HR Director Jobs in California
HR Director jobs in California are among the most active in the country, concentrated in technology, entertainment, healthcare, and financial services, with openings ranging from first-time director roles to senior vice president of HR positions. The heaviest hiring is in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego, where employers like Kaiser Permanente, Wells Fargo, and Disney maintain large people operations teams. The most in-demand specialties are HR business partnering, total rewards, and talent acquisition leadership. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
Find HR Director JobsOverview
Open roles137+
Top employerApplied Materials
Top citySan Francisco, CA
Cities hiring65
Work type53% Hybrid
Top industryConstruction
Showing 5 of 137+ HR Director jobs
Director, Human Resources - West Region
We won't show you this job again
New 17h ago
Heritage Grocers Group, LLC
Director, Human Resources - West Region
Ontario, California
New 17h ago
C
Director of Human Resources & Administration
We won't show you this job again
C
Added 1d ago
Community Youth Center of San Francisco
Director of Human Resources & Administration
San Francisco, California
Added 1d ago
Director, HR + Legal Technology & Transformation
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Added 1d ago
Everpure
Director, HR + Legal Technology & Transformation
Menlo Park, California
Added 1d ago
J
Director of Human Resources
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J
Added 1d ago
Jewish Vocational Service (JVS)
Director of Human Resources
San Francisco, California
Added 1d ago
Human Resources Director | BMO Stadium - LAFC
We won't show you this job again
Added 1d ago
Legends Global
Human Resources Director | BMO Stadium - LAFC
Los Angeles, California
Added 1d ago
New 17h ago
Director, Human Resources - West Region
Heritage Grocers Group, LLC·Ontario, California
Job functions:
$130k - $140k/yr
Bachelor's degree in business administration
Job Description
At Heritage Grocers Group, how we work is defined by shared values that include absolute integrity, respect, and collaboration. However, it's more than that; it's smart and highly driven people united in purpose to serve one another.
Bring your energy and unique perspective and you'll have the opportunity to grow with us professionally, personally, and financially. You will be part of a team that genuinely cares about helping you succeed, and you will work alongside talented colleagues, while making a difference in our communities.
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Director, Human Resources - WEST provides strategic and operational leadership for human resources programs and services, including workforce planning, talent management, compensation, benefits, employee and labor relations, immigration, learning and development, and workplace health and safety. This position partners with senior business leaders to align people strategies with organizational priorities, leads the HR Business Partner function, ensures consistent and compliant HR practices across company locations, and uses workforce insights to improve organizational capability and business performance. This position reports to the Vice President, Human Resources.
The Director, Human Resources - WEST provides strategic and operational leadership for human resources programs and services, including workforce planning, talent management, compensation, benefits, employee and labor relations, immigration, learning and development, and workplace health and safety. This position partners with senior business leaders to align people strategies with organizational priorities, leads the HR Business Partner function, ensures consistent and compliant HR practices across company locations, and uses workforce insights to improve organizational capability and business performance. This position reports to the Vice President, Human Resources.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The essential duties and responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to, the following:
The essential duties and responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Provide strategic leadership and direction to the HR Business Partner and Senior HR Business Partner teams across assigned operations;
- Translate business priorities into integrated people strategies, workforce plans, and measurable HR objectives;
- Lead, coach, and develop HR leaders and Team Members; establish performance expectations, succession plans, and development priorities for the function;
- Advise executives, Store Directors, and operational leaders on organizational design, talent decisions, leadership capability, and workforce risks;
- Oversee talent reviews, succession planning, and leadership pipeline development across districts, stores, distribution centers, manufacturing facilities, and support centers;
- Direct complex employee and labor relations matters, including investigations involving senior leaders, significant workplace concerns, and high-risk or escalated cases;
- Provide strategic leadership for unionized retail operations, including collective bargaining preparation and support, labor-management relations, union organizing activity, grievance resolution, and guidance to leaders on lawful and effective labor practices;
- Establish consistent approaches to performance management, corrective action, conflict resolution, accommodations, and other employment practices;
- Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local employment laws and company policies across multiple jurisdictions;
- Partner with HR Centers of Excellence to design and implement enterprise programs in talent acquisition, total rewards, learning, engagement, compliance, and HR operations;
- Analyze workforce data, employee relations trends, turnover, engagement, and other key indicators; recommend and execute actions that improve organizational effectiveness and mitigate risk;
- Sponsor and lead organizational change initiatives, communications, and implementation plans affecting multiple business units or locations;
- Oversee HR support for new store and facility openings, including workforce planning, leadership selection, staffing readiness, and onboarding;
- Serve as an escalation leader for labor activity, workplace violence, business continuity, and other critical workforce events, coordinating with internal partners through resolution;
- Develop and deliver executive-level presentations, leadership training, and recommendations on workforce priorities and HR initiatives;
- Maintain strong field visibility and trusted partnerships through regular travel to company locations;
- Manage departmental resources and priorities to deliver timely, effective, and scalable HR support;
- Perform other duties as assigned.
SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field required; advanced degree or relevant professional certification preferred;
- Eight or more years of progressive Human Resources experience, including at least three years leading HR professionals or a significant HR function;
- Demonstrated experience partnering with senior leaders and translating business strategy into practical workforce and organizational plans;
- Strong multi-state employee and labor relations experience in a complex, multi-location environment; retail, distribution, or manufacturing experience preferred;
- Demonstrated experience supporting unionized retail operations, including collective bargaining, grievance administration, labor-management relations, and union organizing activity;
- Comprehensive knowledge of employment laws, regulations, investigations, accommodations, performance management, and risk mitigation practices;
- Proven ability to lead organizational change, influence across functions, resolve complex issues, and communicate effectively with executive and frontline audiences;
- Strong analytical, project management, and organizational skills, with experience using workforce data to guide decisions and measure outcomes;
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and HRIS/ATS platforms;
- Bilingual fluency in Spanish and English required.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK CONDITIONS:
The physical demands and work conditions below represent those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Some requirements may be modified to accommodate individuals with disabilities:
The physical demands and work conditions below represent those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Some requirements may be modified to accommodate individuals with disabilities:
- Team Member is regularly required to walk, sit, stand, and use her/his hands to handle objects, tools, and/or controls;
- Successful performance requires vision abilities that include close vision and the ability to adjust focus;
- The work environment is that typical of an office and retail store. The noise level ranges from quiet to loud;
- Ability to drive and flexibilty to travel to all company locations, as required.
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER NOTICE
The job duties, elements, responsibilities, skills, functions, experience, educational factors, and the requirements and conditions listed in this job description are representative only and not exhaustive of the tasks that an employee may be required to perform. The Employer reserves the right to revise this job description at any time and to require employee to perform other tasks as circumstances or conditions of its business or the work environment change.
The job duties, elements, responsibilities, skills, functions, experience, educational factors, and the requirements and conditions listed in this job description are representative only and not exhaustive of the tasks that an employee may be required to perform. The Employer reserves the right to revise this job description at any time and to require employee to perform other tasks as circumstances or conditions of its business or the work environment change.
Disclaimer:
Pay Scale $130K-140K
The pay scale above is a good faith estimate of the salary or hourly wage range that the employer reasonably expects to pay for the position. Within this range, individual pay is determined by multiple factors including, but not limited to, specific skills, relevant work experience, and relevant education and/or training. This information is provided to applicants in accordance with California Labor Code § 432.3 and state and local minimum wage standards.
Compensation: 130K-140K
Heritage Grocers Group, LLC
Director, Human Resources - West Region
Ontario, California
New 17h ago
Job functions:
$130k - $140k/yr
Bachelor's degree in business administration
Job Description
At Heritage Grocers Group, how we work is defined by shared values that include absolute integrity, respect, and collaboration. However, it's more than that; it's smart and highly driven people united in purpose to serve one another.
Bring your energy and unique perspective and you'll have the opportunity to grow with us professionally, personally, and financially. You will be part of a team that genuinely cares about helping you succeed, and you will work alongside talented colleagues, while making a difference in our communities.
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Director, Human Resources - WEST provides strategic and operational leadership for human resources programs and services, including workforce planning, talent management, compensation, benefits, employee and labor relations, immigration, learning and development, and workplace health and safety. This position partners with senior business leaders to align people strategies with organizational priorities, leads the HR Business Partner function, ensures consistent and compliant HR practices across company locations, and uses workforce insights to improve organizational capability and business performance. This position reports to the Vice President, Human Resources.
The Director, Human Resources - WEST provides strategic and operational leadership for human resources programs and services, including workforce planning, talent management, compensation, benefits, employee and labor relations, immigration, learning and development, and workplace health and safety. This position partners with senior business leaders to align people strategies with organizational priorities, leads the HR Business Partner function, ensures consistent and compliant HR practices across company locations, and uses workforce insights to improve organizational capability and business performance. This position reports to the Vice President, Human Resources.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The essential duties and responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to, the following:
The essential duties and responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Provide strategic leadership and direction to the HR Business Partner and Senior HR Business Partner teams across assigned operations;
- Translate business priorities into integrated people strategies, workforce plans, and measurable HR objectives;
- Lead, coach, and develop HR leaders and Team Members; establish performance expectations, succession plans, and development priorities for the function;
- Advise executives, Store Directors, and operational leaders on organizational design, talent decisions, leadership capability, and workforce risks;
- Oversee talent reviews, succession planning, and leadership pipeline development across districts, stores, distribution centers, manufacturing facilities, and support centers;
- Direct complex employee and labor relations matters, including investigations involving senior leaders, significant workplace concerns, and high-risk or escalated cases;
- Provide strategic leadership for unionized retail operations, including collective bargaining preparation and support, labor-management relations, union organizing activity, grievance resolution, and guidance to leaders on lawful and effective labor practices;
- Establish consistent approaches to performance management, corrective action, conflict resolution, accommodations, and other employment practices;
- Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local employment laws and company policies across multiple jurisdictions;
- Partner with HR Centers of Excellence to design and implement enterprise programs in talent acquisition, total rewards, learning, engagement, compliance, and HR operations;
- Analyze workforce data, employee relations trends, turnover, engagement, and other key indicators; recommend and execute actions that improve organizational effectiveness and mitigate risk;
- Sponsor and lead organizational change initiatives, communications, and implementation plans affecting multiple business units or locations;
- Oversee HR support for new store and facility openings, including workforce planning, leadership selection, staffing readiness, and onboarding;
- Serve as an escalation leader for labor activity, workplace violence, business continuity, and other critical workforce events, coordinating with internal partners through resolution;
- Develop and deliver executive-level presentations, leadership training, and recommendations on workforce priorities and HR initiatives;
- Maintain strong field visibility and trusted partnerships through regular travel to company locations;
- Manage departmental resources and priorities to deliver timely, effective, and scalable HR support;
- Perform other duties as assigned.
SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field required; advanced degree or relevant professional certification preferred;
- Eight or more years of progressive Human Resources experience, including at least three years leading HR professionals or a significant HR function;
- Demonstrated experience partnering with senior leaders and translating business strategy into practical workforce and organizational plans;
- Strong multi-state employee and labor relations experience in a complex, multi-location environment; retail, distribution, or manufacturing experience preferred;
- Demonstrated experience supporting unionized retail operations, including collective bargaining, grievance administration, labor-management relations, and union organizing activity;
- Comprehensive knowledge of employment laws, regulations, investigations, accommodations, performance management, and risk mitigation practices;
- Proven ability to lead organizational change, influence across functions, resolve complex issues, and communicate effectively with executive and frontline audiences;
- Strong analytical, project management, and organizational skills, with experience using workforce data to guide decisions and measure outcomes;
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and HRIS/ATS platforms;
- Bilingual fluency in Spanish and English required.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK CONDITIONS:
The physical demands and work conditions below represent those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Some requirements may be modified to accommodate individuals with disabilities:
The physical demands and work conditions below represent those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Some requirements may be modified to accommodate individuals with disabilities:
- Team Member is regularly required to walk, sit, stand, and use her/his hands to handle objects, tools, and/or controls;
- Successful performance requires vision abilities that include close vision and the ability to adjust focus;
- The work environment is that typical of an office and retail store. The noise level ranges from quiet to loud;
- Ability to drive and flexibilty to travel to all company locations, as required.
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER NOTICE
The job duties, elements, responsibilities, skills, functions, experience, educational factors, and the requirements and conditions listed in this job description are representative only and not exhaustive of the tasks that an employee may be required to perform. The Employer reserves the right to revise this job description at any time and to require employee to perform other tasks as circumstances or conditions of its business or the work environment change.
The job duties, elements, responsibilities, skills, functions, experience, educational factors, and the requirements and conditions listed in this job description are representative only and not exhaustive of the tasks that an employee may be required to perform. The Employer reserves the right to revise this job description at any time and to require employee to perform other tasks as circumstances or conditions of its business or the work environment change.
Disclaimer:
Pay Scale $130K-140K
The pay scale above is a good faith estimate of the salary or hourly wage range that the employer reasonably expects to pay for the position. Within this range, individual pay is determined by multiple factors including, but not limited to, specific skills, relevant work experience, and relevant education and/or training. This information is provided to applicants in accordance with California Labor Code § 432.3 and state and local minimum wage standards.
Compensation: 130K-140K
See All 137+ HR Director Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find HR Director JobsHR Director Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
San Jose
8 jobsSanta Clara
8 jobsSan Diego
4 jobsSan Mateo
4 jobsOakland
3 jobsEl Segundo
3 jobsLong Beach
3 jobsSanta Barbara
3 jobsNapa
2 jobsClovis
2 jobsPomona
2 jobsFremont
2 jobsModesto
2 jobsStanford
2 jobsTorrance
2 jobsSanta Ana
2 jobsSacramento
2 jobsRedwood City
2 jobsSanta Monica
2 jobsMountain View
2 jobsBrea
1 jobLodi
1 jobCorona
1 jobGoleta
1 jobIrvine
1 jobOrange
1 jobSylmar
1 jobVenice
1 jobAlameda
1 jobHayward
1 jobOntario
1 jobRedding
1 jobCarlsbad
1 jobCommerce
1 jobEl Cajon
1 jobLarkspur
1 jobRedlands
1 jobValencia
1 jobBrentwood
1 jobLa Puente
1 jobSan Bruno
1 jobSunnyvale
1 jobCloverdale
1 jobEmeryville
1 jobMenlo Park
1 jobPleasanton
1 jobSan Marcos
1 jobSan Rafael
1 jobBakersfield
1 jobCarpinteria
1 jobCulver City
1 jobPorterville
1 jobSan Anselmo
1 jobGrover Beach
1 jobRohnert Park
1 jobSaint Helena
1 jobWalnut Creek
1 jobHermosa Beach
1 jobNewport Beach
1 jobNorth Highlands
1 jobHuntington Beach
1 jobSanta Fe Springs
1 jobSouth San Francisco
1 jobHR Director Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Construction & Real Estate
- Food & Beverage
- Medical Devices
- Media & Entertainment
- Electronics & Hardware
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in HR director jobs across California.
- Bachelor's degree in human resources, business administration, or a related field required
- PHR, SPHR, or SHRM-SCP certification strongly preferred by California employers
- Seven or more years of progressive HR experience with at least three in a leadership role
- Deep knowledge of California employment law including FEHA, CFRA, and CCPA compliance
- Demonstrated experience managing full-cycle recruiting, compensation, and employee relations programs
- Proficiency with HRIS platforms such as Workday, SAP SuccessFactors, or ADP Workforce Now
HR Director Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a hr director in California?
Most hr directors in California start with a bachelor's degree in human resources or business, then build experience across generalist and specialist roles before stepping into leadership. California does not require a state-issued license to work as an hr director, but earning the SHRM-SCP or SPHR credential is widely expected by California employers and signals readiness for the director level. Familiarity with California-specific employment law, including FEHA and CFRA, is essential before moving into a director seat.
How much do HR directors make in California?
HR directors in California earn a median of about $170,080 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $96,430 for the lowest 10% to over $307,600 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire hr directors in California?
Employers hiring hr directors in California right now include Applied Materials, Marriott International, and WD, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of October 2026. California's concentration of large technology firms, healthcare systems, and entertainment studios means consistent demand for experienced hr leadership across a wide range of industries and company sizes.
Which California cities have the most hr director jobs?
San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Jose have the most hr director openings in California, reflecting the concentration of large corporate headquarters, hospital systems, and technology companies that maintain dedicated people operations teams in those metros. Smaller Bay Area cities and suburban Los Angeles markets also generate steady openings through mid-size employers and regional offices anchored in those hubs.
Are there remote hr director jobs in California?
Yes, and more than most fields. About 63% of hr director openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of October 2026, reflecting how much of the role involves strategy, compliance advisory, and systems work that can be done off-site. Functions like employee relations investigations, onboarding, and site-specific labor relations still draw in-person requirements, so fully remote roles tend to focus on generalist or HRbusiness partner responsibilities.
How can I get hired as a hr director in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is moving into an HR manager or senior HR business partner role first, then building toward director-level scope over two to three years. Large California employers like Kaiser Permanente, UC Health systems, and major technology firms run structured HR development programs and regularly promote from manager to director internally. Earning the SHRM-CP or PHR before applying and gaining hands-on exposure to California-specific compliance areas, particularly FEHA and leave administration, makes candidates noticeably more competitive for that step up.
Where can I find and apply to hr director jobs in California?
You can find and apply to hr director jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings updated regularly. Find roles that match your experience and location preference, then apply directly to the employers posting them.
See All 137+ HR Director Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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