Skip to main content
McCarthy Search

Director of Human Resources Operations and Employee Services

L7

bankwellNew Canaan, CTtoday

Occupations

Human Resources ManagersHuman Resources SpecialistsHuman Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping

Industries

Commercial BankingHuman Resources Consulting ServicesOffices of Bank Holding Companies
Director of Human Resources Operations and Employee Services Bankwell is a commercial bank with more than $3 billion in assets that serves the banking needs of businesses and individuals. At Bankwell, we pride ourselves on our unique ability to bring you high touch, high quality banking with the expertise and dedication of our experienced team of professionals. When it comes to business, our deep industry knowledge, flexibility and innovative treasury and financing services enable us to find the right solutions for our business and commercial clients. We're passionate about giving back and are actively involved with many not-for-profit organizations that help shape and improve the lives of others. We're dedicated to giving our time and talent to support the communities we serve. More about Bankwell can be found at www.mybankwell.com.The Director of Human Resources Operations and Employee Services is responsible for building an HR organization that is operationally excellent, highly responsive, and trusted throughout the bank. The successful candidate will strengthen HR's operational foundation by improving processes, clarifying ownership, enhancing manager support, and delivering exceptional employee service. This leader will ensure that HR operates with consistency, efficiency, compliance and accountability while preparing the department for future organizational growth. This position is not expected to build a sophisticated talent management or organizational development function immediately. Instead, the priority is creating an HR department that executives, managers, and employees rely upon because it consistently delivers high-quality service and well-managed operations.
Primary Responsibilities
Operational Excellence:
  • Evaluate and improve all HR operational processes.
  • Lead a comprehensive review of HR administrative work to determine its value, ownership, efficiency, and necessity.
  • Eliminate unnecessary administrative and compliance work while simplifying essential processes.
  • Standardize procedures and documentation across the department.
  • Ensure every HR process has a clearly identified owner.
  • Improve workflow efficiency through process redesign and appropriate technology.
  • Develop service standards and performance measures for HR operations. Employee Services
  • Provide exceptional support to employees by ensuring HR services are responsive, consistent, professional, and easy to access.
  • Oversee: Recruitment
  • Employee onboarding
  • Benefits administrationEmployee recordsHRIS administration
  • Leave administration
  • Policy administrationEmployee inquiries
  • Employment documentation
  • Create an employee experience characterized by professionalism, responsiveness, and respect.
  • Manager Partnership
  • Serve as a trusted operational advisor to managers by providing practical guidance regarding: Hiring processes
  • Employee relations
  • Performance management
  • Corrective action
  • Policy interpretation
  • Employee promotions and terminations
  • Workplace concerns
  • Help managers resolve issues early while ensuring consistency and fairness.
Process Improvement:
  • Establish a culture of continuous improvement within HR by regularly asking: Does this process create value?
  • Is HR the appropriate owner?
  • Can this process be simplified?
  • Can technology improve efficiency?
  • Can unnecessary work be eliminated?
  • Lead ongoing operational improvement initiatives.
  • Compliance and Risk Management
  • Ensure the department maintains: Regulatory compliance
  • Employment law compliance
  • Accurate personnel records
  • Policy governance
  • Audit readiness
  • Document retention standards
  • Leadership and Team Management Responsibilities
  • Build a high-performing HR team by: Establishing clear expectations
  • Defining roles and responsibilities
  • Developing staff capabilities
  • Improving accountability
  • Creating a customer-service mindset
  • Promoting continuous learning and improvement
  • Partnership with Executive Leadership
  • Provide executives with reliable operational information regarding: HR service levels
  • Workforce metrics
  • Recruiting progress
  • Compliance status
  • Process improvement initiatives
  • Organizational readiness
  • Recommend practical operational improvements that strengthen the organization.
  • Initial Priorities (First 12 Months)
  • The successful candidate will: Complete an HR Administrative Value and Ownership Review.
  • Clarify ownership of all recurring HR processes.
  • Simplify or eliminate outdated administrative activities.
  • Standardize core HR procedures.
  • Improve service levels for managers and employees.
  • Strengthen recruiting and onboarding operations. Implement meaningful operational metrics.
  • Develop an annual HR operational improvement plan.
  • Partner with leadership to support organizational change associated with the bank's core conversion.
  • Establish the HR department as a dependable operational partner to the business.
Requirements
Desired Qualifications: Demonstrated success improving HR operations and service delivery. Strong process improvement and organizational skills. Experience leading HR operations within a regulated environment, preferably banking or financial services. Knowledge of employment law, compliance, benefits, payroll, and HR systems. Ability to simplify complex processes and improve operational efficiency. Excellent judgment, communication, and relationship-building skills. A practical, service-oriented leadership style with a strong customer focus. Leadership Competencies The successful leader will demonstrate: Operational discipline Process orientation Continuous improvement mindset Strong customer service orientation Sound judgment AccountabilityCollaborative leadership Calm, practical problem solving Ability to build trust across all levels of the organization Commitment to treating employees with dignity, consistency, and respect Definition of Success Success will not be measured by the number of HR programs introduced. Success will be measured by whether: HR processes are simple, reliable, and well managed. Managers view HR as a trusted operational partner. Employees receive timely, respectful, and consistent service. Administrative work has been streamlined and unnecessary work eliminated. HR has clear ownership and accountability for its work. The department is well positioned to support the bank's future growth and organizational development. The Director's ultimate responsibility is to build an HR function that makes the bank easier to lead, easier to work in, and operationally prepared for the future.
FLSA Status: Exempt
Competitive compensation and benefits, including: Medical, dental, and vision coverage Employer-paid life and disability insuranceHSA option Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Telehealth and wellness resources Supplemental insurance options Pet insurance and legal plan benefits Benefits become effective on the first day of the month following date of hire This job description is a general description of essential job functions. It is not intended as an employment contract, nor is it intended to describe all duties someone in this position may perform. All employees are expected to perform tasks assigned by supervisory personnel, regardless of job titles or routine job duties. Bankwell is committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity and will not discriminate against any applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin or ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, marital status, or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state or local laws. Applicants with disabilities may be entitled to reasonable accommodation under the terms of Americans with Disabilities
Apply now (opens in a new tab)
Apply now (opens in a new tab)

Level

ManagerL7

Location

New Canaan, CT

Occupation

Human Resources Managers

Industry

Commercial Banking

Posted

today

To get sharper similar jobs, create your profile using the link below.

Create profile