Human Resources Director

Hartford, Connecticut, United States (On-site)

Shaw Search Partners is proud to partner with a luxury retail jewelry organization to identify a Director of Human Resources. The Director of HR will be responsible for leading and executing all aspects of the Human Resources for this multi-location luxury retail jewelry org. This highly hands-on role is responsible for managing all day-to-day HR operations while also providing strategic guidance to leadership. The Director of HR is a trusted advisor to executives and store leadership and plays a critical role in shaping culture, ensuring compliance, supporting employees, and driving performance in a service-focused, luxury retail environment. The HR Director also plays a key role in improving HR systems, workflows, and operational processes, with a focus on reducing manual effort, increasing efficiency, and improving the overall employee and manager experience.

Responsibilities

HR Leadership & Operations

• Develop, implement, and independently manage HR strategies, policies, and programs that support business objectives and reinforce the company’s luxury retail culture.

• Serve as an advisor to leadership on workforce planning, organizational development, and employee engagement. Provide communication support for company-wide announcements

• Partner with store leaders to ensure consistent and effective HR practices across Connecticut and Massachusetts locations.

Recruiting

• Manage full-cycle recruiting for corporate and retail positions, including sourcing, interviewing, selection, and job offers.

• Identify recruiting strategies and sources to attract high-quality candidates aligned with brand standards and customer service excellence.

• Ensure recruiting and hiring practices comply with applicable Connecticut and Massachusetts employment regulations.

Employee Relations, Coaching & Counseling

• Handle all employee relations matters directly, including coaching, counseling, conflict resolution, disciplinary action, exit interviews, and terminations.

• Conduct workplace investigations and ensure consistent, fair, and legally compliant outcomes.

• Provide day-to-day guidance to managers on employee performance, attendance, conduct, and workplace issues.

• Run the corporate Associate Activities Committee to plan and implement quarterly get togethers to build morale and camaraderie in the office.

• Serve as the primary liaison for the administration of the Educational Assistance Program including approvals and reimbursements.

Performance Management

• Administer the performance management process, including evaluations, feedback, documentation, and development planning.

• Coach and advise managers on delivering feedback, managing performance issues, and taking corrective action when needed.

• Support training & development efforts partnering with the Sales Training Manager.

• Work with the CFO on merit increasing planning and communication in conjunction with the performance review process.

• Partner with leadership team on identifying external providers for executive coaching when necessary.

Benefits & HR Administration

• Administer all insured benefits programs, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, HSA, COBRA, and Fidelity retirement plan in conjunction with the CFO.

• Serve as the primary liaison with benefits brokers, insurance carriers, and vendors.

• Manage open enrollment, benefits communications, wellness initiatives, and employee questions throughout the year.

• Maintain accurate HR records, personnel files, and confidential employee data.

• Handle the leave of absence process working with third party leave administrator and calculate leave pay when CT and MA Paid Leave is being utilized.

Compliance & Employment Law

• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, Connecticut, and Massachusetts employment laws and regulations.

• Maintain and update employee handbook, policies, and procedures to reflect multi-state requirements.

• Provide practical, compliant guidance to leadership on wage and hour, leave administration, and employee relations matters.

• Manage workers’ compensation claims, including reporting, follow-up, and coordination with carriers. Secretary for the company Safety Committee and primary liaison with external guard service.

• Handle unemployment claims for Connecticut and Massachusetts, including responses, hearings, and documentation.

Payroll Administration

• Administer HR-related payroll changes, including employee rate changes, position changes, status updates, and approved deductions.

• Handle all benefit, garnishment, and deduction updates to ensure accuracy.

• Oversee year-end vacation/sick accrual adjustments and ensure accurate carryover and balances. • Partner with payroll administrator/CFO to handle employee payroll questions related to pay rates, deductions, accruals, and corrections.

• Identify, propose, and implement technology applications to streamline onboarding process for payroll and benefits enrollment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field required;

• 7–10 years of progressive HR experience; retail or luxury brand experience strongly preferred.

• Experience managing HR responsibilities in a multi-state environment (CT/MA preferred).

• Strong working knowledge of employment law, benefits administration, employee relations, and performance management.

• Proven ability to coach leaders and employees at all levels.

• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills.

• Demonstrated experience improving HR processes or leading operational change in a hands-on environment.

• Comfortable working in environments where processes are evolving and structure needs to be built.