Executive Director, Human Resources

Position: Executive Director, Human Resources

Location: Horsham, PA (Hybrid, 2 days/week in the office)

Compensation: $160,000 - $190,000

Overview:

We are seeking an experienced Executive Director of Human Resources to lead and manage HR operations across North America for a global full-service contract research organization (CRO). This is a strategic leadership role, responsible for overseeing the HR department, ensuring compliance with employment laws, and driving HR initiatives that align with the company’s goals and culture. The ideal candidate will bring extensive HR experience, particularly in the CRO, biotech, or pharmaceutical industries.

Key Responsibilities:

• HR Operations Management:
• Oversee day-to-day HR operations in North America, including systems evaluation, performance management, compensation, benefits, training, terminations, onboarding, and offboarding.
• Ensure all HR activities comply with country-specific labor laws, including health and safety, equal employment opportunity, diversity and inclusion, compensation, pension plans, and privacy.
• Strategic Leadership:
• Collaborate with the Global Head of HR and regional HR leads to set HR strategy and ensure alignment across global offices.
• Drive continuous improvement in HR policies and processes.
• Work closely with functional management teams to improve employee retention and support the company's growth goals.
• Talent Acquisition & Succession Planning:
• Partner with recruitment teams to develop cost-effective recruitment strategies and long-term talent acquisition plans.
• Lead succession planning efforts to ensure the organization has the right talent pipeline for future needs.
• Benefit Management:
• Manage benefit programs, including insurance and 401k, working with vendors to analyze and present cost data to leadership.
• Reporting & Communication:
• Regularly present HR updates to the global HR leadership team and contribute to the HR dashboard to track key metrics.

Qualifications:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources or related field required.
• MBA or Master’s degree in Human Resources or Business preferred.

Experience:

• 10 years in Human Resources, with at least 3 years in senior leadership roles (Sr. Director or higher).
• Previous HR experience within a CRO, biotech, or pharmaceutical company is preferred.
• Strong knowledge of North American (especially U.S. and Canada) employment laws and regulations.
• Experience with HR management systems (e.g., ADP, SAP) and other HR technologies.
• Experience in a fast-paced, collaborative environment, with the ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines.
• Experience in life sciences is highly preferred.

Key Skills:

• HR Leadership & Management: Strong supervisory and leadership skills, with a track record of driving results and managing HR teams.
• Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present complex information to senior leadership and build strong relationships with diverse teams.
• Problem-Solving & Analytical Skills: Strong ability to analyze HR data, identify trends, and develop solutions to improve HR operations.
• Confidentiality & Discretion: Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with the utmost discretion.
• Technology Proficiency: Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).

Additional Information:

• The interview process will be lengthy, including discussions with global heads of the company.