Position Overview

Summary: The Director of Human Resources Operations and Payroll provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for the organization's HR Records, Compliance, and Payroll functions. Under executive direction, this role is responsible for ensuring the integrity of HR data and processes, maintaining employment compliance, delivering exceptional employee service, and administering accurate and timely payroll operations. The Director develops and implements operational strategies, policies, and procedures that support the organization's objectives while ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. The Director serves as a key advisor within HR leadership and collaborates with stakeholders across the organization to drive efficiency, enhance employee experience, and mitigate organizational risk.  

Belonging Statement: The Davey Tree Expert Company and its subsidiaries value each individual and strive to encourage diverse ideas and perspectives to inspire collaboration and empower our employees.  We believe our commitment to building a culture of belonging by treating everyone with respect, dignity, empathy, and care is critical to achieving our vision and mission. 

Job Classification: The Director of Human Resources Operations and Payroll is an exempt position. 

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Carry out supervisory responsibilities in alignment with organizational policies and applicable laws, while promoting a culture of respect, collaboration, and accountability 

• Interview, hire, develop, and retain employees

• Provide direct supervision and mentorship to a team of employees 

• Plan, assign, and direct work in a way that encourages employee autonomy while providing appropriate support

• Provide regular performance feedback and coaching, offering constructive feedback and identifying areas for professional growth 

• Reward outstanding performance, celebrate team successes, and acknowledge individual contributions

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 reverification 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

Competencies:

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. 

Qualifications:

• 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 SuccessFactors or similar HRIS.

Working Conditions:

• Occasional travel (up to 25%) for compliance activities, vendor meetings, and cross-functional leadership engagements.  

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. 

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement: 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. 

Additional Information

Divisional Overview