Prevail Recruiting is hiring: Human Resources Director in Irvine

Overview

A leading defense manufacturing company is seeking a Director of Human Resources to provide strategic leadership and hands-on guidance across all areas of HR. This role partners closely with the executive team to develop and implement policies, practices, and programs that support the company’s workforce, ensure legal compliance, and drive organizational success.

Base pay range

$130,000.00/yr - $150,000.00/yr

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Responsibilities

• Serve as a trusted advisor to the CEO and COO on HR issues impacting the business.
• Lead and develop the HR team, ensuring alignment with company goals.
• Oversee payroll, benefits, employee relations, recruitment, performance management, health and safety, and compliance functions.
• Partner with leadership to anticipate workforce needs, ensure staffing levels are met, and support succession planning.
• Build strong cross-functional relationships with departments such as Accounting, Legal, Security, and Operations.
• Monitor and interpret employment law and HR best practices to maintain compliance.
• Support executive leadership with detailed HR reports, presentations, and strategic recommendations.
• Oversee companywide HR initiatives, including compensation benchmarking, employee events, and culture-building programs.
• Lead investigations, manage conflict resolution, and provide guidance on sensitive employee matters.
• Promote a positive, respectful, and safe work environment while ensuring compliance with all workplace policies and procedures.
• Drive ongoing process improvements across HR systems and programs.
• Leadership & Strategic Thinking: Ability to align HR practices with company goals, adapt strategies to changing conditions, and drive long-term workforce success.
• Communication: Strong verbal and written communication; able to influence and negotiate at all levels of the organization.
• Managing People: Skilled in coaching, developing, and empowering staff while holding them accountable for results.
• Judgment & Decision-Making: Demonstrates sound judgment and timely decision-making.
• Adaptability & Initiative: Comfortable with change, proactive in identifying solutions, and quick to take initiative.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field required. Master’s or JD strongly preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive HR experience, including strategic leadership roles.
• Strong background in manufacturing environments required.
• Thorough knowledge of employment laws and regulations; legal experience a plus.
• Experience with compensation strategy and job benchmarking.
• Excellent interpersonal, conflict resolution, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook).
• Proficiency with HRIS systems (e.g., ADP) and ability to generate advanced reports.

Additional Information

• Must be comfortable working in a defense manufacturing environment.
• Ability to occasionally lift or move up to 5 pounds; primarily office-based role requiring sitting, speaking, and computer use.
• Work environment is typically quiet, with occasional exposure to a production/manufacturing setting.

What’s in it for you

• Base Salary ($130,000-$150,000)
• Health insurance
• 401(k) matching
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance
• Life insurance

Contact

Vice President of Recruiting

Chris.DeCecco@PrevailRecruiting.com

(949) 276-9529