Director of Human Resources in Tacoma, Washington at Puyallup Tribal Enterprises

POSITION SUMMARY:

Puyallup Tribal Enterprises (PTE) is looking for an HR Director to join our dynamic team. The Director of Human Resources serves as a key leader within the Human Resources function and trusted second-in-command to the Senior Director of Human Resources. This role combines broad HR leadership with particular strength in HR operations, technology, payroll, benefits, compliance, and process improvement. The Director will own significant HR programs and operational priorities while remaining closely connected to the day-to-day work of the department. This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who can move comfortably between organizational initiatives and detailed execution, including regularly processing payroll for one business unit and providing practical guidance and support to managers and employees.

PTE is the economic development arm of the Puyallup Tribe, supporting a diverse portfolio of businesses and investments that create long-term economic opportunity for the Tribe and its community. PTE combines strong business practices with a mission-driven purpose. Our Human Resources team supports employees across multiple business units while building the systems, programs, and practices needed for continued growth.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

HR Operations, Payroll & Process Improvement

• Partner with the Senior Director of Human Resources to execute HR priorities and strengthen the overall effectiveness of the function
• Maintain direct responsibility for processing payroll for one PTE business unit while providing review, oversight, and backup support across the organization
• Standardize and continuously improve HR processes, workflows, procedures, and service delivery across PTE and supported business units
• Support recruiting and selection efforts while optimizing core employee lifecycle processes, including onboarding, offboarding, records, leave administration, and performance management support

HR Technology & Digital Transformation

• Serve as a key business owner and subject matter resource for ADP and other HR technology platforms, driving system optimization, data integrity, reporting, workflows, and user adoption
• Lead the implementation, integration, and ongoing improvement of HRIS, payroll, recruiting, onboarding, benefits, and related HR technologies
• Expand the use of ADP and related HR platforms through practical automation, standardized forms, manager self-service, time-off workflows, reporting, and user training
• Manage HR technology vendor relationships and partner closely with Finance, Payroll, IT, and business leaders on system-related initiatives

Benefits and Total Rewards

• Lead the operational management of employee benefits and retirement programs, including health and welfare plans, 401(k) administration, open enrollment, employee communications, and ongoing plan administration
• Play a key role in PTE's transition to and ongoing administration of a self-funded health insurance model
• Partner with brokers, third-party administrators, stop-loss carriers, consultants, and other vendors to support plan performance, compliance, service, and cost management
• Support renewals, plan design, utilization and claims analysis, employee education, and benefits-related decision-making

Compliance, Employee Relations, and HR Leadership

• Maintain strong knowledge of federal, state, Tribal, and applicable local employment requirements and HR best practices
• Ensure HR systems, policies, records, and processes support compliance, audit readiness, and appropriate risk management
• Handle routine employee relations, performance management, policy interpretation, and manager guidance, escalating significant, sensitive, or high-risk matters as appropriate
• Provide clear, consistent guidance and exercise appropriate professional judgment and pushback when needed to support compliance, consistency, and responsible decision-making
• Provide day-to-day leadership and support to HR team members

Workforce Analytics and Strategic Projects

• Ensure HR data integrity and develop meaningful dashboards and reporting to support workforce and business decisions
• Lead cross-functional HR initiatives that improve efficiency, scalability, governance, and service delivery
• Identify emerging needs, risks, and improvement opportunities and bring forward practical recommendations
• Champion PTE culture and values and support HR practices that are respectful, consistent, culturally aware, and aligned with the organization

Company Focus

• Champion PTE values and work to teach and promote them throughout PTE
• Establish and maintain effective business relationships with all employees, vendors, business partners, government/regulatory entities, and communities in which we operate
• Use all company resources efficiently to promote maximum results for PTE; maintain PTE equipment and assets to maximize return on investment
• Strictly follow workplace safety measures; safeguard the welfare of all employees, guests, visitors, and business partners at all times; promptly report workplace risks, incidents, injuries, and near misses
• Maintain strict confidentiality regarding all sensitive and proprietary business information and safeguard PTE assets at all times

REQUIREMENTS:

Minimum

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Information Systems, or a related field
• 8+ years of progressive Human Resources experience, including significant responsibility for HR operations, systems, benefits, compliance, and process improvement
• Demonstrated experience administering and optimizing HRIS platforms
• Leadership role in benefits plan management
• Hands-on payroll processing experience
• Ability to problem solve, multi-task, and manage competing priorities to meet deadlines
• Excellent analytical and strategic thinking skills, with the ability to translate complex data into effective business solutions and recommend/adapt technology to changing needs
• Strong leadership and team management abilities, with a focus on collaboration and results
• Excellent communication and presentation skills in English, with the ability to engage and influence stakeholders at all levels
• Ability to make and implement sound business decisions using effectual mix of data, analysis, experience, and judgment
• Strong PC and Microsoft Office skills
• Relates well to all people, diplomatic/gracious; builds good relationships without compromising results
• Culturally sensitive and works well with the full diversity of our company and community
• Uncompromising integrity and the ability to maintain strict confidentiality
• Ability to occasionally work non-standard hours to accommodate business needs, including nights, weekends, and holidays
• Ability to pass background check

Preferred

• Experience with self-funding TPAs, stop-loss coverage, plan analytics, and/or self-funded plan transitions
• Experience working with Tribal entities and/or within industries similar to PTE
• HR Certification(s) such as SHRM-SCP or SHRM-CP

ABOUT PUYALLUP TRIBAL ENTERPRISES

Puyallup Tribal Enterprises, Inc. ("PTE") is the economic development arm of one of the largest Indian tribes in the Pacific Northwest. Socially, our objectives are to increase our land asset base for the Tribe and to create jobs and job training opportunities for tribal members. Economically, PTE is focused on leveraging our existing assets to generate above-market returns for the Tribe and our strategic partners. Tribal and Indian preference employer as required by law.

HOW TO APPLY: Submit an application online at: https://apply.jobappnetwork.com/puyallup-tribal-enterprises/en