Director of HR Operations

Position Summary:

The Director of Human Resources is responsible for the daily operations of the Human Resources and Occupational Health department within UNCH-A (UNC Health Appalachian). Reporting to the CHRO, this role ensures efficient execution of HR programs, policies, and processes that support clinical and non-clinical staff. The Director oversees HR operations including employee relations, recruitment execution, compliance, benefits administration, performance management, and workforce support to ensure a compliant, responsive, and service-oriented HR function.

This position serves as the primary operational HR leader and ensures consistent application of policies and procedures across departments.

Key Responsibilities:

HR / Occupational Health Operations Management

• Oversee daily HR department operations and workflow.
• Supervise Managers, HRBPs, recruiters, and support staff.
• Manage departmental budget, vendor relationships, and training resources.
• Ensure timely and accurate processing of hires, transfers, promotions, and terminations.
• Maintain personnel records and HRIS data integrity.
• Monitor and track HR service metrics (turnaround times, onboarding completion, compliance tracking).

Recruitment & Onboarding Execution

• Oversee full-cycle recruitment processes for clinical and non-clinical roles.
• Ensure job postings, candidate screening, interviews, and offer processes are executed efficiently.
• Manage onboarding processes including background checks, credential verification, orientation scheduling, and new hire documentation.
• Partner with department leaders to address immediate staffing needs.

Employee Relations

• Manage day-to-day employee relations issues, investigations, and conflict resolution.
• Advise managers on corrective actions, documentation, and performance concerns.
• Oversee disciplinary processes and ensure consistency and fairness.
• Respond to employee concerns in a timely and professional manner.

Compliance & Policy Administration

• Ensure operational compliance with employment laws and healthcare regulations (FMLA, ADA, HIPAA, OSHA, EEOC, state labor laws).
• Administer leave programs and track compliance deadlines.
• Maintain up-to-date HR policies and employee handbook.
• Support audits, accreditation reviews, and regulatory reporting.

Compensation & Benefits Administration

• Oversee benefits enrollment, changes, and employee education.
• Oversee compensation changes and market review process.

Performance Management & Training

• Administer annual performance review processes.
• Support managers with coaching, documentation, and improvement plans.

Workforce Reporting & Analytics

• Generate regular HR reports including turnover, vacancy rates, overtime, and staffing trends.
• Monitor workforce metrics to identify operational issues.
• Provide data and operational insights to the CHRO.

Qualifications:

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Healthcare Administration, or related field required.

Experience

• 5–8 years of progressive HR experience.
• 2+ years in a healthcare environment strongly preferred.
• Experience managing employee relations in a regulated environment required.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Strong working knowledge of employment law and healthcare compliance requirements.
• Strong conflict resolution and investigation skills.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced healthcare environment.

Work Environment

• Healthcare administrative setting with regular interaction with clinical and non-clinical staff.
• May require flexibility during staffing shortages or compliance deadlines.

The Perks and Benefits:

• Collaborative environment: Join a supportive team of healthcare professionals committed to high-quality patient care.
• Professional development: Engage in structured learning, mentorship, and career advancement opportunities.
• Impactful work: Provide impactful HR support while growing your skills in a culture that prioritizes continuous learning and teammate experience.
• Location perks: Boone, North Carolina offers breathtaking mountain scenery, outdoor recreation, and vibrant community life.
• Top-tier community: Boone features a highly rated public school system and is home to Appalachian State University
• Compensation: Commensurate upon education and experience. Benefits begin the first of the month following 60 days of employment.
• Employee wellness program: Access "Love Your Life," offering wellness incentives and health screenings.
• Employee to Employee (E2E) program: Voluntary donations help support coworkers experiencing unexpected financial hardship.
• Additional perks: Discounts to attractions including Dollywood, Biltmore, Tweetsie Railroad, and more.

About UNC Health Appalachian
UNC Health Appalachian, the leader for healthcare in the High Country, includes three hospitals, 13 medical practices, the Seby B. Jones Regional Cancer Center, The Rehabilitation Center, and Appalachian Regional Healthcare Foundation. We are committed to promoting health, enhancing quality of life, and “making life better.”

About UNC Health
UNC Health is an affiliated entity of the University of North Carolina system, comprised of 14 hospitals, 18 campuses, and over 500 clinics. Our mission is to improve health and well-being while supporting the education of future healthcare professionals. For more information, visit unchealth.org.

UNC Health Appalachian embraces diversity and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or other protected status. We are committed to a fair, respectful hiring process. For accommodations during the application process, please contact us.

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check and drug screening.

For accommodations or additional information, contact arhsrecruitment@unchealth.unc.edu.

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