Senior Director Human Resources

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Executive Search/ Corporate Talent Leader, Recruitment Strategist, Cross Functional Business Partner, Talent Branding Lead, HR System Implementation…

Ocean State Job Lot ("OSJL" or the "Company") is a dynamic $850+ million general merchandise retailer with a strong foothold across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic. With over 170 stores currently and ambitious plans to reach 180 locations, OSJL offers exciting opportunities for growth and contribution. We are an opportunity-driven retailer owning over 50% of our operating locations, totaling 8 million square feet, demonstrating our stability and long‑term vision.

At OSJL, you will be part of a team committed to delivering exceptional value to our customers while driving positive change and a more responsible future for retail within our communities.

The Senior Director of Human Resources and People is a pivotal leadership role at OSJL, designed for a transformational leader who will architect the Company's future‑state human resources and people strategy. More than a functional head, this leader will serve as a strategic thought partner to the Vice President, empowered to influence critical business decisions with data‑driven evidence. The core mission is to design the "support center of the future" while leading the company through enterprise‑wide change.

This position requires a unique ability to balance visionary, long‑term strategy with the operational excellence of core HR functions, including Total Rewards, Associate Relations, Compliance, and Development. The Senior Director will take full ownership of the talent and succession pipeline and unify a high‑performing team under a single vision. This role is ideal for an intrinsically motivated change agent focused on building a human resource and people function that delivers a sustainable competitive advantage for OSJL.

• Architect and Drive the People Vision: In partnership with the VP of People and Operations, serve as a principal architect of the Company’s forward‑thinking strategy. Establish a clear vision for the entire HR function that anticipates the future of work, leveraging data, HR technology, and AI to build a sustainable competitive advantage for the business.
• Lead Organizational Transformation & Design: Critically evaluate the current Company and department structures to lead the transformation of the "support center of the future." Drive initiatives that enhance organizational effectiveness, streamline processes, and align the workforce structure with evolving business goals.
• Own the Talent & Succession Pipeline: Lead the development and implementation of a robust, proactive succession planning process. Champion a culture of internal mobility and leadership development to build a strong talent pipeline at all levels of the organization.
• Unify and Develop a High‑Performing Team: Guide a blended team of strategic and operational professionals, unifying them under a single, compelling vision. Focus the team on the most critical priorities through expert coaching, talent development, and mentorship.
• Serve as a Strategic Partner and Challenger: Act as a true thought partner to executive leadership. Use data‑driven evidence and deep business knowledge to challenge ideas, advocate for optimal strategies, and influence critical decisions that benefit the long‑term health of the Company.
• Ensure Foundational & Operational Excellence: Provide strategic oversight for all core functions, including Total Rewards, Associate and Labor Relations, Performance Management, Payroll, and Compliance. Drive modernization and efficiency in these areas to ensure foundational stability while the future state is being built.
• Lead Change Management & Adoption: Drive organizational transformation by developing and executing communication strategies that foster stakeholder buy‑in. Champion the adoption of new processes, technologies, and strategies by ensuring the delivery of effective training, coaching, and support.
• Foster a Positive Associate Relations Climate: Drive a productive and engaging work…