budget, Reporting, and Council Support Prepares and administers the HR departmental budget; develops workforce/HR metrics and reports for leadership and Council, as requested.

What This Job Offers

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