Director of Human Resources Operations & Payroll

Duties and Responsibilities: Oversee all payroll operations, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and full compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulatory requirements Manage payroll system integrity, directing any system updates, process improvements, or technology changes that affect payroll accuracy or compliance Direct the maintenance of accurate, secure employee records across all HR operational systems, ensuring data integrity through effective quality control and audits, and accessibility through Role-Based Permissions (RBP) Spearhead comprehensive audits of existing HR operations and payroll workflows to identify bottlenecks, eliminate redundancies, and leverage automation to maximize efficiency, data integrity, and compliance across the employee lifecycle Govern records retention policies and practices in alignment with applicable legal requirements and organizational standards Collaborate with HRIS and IT partners regarding system functionality, data issues, process improvements, and reporting needs Ensure regulatory compliance across all HR operational functions, including adherence to applicable employment laws, HR policy administration, and internal audit readiness Lead the delivery of annual compliance training programs for the business, ensuring timely completion and accurate documentation Oversee employment eligibility verification programs, including Form I-9 completion, tracking, retention, and rebview requirements Ensure compliance with E-Verify requirements and related federal regulations Monitor changes in applicable employment laws and regulations and recommend operational changes as needed Partner with legal counsel and cross-functional departments including IT, Tax, Internal Audit, and Treasury to ensure HR operational processes remain integrated, compliant, and aligned with business requirements Support HR integration activities for mergers and acquisitions, including records transition, payroll system onboarding, and compliance alignment for newly acquired entities Execute annual HR operational budget planning and workforce forecasting, escalating all budget changes, headcount increases, or high-impact process modifications for supervisor approval Provide strategic direction and performance coaching to direct reports, establishing accountability frameworks that align HR operations performance with enterprise goals Maintain regular and reliable attendance and punctuality Follow all company policies, procedures, and work rules Perform other related duties as assigned Measurable or observable knowledge, skills, abilities, and behaviors critical to successful job performance Accountability: Establishes organizational accountability by stewarding resources, reinforcing safety and performance expectations, holding leaders accountable for results, and balancing short-term performance with long-term organizational success. Quality Work: Builds organizational capability by aligning enterprise resources, promoting a culture of continuous improvement, and making disciplined decisions that balance immediate operational needs with long-term priorities. Communication & Collaboration: Drives enterprise-wide alignment by communicating strategic direction, modeling transparency, and enabling collaboration across organizational boundaries. Emotional Intelligence: Strengthens organizational trust and resilience by modeling authentic leadership, fostering psychological safety and employee wellbeing, and leading with empathy through organizational change. Strategic Leadership: Develops future leaders, identifies strategic opportunities, and provides compelling organizational direction that enables the organization to thrive through change, uncertainty, and evolving business conditions.

Required: Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field.

Required: HR certification (e.g., SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, SPHR, or CPP).

Required: Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and HRIS technology platforms.

Required: Demonstrated experience in payroll operations and HR compliance.

Required: Working knowledge of federal and state employment law and HR regulatory requirements.

Required: Experience managing employee records systems and data governance practices.

Preferred: Advanced degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.

Preferred: Experience supporting HR integration activities related to mergers and acquisitions.

Preferred: Prior experience managing HR compliance audits or employment law matters.

Preferred: Prior experience using Success

What We Offer: Paid time off and paid holidays Opportunities for advancement All job specific equipment and safety gear provided 401(k) retirement savings plan with a company match Employee-owned company & discounted stock purchase options Group Health Plan Employee referral bonus program Locations throughout US in major cities and desirable areas Career Development Program supported by Industry Expert Safety Specialists & Skills Trainers Scholarship Program for Children of Employees Charitable matching gift program*all listed benefits available to eligible employees Divisional Overview The Davey Tree Expert Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to protected class, including race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national or ethnic origin, marital or familial status, disability, status as a protected veteran, status as an Aboriginal or Indigenous person, or other classification protected by law. The Davey Tree Expert Company provides research-driven tree services, grounds maintenance and environmental consulting for residential, utility, commercial and environmental partners in the U.S. and Canada. We care about our clients, each other and the world around us. We offer the resources, size and stability of a big company while maintaining the culture, entrepreneurial spirit and feel of a small one. We invest in our employees by offering industry-leading training, technology and benefits that lead to a rewarding and safe work experience at all levels. Wherever you want to grow your career, there’s a place for you at Davey. To learn more, visit Davey.com. Accommodations If requested by employee or otherwise as required by law, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform essential job functions. If you need assistance at any time, please contact us at 1-877-411-7601 or at Recruiting@davey.com.