People Operations Director

Our client is a fast-growing company in the car wash industry, expanding at an impressive rate of one new store per week. With 50 stores currently and plans to reach 70 locations in the near future, we are on track to double in size over the next year. We're looking for a dynamic and experienced HR Director to join our team during this exciting growth phase and lead our HR operations at scale. If you're a high-energy HR leader with experience in managing people in fast-paced environments, this is an excellent opportunity to grow your career and help shape our HR strategy.
About the RoleAs the People Operations Director, you will be the right hand to the VP of HR serving as the eyes and ears in the field to ensure our HR function is running at top efficiency as we continue our expansion. This role requires a strong leader who is comfortable moving a million miles an hour while maintaining focus on the big picture. You will oversee a small but effective team, overseeing people operations while assisting with our ongoing Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) activities.

What You'll Do

• Lead and manage the HR team, including a Payroll & Benefits Manager, HR Generalist, and soon-to-be-hired Claims Manager.
• Provide guidance and support on day-to-day HR operations, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local labor laws and regulations.
• Support the company’s rapid growth through effective M&A integrations, driving HR strategies aligned with our business goals.
• Develop, implement, and maintain policies, procedures, and the employee handbook, leveraging our newly implemented UKG system.
• Maintain a focus on building relationships with employees across multiple locations and ensure a supportive work environment for all team members.
• Ensure employee relations issues are addressed efficiently and effectively, with a strong focus on compliance and fairness.
• Manage UKG for HR analytics and reporting, driving data-driven decision-making.
• Stay up to date on HR trends, providing continuous improvement to processes that support the company's growth trajectory.

What We're Looking For

• 10+ years of HR experience, with at least 5 years in a leadership role (Manager, Director, etc.).
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) is a must, including the ability to write professional emails in both languages.
• Strong experience working with hourly employees in a fast-paced, high-growth environment.
• Proven track record in Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) and HR integration.
• Proficiency in HR systems such as ADP, UKG, Workday, or similar systems, with a strong understanding of BI reporting.
• Ability to lead and mentor a team, while also working hands-on in the day-to-day HR operations.
• Strong knowledge of employment law and compliance.
• Experience with policy creation, including handbooks and procedural manuals.
• Travel up to 20% to support store openings and other field-related HR tasks, with recent expansion into Michigan.