Human Resources Director in Huntington Beach, California at Applied Business Software

About Applied Business Software, Inc.,

Applied Business Software, Inc., (ABS), the maker of The Mortgage Office®, is the industry leader in private lending and loan management technology. Since 1978, our software has powered thousands of lenders, including private money firms, municipalities, CDFIs, Tribal Nations, universities, franchisors, third-party servicers and other non-bank lenders, helping them streamline, automate, and scale their lending operations with confidence.

About the role

We are looking for a thoughtful, people-first HR Director to lead our HR function. This is a hands-on generalist role for someone who thrives at the intersection of compliance, employee relations, and business operations, and who leads by example: sharing knowledge freely, investing in their team, and building trust at every level of the organization.

What you'll do

Organizational Development & Leadership

• Partner with leadership to align HR strategy with company goals
• Design and deliver training programs that build manager capability and employee skills
• Lead change management efforts and internal HR communications

Employee Relations

• Drive employee engagement initiatives and foster a positive, inclusive workplace culture
• Coach managers on performance management, corrective action, and documentation best practices
• Lead investigations into complaints, grievances, and disciplinary matters with impartiality and care

Business Administration & HR Operations

• Own core HR operations: onboarding/offboarding, benefits, leave management, compensation, and HRIS administration
• Administer and optimize Rippling (HRIS + ATS) — workflows, reporting, data integrity, and recruitment pipeline management
• Use HR data and metrics to surface trends and deliver actionable insights to leadership

Compliance & Employment Law

• Ensure compliance with federal, California, and local employment laws (CFRA, FMLA, FEHA, WARN, wage & hour, etc.)
• Maintain HR policies, the employee handbook, and required training programs; partner with legal counsel as needed
• Monitor regulatory changes and proactively update practices to stay ahead of risk

Qualifications

• 7+ years of progressive HR experience, with 2–3+ years at the Manager or Director level
• Deep knowledge of California employment law — wage & hour, FEHA, CFRA/FMLA, WARN (non-negotiable)
• Proven experience managing employee relations investigations and complex HR matters
• Experience managing a team of HR direct reports
• Strong business acumen; able to be both a strategic partner and a hands-on executor
• Exceptional interpersonal skills — approachable, empathetic, and trusted across all levels
• A coaching mindset: someone who shares knowledge generously and invests in the growth of others
• Bachelor's degree in HR, Business Administration, or related field

Nice to have

• Rippling (HRIS/ATS) experience strongly preferred
• Background in B2B SaaS or tech at a mid-sized company (50–300 employees)
• PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, or SHRM-SCP certification
• Familiarity with financial services or the mortgage industry

Why Join Us?

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage.
• 401(k) with company funded match.
• Mission-driven company with a 45+ year legacy and industry-leading products trusted by thousands of lenders.
• Collaborative, supportive team known for long tenure, deep expertise, and a culture built on trust and integrity.
• Help modernize and evolve the leading platform in private lending technology.
• Beautiful Huntington Beach office with a tight-knit culture.
• Competitive compensation and room for professional growth.
• Performance-based bonuses.
• Generous PTO.
• Modern workspace with on-site amenities.
• Awesome company Christmas party.