Human Resources Director

JOB SUMMARY: The Director of Human Resources is responsible for leading and executing all aspects of the human resources function for Lux Bond & Green, a family-owned luxury retail jewelry chain with six locations and approximately 100 employees, including one location in Massachusetts. This highly hands-on role is responsible for managing all day-to-day HR operations while also providing strategic guidance to leadership.

The Director of HR is a trusted advisor to executives and store leadership and plays a critical role in shaping culture, ensuring compliance, supporting employees, and driving performance in a service-focused, luxury retail environment.

The HR Director also plays a key role in improving HR systems, workflows, and operational processes, with a focus on reducing manual effort, increasing efficiency, and improving the overall employee and manager experience

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES/ACTIVITIES:

HR Leadership & Operations

· Develop, implement, and independently manage HR strategies, policies, and programs that support business objectives and reinforce the company’s luxury retail culture.

· Serve as an advisor to leadership on workforce planning, organizational development, and employee engagement. Provide communication support for company-wide announcements

· Partner with store leaders to ensure consistent and effective HR practices across Connecticut and Massachusetts locations.

Recruiting

· Manage full-cycle recruiting for corporate and retail positions, including sourcing, interviewing, selection, and job offers.

· Identify recruiting strategies and sources to attract high-quality candidates aligned with brand standards and customer service excellence.

· Ensure recruiting and hiring practices comply with applicable Connecticut and Massachusetts employment regulations.

Employee Relations, Coaching & Counseling

· Handle all employee relations matters directly, including coaching, counseling, conflict resolution, disciplinary action, exit interviews, and terminations.

· Conduct workplace investigations and ensure consistent, fair, and legally compliant outcomes.

· Provide day-to-day guidance to managers on employee performance, attendance, conduct, and workplace issues.

· Run the corporate Associate Activities Committee to plan and implement quarterly get togethers to build morale and camaraderie in the office.

· Serve as the primary liaison for the administration of the Educational Assistance Program including approvals and reimbursements.

Performance Management

· Administer the performance management process, including evaluations, feedback, documentation, and development planning.

· Coach and advise managers on delivering feedback, managing performance issues, and taking corrective action when needed.

· Support training & development efforts partnering with the Sales Training Manager.

· Work with the CFO on merit increasing planning and communication in conjunction with the performance review process.

· Partner with leadership team on identifying external providers for executive coaching when necessary.

Benefits & HR Administration

·Administer all insured benefits programs, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, HSA, COBRA, and Fidelity retirement plan in conjunction with the CFO.

· Serve as the primary liaison with benefits brokers, insurance carriers, and vendors.

· Manage open enrollment, benefits communications, wellness initiatives, and employee questions throughout the year.

· Maintain accurate HR records, personnel files, and confidential employee data.

· Handle the leave of absence process working with third party leave administrator and calculate leave pay when CT and MA Paid Leave is being utilized.

Compliance & Employment Law

· Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, Connecticut, and Massachusetts employment laws and regulations.

· Maintain and update employee handbook, policies, and procedures to reflect multi-state requirements.

· Provide practical, compliant guidance to leadership on wage and hour, leave administration, and employee relations matters.

· Manage workers’ compensation claims, including reporting, follow-up, and coordination with carriers. Secretary for the company Safety Committee and primary liaison with external guard service.

· Handle unemployment claims for Connecticut and Massachusetts, including responses, hearings, and documentation.

Payroll Administration (HR-Focused)

· Administer HR-related payroll changes, including employee rate changes, position changes, status updates, and approved deductions.

· Handle all benefit, garnishment, and deduction updates to ensure accuracy.

· Oversee year-end vacation/sick accrual adjustments and ensure accurate carryover and balances.

· Partner with payroll administrator/CFO to handle employee payroll questions related to pay rates, deductions, accruals, and corrections.

· Identify, propose, and implement technology applications to streamline onboarding process for payroll and benefits enrollment.

QUALIFICATIONS:

· Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field required;

· 7–10 years of progressive HR experience; in addition, experience in a fast paced retail, hospitality or luxury brand environment is strongly preferred.

· Experience managing HR responsibilities in a multi-state environment (CT/MA preferred).

· Strong working knowledge of employment law, benefits administration, employee relations, and performance management.

· Proven ability to coach leaders and employees at all levels.

· Excellent interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills.

· Demonstrated experience improving HR processes or leading operational change in a hands-on environment.

· Comfortable working in environments where processes are evolving and structure needs to be built.

Pay: From $110,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• Please provide a short paragraph explaining your interest in the position and why you feel you are a good match.

Education:

• Bachelor's (Preferred)

Experience:

• Human resources management: 5 years (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• West Hartford, CT 06110 (Preferred)

Work Location: In person