Director of Human Resources & Payroll

Company Information

At Critical Energy Infrastructure Services, LLC (CEIS), we are a leading provider of staffing services to the energy and nuclear infrastructure industries. As a part of CEIS Holdings LLC’s rapidly growing national platform, our member companies combine “small company” responsiveness with “big company” expertise.
If you are passionate about people, have deep experience in HR and payroll management, possess a strong work ethic, and thrive in a dynamic environment driven by organic and M&A growth, you could be the right fit for this leadership role.
At CEIS, we value diversity, foster inclusion, and are committed to creating a workplace where all employees feel empowered and enabled to perform at their best.

Position Summary

The Director of Human Resources & Payroll will lead the HR function while overseeing a small payroll team. This role is critical to workforce management, compliance, employee engagement, and protecting the company from risk, while ensuring smooth and efficient payroll operations across multiple business units.
You will collaborate with the CEO, CFO, operational leaders, and external partners, and will lead transformation initiatives as the company continues to grow both organically and through acquisitions.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Serve as a trusted advisor to the CEO, CFO, and senior leadership on all people-related matters.
• Develop and execute HR strategies aligned with business goals and values, including programs to drive desired employee retention.
• Foster and sustain a positive, high-performance, and inclusive company culture.
• Manage complex employee relations matters (investigations, complaints, performance issues).
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws (FLSA, FMLA, ADA, EEO, etc.).
• Ensure best-in-class investigation and documentation practices for employee relations including development and management of employee handbooks, policies, and procedures.
• Oversee compensation, bonuses, and benefits programs, ensuring competitiveness and compliance.
• Own relationship with 3rd party HR and Payroll providers (e.g., Paylocity / Bullhorn) and optimize platform integrations with ERP and Financial systems.
• Lead HR due diligence, onboarding, and integration efforts for acquisitions.
• Coach, mentor, and develop HR and payroll team members.
• Oversee weekly, bi-weekly, and off-cycle payroll operations in partnership with our third-party payroll provider.
• Develop service level agreements with BU leaders, recruiters, and employees; and execute in accordance with.
• Ensure accurate timekeeping, payroll processing, tax withholdings, and benefit deductions.
• Maintain strong internal controls, compliance with wage and hour laws, and fraud prevention practices.
• Collaborate with accounting on payroll funding, reconciliations, and tax filings.
• Continuously improve payroll systems, processes, and reporting capabilities.
• Act as subject matter expert on payroll tax, garnishments, deductions, and reporting compliance.
• Resolve payroll-related inquiries and ensure a high level of employee satisfaction.

Experience, Qualifications, and Skills

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred (Business, Finance, Accounting, or related field).
• 10+ years of progressive HR and payroll experience; at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
• Previous experience in the staffing industry is highly preferred.
• Familiarity with CRM/ATS systems (e.g., Bullhorn, or similar) highly desirable.
• Strong knowledge of payroll and HR laws across multiple jurisdictions.
• Exceptional Microsoft Excel skills and general financial system proficiency.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, change-driven environment (including M&A).
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• High standards of integrity, honesty, and professionalism.