THE ROLE

We are looking for an accomplished, thoughtful Director of Human Resources to lead and evolve the people function for a growing, founder-led, multi-location organization. This role is both strategic and hands-on, responsible for building scalable HR infrastructure while serving as a trusted partner to leadership and teams across the business.

The Director of HR will work closely with the Founder and senior leaders to shape culture, support growth, and ensure strong, compliant people practices for a high-end, rapidly growing retail business. This is a full-time, in-office role based in Lower Manhattan, ideal for a high-impact HR leader who enjoys being close to the business—setting direction while also rolling up their sleeves to execute with care, clarity, and sound judgment.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Talent & Recruitment

• Own the end-to-end recruiting strategy and candidate experience across the organization
• Partner with hiring leaders to define role scope, compensation, and hiring priorities
• Establish clarity around sourcing ownership between HR and hiring managers
• Manage recruiting platforms, agency relationships, and the annual recruiting budget

Employee Relations & HR Practice

• Lead employee relations matters with discretion, empathy, and sound judgment
• Train and support managers on performance management and feedback practices
• Maintain and evolve HR policies, handbooks, and internal documentation
• Partner with external counsel as needed on complex or sensitive matters

People Development & Performance

• Own the annual performance review process, tools, and communication strategy
• Partner with leadership to develop foundational training and skill-building programs
• Support leadership development, role clarity, and accountability across teams

Compensation & Benefits

• Lead compensation and benefits strategy in partnership with Finance and senior leadership
• Manage annual compensation and bonus cycles
• Research and support incentive programs aligned to business and team needs

Organizational Development & Culture

• Serve as a strategic advisor to leadership on org design, growth planning, and change management
• Support leaders in defining structure, ownership, and accountability
• Shape internal communication rhythms and rituals for a distributed workforce
• Protect and evolve company culture as the organization scales

EXPERIENCE

• 10+ years of progressive HR experience, including senior partnership with founders and/or CEOs
• Experience supporting multi-location retail, hospitality, or physical product organizations
• Strong background in recruiting, organizational development, and employee relations
• Experience in a scaling, founder-led environment strongly preferred
• Demonstrated ability to build HR programs from concept through execution

ATTRIBUTES

• Entrepreneurial yet structured; strategic and hands-on
• Warm, collaborative, and grounded
• Confident without ego; comfortable operating in lean environments
• Excellent communicator with strong judgment
• Trusted advisor who leads through influence and partnership
• Balances financial discipline with empathy and creativity
• Unwavering commitment to ethics, integrity, and high standards