Director of Human Resources (One-Person Department)

Note this is AI generated, may not be detailed to The EMC Shop's needs and requirements

Director of Human Resources (One-Person Department)
Location: Remote
About Us
The EMC Shop is entering a pivotal phase of growth, with significant projects and funding on the horizon. We have a close-knit team of approximately 20 people and are seeking a strategic, hands-on HR Director to build and lead our people function. This is a unique opportunity for a seasoned HR professional to establish and shape the entire human resources strategy, organizational design, and talent development from the ground up, all while operating as a one-person department. This role is ideal for someone who can move seamlessly between strategic planning and day-to-day tactical execution, with a deep understanding of business dynamics and employee potential.
The Role
We need a seriously advanced HR Director who can serve as a strategic partner to the executive team. You will not just manage people; you will analyze the business, identifying positions and hierarchy needed for success as we scale. You will possess the acuity to discern where success is due to personnel and where it may be hindered, separating people-related issues from market or economic factors. Your ability to build for the future while remaining mindful of current payroll expenses will be crucial, determining when and how to pivot by prioritizing, combining, or adjusting roles, including necessary dismissals.
This is a remote position, but strong communication and relationship-building skills are non-negotiable. You will thrive on constant collaboration via Zoom and other virtual tools as we grow and open facilities in new locations.
Key Responsibilities
  • Strategic Organizational Design:
    • Develop and implement strategic HR plans aligned with the company’s vision and aggressive growth goals.
    • Identify and define new positions and optimal organizational hierarchy to support business objectives and future expansion.
    • Analyze organizational effectiveness, identifying areas where personnel drive success and pinpointing where performance issues may be tied to people versus external factors.
  • Talent Acquisition & Management:
    • Design and execute comprehensive, high-level talent acquisition strategies to attract top-tier candidates for highly specialized roles.
    • Develop and oversee an exemplary, smooth onboarding process for all new hires.
    • Create and manage programs that actively promote internal mobility, including lateral moves, allowing individuals to explore new interests and develop skills without fear of financial or job insecurity.
  • Employee Development & Culture:
    • Champion a culture of continuous learning by building, implementing, and enforcing robust, frequent training and development programs.
    • Foster a high-performance, employee-oriented culture, focusing on engagement, inclusivity, and growth.
    • Drive a significant, organic improvement in our Glassdoor rating to above 4 stars, turning employees into brand advocates.
  • Operational & Financial Acumen:
    • Manage and optimize payroll expenses and compensation strategies to balance budget constraints with the need to attract top talent.
    • Make data-driven decisions on staffing, demonstrating the business impact of HR initiatives through relevant metrics.
    • Provide expert advice and counsel to management on sensitive employee relations issues, performance management, and workforce planning, particularly during pivotal business changes.
  • HR Infrastructure & Compliance:
    • Establish and maintain all HR policies, procedures, and systems from the ground up to ensure legal compliance and support a growing, distributed workforce.
    • Manage all core HR functions, including benefits administration, performance reviews, and employee relations.
Qualifications
  • Experience:
    • Proven experience as a high-level, strategic HR leader, with a track record of success in a fast-paced, high-growth environment.
    • Experience managing all HR functions, particularly as a "one-person show" supporting a small to mid-sized team.
    • Prior success developing and implementing effective HR strategies in a remote or distributed work environment.
  • Skills:
    • Exceptional strategic thinking and analytical skills, with the ability to connect HR data and personnel insights directly to business performance.
    • Superb communication and interpersonal skills, with the gravitas to advise leadership and the empathy to connect with all employees remotely.
    • Strong judgment and a history of handling sensitive issues like layoffs and performance-based decisions ethically and transparently.
    • Deep knowledge of employment law and HR best practices.
    • High degree of technical proficiency, including experience with HRIS and virtual communication platforms.
  • Attributes:
    • A proactive, resourceful, and self-sufficient mindset, with a willingness to get hands-on with all aspects of HR.
    • Comfortable with ambiguity and able to thrive in a constantly evolving, startup-style environment.
    • A genuine passion for building people and organizations for long-term success.