Human Resource Director

The Human Resource Director at Lakewood Health System leads the onsite HR function in Staples, MN, partnering with the Chief Talent Officer to ensure legal compliance, strong employee relations, and an exceptional employee experience. This senior role oversees policy administration, investigations, performance management, and workforce operations, with a focus on regulatory compliance and operational excellence. The position offers an hourly salary range of USD 5,750 to 7,712.

Responsibilities

• Lead compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws, including FMLA, ADA, PWFA, USERRA, EEOC, wage and hour regulations, Minnesota Paid Leave, and other evolving employment legislation.
• Monitor legislative changes and translate requirements into policies, leader education, and operational processes.
• Develop proactive strategies to minimize employment risk while supporting Lakewood's culture and mission.
• Improve organization-wide standards for employee relations, workplace investigations, conflict resolution, corrective action, and performance management.
• Serve as a senior advisor to leaders navigating complex employee situations and promote legally defensible decision-making across departments.
• Partner with executive and operational leaders to strengthen leadership through coaching, accountability, education, and consultation.
• Build leader confidence in performance conversations, documentation, investigations, and employee engagement.
• Evaluate HR workflows, systems, and service delivery to improve efficiency, compliance, and the employee experience.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using data, technology, and best practices.
• Provide leadership and accountability for HR Business Partners, Generalists, Coordinators, and other assigned staff; foster a high-performing, customer-focused HR team.
• Develop succession planning and professional growth opportunities within the HR department and build trusted relationships with leaders at all levels.
• Remain a confidential resource for sensitive employee matters requiring judgment and discretion; champion respectful workplace expectations.
• Collaborate with the Senior Benefits & Compensation Partner to translate total rewards strategies into operational execution and ensure seamless delivery of benefits programs.
• Oversee complex workplace investigations from intake to resolution and manage corrective action processes with fairness and legal compliance.
• Provide guidance on performance management, misconduct, workplace conflict, accommodations, and employee concerns; monitor trends to identify organizational risk.
• Maintain HR policies, handbook maintenance, required notices, and internal audits of HR practices and documentation; ensure reporting and record retention standards are met.
• Oversee onboarding, employment documentation, personnel records, HRIS administration, unemployment responses, and HR operations; standardize practices across all locations.
• Support HR technology optimization and workflow improvements; oversee leave administration including FMLA, ADA accommodations, workers' compensation, and Minnesota Paid Leave, coordinating with benefits strategy as needed.
• Develop, revise, and implement organizational HR policies; standardize documentation templates and leader resources; conduct policy reviews for compliance and operational effectiveness.
• Provide oversight of benefits and compensation administration, including enrollments, life events, COBRA, ACA reporting support, retirement programs, wellness initiatives, and other offerings; oversee annual compensation processes in partnership with the Senior Benefits & Compensation Partner.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Organizational Leadership, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive HR experience, including significant exposure to employee relations, employment law, and HR operations.
• At least 3 years of leadership experience directing HR professionals or multidisciplinary teams.
• Demonstrated expertise in federal and state employment laws and regulations, including FMLA, ADA, PWFA, EEOC, FLSA, USERRA, wage and hour laws, and Minnesota regulations.
• Experience conducting complex workplace investigations and guiding corrective action, performance management, and conflict resolution.
• Experience developing, interpreting, and implementing HR policies, procedures, and organizational practices.

Technologies

• HRIS

Benefits

• Generous Planned Time Off and Wellness Time Off
• 401K Match
• Annual tuition assistance of $2,000
• Competitive HSA contributions
• Employer paid premiums for individual-only healthcare coverage

Ideal Candidate

• Strong knowledge of benefits and compensation administration, HRIS systems, and HR operations.
• Proven ability to coach leaders through sensitive employee situations while balancing organizational risk and employee experience.
• Excellent written, verbal, facilitation, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities with confidentiality, professionalism, and sound judgment.
• Extensive expertise in employment law, employee relations, regulatory compliance, workplace investigations, policy administration, performance management, and workforce operations.
• Ability to build trusted relationships with leaders at all levels and drive operational excellence within a high-performing HR team.

Disclaimer

Job postings found on third-party websites may be outdated or no longer active. For the most up-to-date listing and to apply directly, please visit our official site at www.lakewoodhealthsystem.com.

Interested, but will the schedule work for you?

Have questions on organizational culture, team fit, or day-to-day experience? Contact Alicia Bauman to discuss the possibilities further: Alicia Bauman, Chief Talent Officer.