Director of Human Resources - SC Division & Benefits Administration

The Director of Human Resources, SC Division & Benefits Administration at Charles Lea Center provides strategic and operational leadership for HR functions across the organization’s South Carolina Division. This role combines HR compliance, employee relations, and workforce planning with benefits and retirement administration, including regulatory reporting and audit readiness.

Based in Spartanburg, SC with onsite work, the position supports day-to-day HR operations and advises leadership on complex HR matters while ensuring HR processes remain consistent, well-documented, and legally compliant.

Core responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations, including FLSA, FMLA, ADA, EEOC, OSHA, HIPAA, ACA, ERISA, COBRA, and USERRA.
• Monitor legislative and regulatory changes and implement updates as needed.
• Act as the primary point of contact for HR-related audits, investigations, and regulatory reviews.
• Maintain audit-ready HR records, documentation, and compliance practices.
• Lead day-to-day HR operations for the South Carolina Division and ensure consistent application of HR policies and employment practices.
• Partner with leadership on workforce planning, succession planning, employee engagement, and retention initiatives.
• Support a positive, inclusive workplace culture aligned with organizational values.
• Oversee employee relations, including complaints, disciplinary actions, and performance management.
• Lead or support workplace investigations and ensure fair, consistent, and legally compliant employment decisions.
• Advise leadership on complex employee relations and termination matters.
• Maintain HRIS data integrity and oversee compliance-related documentation, onboarding, I-9s, background screenings, licensure, and training records.
• Develop HR metrics and reports to support leadership decision-making.
• Provide compliance-focused training and serve as a trusted advisor on HR best practices.
• Oversee employee benefits and retirement programs, ensuring compliance with ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, and related regulations.
• Manage vendor relationships, plan administration, employee communications, and regulatory filings.
• Coordinate benefits and retirement audits, corrective action plans, and compliance reporting.
• Partner with senior leadership to identify risks, strengthen internal controls, and support program effectiveness.
• Lead preparation and response for administrative, regulatory, and compliance audits, coordinating with auditors, regulators, and internal stakeholders.
• Monitor corrective actions, track remediation efforts, and report compliance status to executive leadership.
• Maintain audit readiness through documentation, policy management, and continuous process improvement.

Required qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources or a related field (required).
• Minimum 3 years of progressive HR experience (preferably in healthcare, nonprofit, or government settings).
• Strong knowledge of ADA, FMLA, EEOC regulations, and employment law compliance.
• Knowledge of South Carolina employment law (preferred).
• Experience with HRIS platforms and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Professional HR certification such as SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or SPHR (preferred).

Technologies

• HRIS platforms
• Microsoft Office Suite

Benefits

• 401(k) and 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Referral program
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Supervisory responsibilities

• Supervises the SC HR Generalist, HR Support Specialist, and the HR & Finance Liaison.

Work schedule and environment

• Work location: in person in a professional office environment within the Charles Lea Center.
• Standard schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (40 hours per week).
• Regular use of computers and/or laptops, household appliances, Center-owned vehicles, Center-owned cell phone, and assigned adaptive equipment.

Physical demands and accommodations

• Regular standing, walking, lifting up to 15 lbs, and hands-on support.
• Reasonable accommodations are available.

Compensation and pay

• $75,000.00 - $79,000.00 per year

Travel

• Travel within South Carolina as necessary to support HR operations, employee services, training, and organizational needs.