Job Title:  VP of Human Resources

FLSA Status: Exempt

Work Hours: Full Time, Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm

Work Location: La Mesa, CA (in office, hybrid or fully remote)

Reports to:  Chief Operating Officer

Salary Range: Level 13 - $160,000 to $200,000

Summary:  The Vice President of Human Resources will lead and execute the company’s HR strategy with a strong focus on building and sustaining a high-performing, inclusive, and values-driven culture. This role oversees all aspects of the people function including strategic HR planning, talent acquisition, employment engagement, performance management, and leveraging HR technology. PenChecks, Inc. is a medium-size, family owned and operated company, and this role requires both strategic thinking, and hands-on involvement in day-to-day HR operations. The VP of HR will manage the Director of HR and an HR/Training Specialist to deliver best-in-class HR programs.

Essential Duties:  

Culture & Engagement

o Champion a thriving, inclusive, and purpose-driven culture aligned with PenChecks’ core values.

o Lead programs that reinforce employee engagement, recognition, DEI, and retention.

o Maintain and elevate our Best Places to Work recognition through thoughtful strategy and execution.

HR Strategy & Leadership

o Develop and lead a scalable HR strategy aligned with company goals and growth trajectory.

o Act as a trusted advisor to the executive team on organizational effectiveness, change management, and workforce planning.

o Ensure HR compliance, policy development, and consistent application across all levels.

o Develop and implement HR policies and procedures in alignment with the company’s overall strategy.

o Oversee the HR budget and stay within established fiscal boundaries.

o Member of the SLT.

Talent Acquisition & Development

o Oversee full-cycle recruiting and ensure best-in-class candidate experience.

o Guide leadership development, career pathing, and performance review processes.

o Implement learning and development initiatives that foster skill-building and internal mobility.

o Responsible for Employee Relations and Retention. Counsel and coach managers regarding employee issues and disciplinary action; investigate complaints, as needed.

HR Operations & Technology

o Own and optimize HR systems and data—especially Paylocity—for automation, reporting, and employee self-service.

o Use analytics to inform people decisions and proactively address workforce trends.

o Oversee compensation benchmarking, benefits strategy, and total rewards in partnership with Finance.

o Oversee bi-weekly payroll; add WH and UI payroll taxes as remote employees in new states are added to the headcount.

Team Leadership

o Lead and mentor the HR team, including a Director of HR and HR Specialist.

o Foster cross-functional collaboration and accountability within the HR function.

o Compliance with Legal Requirements responsibilities:

     § Maintains compliance with federal, state and local employment and laws and regulations. 

     § Complies with federal, state, and local legal requirements by studying existing and new legislation; anticipating legislation; enforcing adherence to requirements; advising management on needed actions.

     § Ensures that employees are made aware of legal changes.

Professional Development

o Updates personal job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities; reading professional publications; maintaining personal networks; participating in professional organizations.

Other

o Oversee the Office Coordinator and office functions, including mail, ordering, office lunches, and building administration and maintenance.

o Oversee the Director of HR

o Oversee the contracted Learning and Development Coordinator

o Other duties as assigned.

o Travel = Rare

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) Note that these requirements are representative, not all-inclusive, of the KSAs required to perform the job.

· Proven track record of building or scaling HR functions in high-growth or mid-size organizations.

· Deep expertise in culture development, employee engagement, and talent management.

· Excellent organizational and leadership skill; sound judgment and problem-solving skills.

· Exceptional communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills. 

· Excellent computer/tech skills.

· Experience with Paylocity or a similar Human Resources Information System; able to drive full utilization of HR technology.

· Organized and efficient; ability to meet daily deadlines.

· Ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines and to implement and positively adapt to change.

· Customer-focused attitude with a high level of professionalism and discretion.

· High ethical standards.

Education and Experience

· Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree or HR certification (SHRM-SCP, SPHR) preferred.

· Ideally 10+ years of progressive HR leadership experience, with at least 3 years at the VP or equivalent level.

Benefits

§ Opportunity to shape the future of a recognized Best Place to Work in San Diego.

§ Collaborative, values-driven leadership team.

§ Generous health benefits, 401k, unlimited PTO, discretionary bonuses, and a Tuition Reimbursement Program.

§ Hybrid/Remote work flexibility.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The employee is often required to sit and use their hands and fingers, to handle or feel. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, reach with arms and hands, climb or balance, and to stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. Vision abilities required by this job include close vision. Reasonable accommodation can be made to enable people with disabilities to perform the described essential functions.  Work Environment: ADA compliant office building.

Other

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.