Progressively complex strategic and operational responsibilities creating a new HR department from scratch into a functional team of eight professionals responsible for the entire life cycle of employee management, along with benefits and payroll administration. Led the design and delivery of HR programs and initiatives that supported the business strategy and enhanced the employee experience, including talent acquisition, onboarding, performance appraisal, recognition, rewards, and learning and development. Coached leaders on leadership behaviors and practices, development and performance management strategies, and effective employee communication to promote engagement and a culture of continuous growth and development. Managed and resolved complex employee relations issues, including investigations, performance improvement plans, disciplinary actions, and separations consistent with company values, policies, and employment law. Managed all aspects of HR legal compliance, staying up to date on HR best practices, industry trends, and legal developments to identify potential areas of compliance risk and develop strategies to mitigate those risks effectively. Led the development, implementation, and maintenance of HR policies and procedures to ensure employee effectiveness and maintain compliance.Responsible for a comprehensive compensation and benefits strategy that was competitive, cost effective, compliant, and aligned with our values to recruit and retain the staff needed to achieve business goals. Managed relationships with external vendors, brokers, and consultants including negotiating benefit contracts and managing plan audits. Oversaw HRIS administration, benefits administration, and semi-monthly payroll administration ensuring accuracy, employee satisfaction, and legal compliance. Gathered data and conducted regular audits of HR administrative practices to continuously streamline and automate internal systems to better support overall business goals.

Provided operational support for procedures and tasks throughout all areas of the HR department. Assisted with recruiting and placing non-attorney staff, as well as providing administrative support for the annual attorney summer internship program. Handled new hire onboarding and orientation activities for all employees, including administration of the HRIS system. Assisted with administering benefits, processing payroll and guiding employees through various company policies and processes. Played an ongoing and active role in ensuring all human resource functions complied with local, state, and federal regulations.