PSQ Productions is hiring: Human Resources Director in Irvine

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Position: Human Resources Director

FLSA Status: Exempt

Pay Range: $85,000-$125,000 annually

Reports to: Chief Strategy Officer

Supervisory: Yes

Schedule: Full-time, on-site in Irvine, California with periodic evening/weekend event support and limited local travel (e.g., Great Park Live)

About PSQ Productions

PSQ Productions is Orange County's premier event production and venue management company, based in Irvine. With over 35 years of experience, we produce concerts, festivals, and community events that create lasting memories and engage local audiences. Our turnkey approach blends creativity, precision, and community focus, making us a trusted partner for high-impact live experiences.

We are seeking creative trailblazers who are problem solvers, culture-minded, and ready to make a tangible impact on Orange County communities through unforgettable experiences.

Position Summary

The Human Resources Director provides leadership, vision, and oversight of the company's HR function, including talent acquisition, employee relations, compensation and benefits, compliance, and organizational development. This role is both strategic and hands-on, ensuring PSQ continues to attract, retain, and grow exceptional talent while fostering a culture of equity, accountability, and innovation. This is a rare opportunity to shape the HR function of a growing company from the ground up.

The Human Resources Director will serve as a builder and innovator of HR systems at PSQ. This is not a role for someone who wants to simply maintain HR processes; it is an opportunity for a self-starter who is energized by the challenge of designing, implementing, and improving HR infrastructure in a growing company.

The Director will provide both strategic leadership and hands-on execution across all HR functions, ensuring compliance with law while introducing scalable solutions in recruitment, performance management, benefits, and culture development.

Distinguishing Characteristics

The Human Resources Director exercises broad responsibility for strategic planning and oversight of all human resources activities at PSQ. The role requires a high level of discretion, judgment, and expertise in employment law, organizational leadership, and change management. Unlike lower-level HR positions, this role is accountable for both long-term strategic direction and daily HR operations.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's Degree in human resources, Business Administration, Organizational Development or related field (Master's Degree preferred) or equivalent combination of education and directly relevant experience.
• 7+ years progressive HR experience, including 3+ years leading an HR team.
• Deep knowledge of California and federal employment law.
• Demonstrated success building or scaling HR in a startup/growth environment.
• Proficiency with HRIS (iSolved or similar system), process automation, HR analytics; strong change leadership.
• SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP or SPHR strongly preferred.
• Experience in live events/entertainment/venue/hospitality is a plus.

Knowledge Of

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Principles and practices of private sector human resources management.
• California and federal labor laws including wage and hour laws, leaves of absence, FEHA, CFRA, FMLA, ADA, Cal/OSHA, and related regulations.
• Employee relations, workplace investigations.
• HRIS systems, payroll integration, and reporting tools.
• Proficiency with HR technology, process automation, and analytics.

Skill In

Developing, implementing, and enforcing policies and procedures.

• Leading cross-functional initiatives and aligning HR strategy with organizational goals.
• Interpersonal communication, conflict resolution, and change management.
• Advising executives and managers on HR and organizational development best practices.

Ability To

• Build and lead a high-performing HR team.
• Interpret, apply, and enforce employment laws in a complex, fast-paced environment.
• Manage confidential information with integrity and discretion.
• Develop innovative workforce solutions to attract and retain top talent in the events industry.

Essential Functions

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Directs all HR operations including recruitment, classification, compensation, benefits, and employee relations.
• Develops and administers HR policies, employee handbook, and compliance programs.
• Provides guidance to executives, managers, and supervisors on HR issues, including corrective action and performance management.
• Oversees investigations of discrimination, harassment, and workplace misconduct, ensuring compliance with California law.
• Implements employee engagement, retention, and recognition initiatives.
• Develops training and development programs to advance workforce capability and leadership.
• Manages HRIS systems and ensures accurate personnel records.
• Collaborates with leadership to align HR initiatives with PSQ's strategic plan.
• Oversees compliance reporting and audits related to state and federal employment law.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as a strategic partner to the executive team in aligning HR initiatives with company goals.
• Lead the design, implementation, and management of HR policies, procedures, and programs that ensure compliance with California labor laws and federal regulations.
• Oversee recruitment, selection, and onboarding to attract diverse, top-tier talent.
• Develop and manage performance management systems, training programs, and professional development pathways.
• Administer employee compensation, benefits, and recognition programs.
• Provide guidance on employee relations, conflict resolution, and workplace investigations while ensuring fair and equitable treatment.
• Drive initiatives that strengthen company culture, employee engagement, and retention.
• Manage HR metrics and reporting to inform decision-making and support organizational growth.

Physical/Mental Requirements And Working Environment

• Office environment with periodic on-site support at venues; occasional evenings/weekends. Ability to remain at a computer; occasional walking/standing at events and carrying materials up to 25 lbs.
• Must be able to walk, stand, bend, and reach for extended periods and navigate large event sites, including uneven terrain or temporary structures.
• Regular exposure to outdoor conditions such as heat, cold, rain, and loud noise during events and may need to climb stairs depending on the event site.
• Must be able to maintain composure, problem-solve effectively, and lead others in high-pressure or rapidly changing situations.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned, with or without notice.

Salary: $85,000 - $125,000 per year

PSQ Productions will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if PSQ Productions is concerned about conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report. Find out more about the Fair Chance Act by visiting calcivilrights.ca.gov/fair-chance-act/.

Employer branding and posting notes omitted for clarity.