Director of Human Resources

Director of Human Resources

Location:  Laurel Building, Barkley Campus

On- Site in Bellingham, WA

Monday – Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm | 40 hours per week

 

A Day in Your Life at Peoples Bank:

The Director of Human Resources is a key officer-level leader who shapes and drives the people strategy for the bank. This role ensures we cultivate a thriving, mission-aligned workforce where employees feel valued, supported, and inspired to perform at a high level within a professional, relationship-driven culture.

As a trusted advisor to executive leadership, the Director provides strategic direction on workforce planning, organizational design, talent development, and cultural stewardship. This position plays a critical role in strengthening our culture, advancing our people initiatives, and ensuring the Bank remains a workplace where employees can grow, contribute meaningfully, and make a positive impact on the customers and communities we serve.

The Director leads the design, planning, and continuous improvement of HR practices and programs while ensuring full compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations.

 

Your Primary Responsibilities Would Include:

• Serving as a strategic business partner to executive leadership, contributing to organizational planning, workforce strategies, and long‑term decision‑making to ensure HR initiatives directly support the bank’s mission, culture, and business goals.
• Providing tools, resources, and guidance to managers to support employee development, coaching, and performance management.
• Managing complex employee performance situations by providing expert guidance, developing improvement strategies, and partnering with leaders to ensure fair and timely resolution. This includes conducting or overseeing investigations into sensitive employee relations matters and providing clear, well-supported recommendations aligned with Bank policies and legal requirements.
• Overseeing negotiations and administration of employee benefits plans; including healthcare, life & disability insurance, and the EAP along with oversight of the Peoples Bank Salary Investment and Profit-Sharing Plan (401(k)).
• Directly supervising the HR Manager and Talent Acquisition Manager, with overall leadership of the HR department.
•  Ensuring compliance with all federal, state, and local employment laws.

 

What You Bring to the Team:

• You have a bachelor’s degree in human resources management or a related field.
• You have a minimum of 7-10 years’ human resource management experience.
• You have SHRM-SCP or SPHR certification.
• Experience in highly regulated industries such as banking, financial services or healthcare is preferred.
• You have in depth knowledge of federal, state, and local regulatory issues related to employment laws and regulations.
• You have strong strategic thinking skills with the ability to align HR initiatives with organizational goals and influence decision-making at the executive level.
• You are proficient in Human Resources Information Systems, Word, Excel and Power Point.
• You are able to build and maintain strong, positive relationships and influence and guide others as well as effectively coach employees.
• You demonstrate professional conduct and the ability to maintain the confidentiality of employee and bank information.
• You can travel to other Peoples Bank locations and off-site for meetings and/or training as required.
• You have the ability to model the Peoples Bank Mission, Vision, and Values.

This position description is not intended to cover or contain a comprehensive list of all functions, duties or responsibilities that are required in this position. Functions, duties, or responsibilities are subject to change at any time with or without notice.

*For a comprehensive job description please contact HR department at [email protected]

 

The Bank’s Commitment to You:

We ensure that YOU are provided with dedicated, tailored support from our existing team.  We admire your passion for growth and self-fulfillment, so we offer engaging professional development and career advancement opportunities.   In addition, you will be working with a widely supportive HR team with a wealth of knowledge across a variety of areas.

For over 100 years, Peoples Bank’s philosophy of “People First” has created an unwavering commitment to our employees, customer, and local communities.  Our purpose is to serve our communities with honesty, integrity, respect, and commitment – and our promise, “A Higher Level of Service” always starts and ends with people.  We strive to be the “Best Community Bank in the Pacific Northwest” and that endeavor includes being the “Best Employer in the Pacific Northwest”. 

 Our Employees Enjoy Generous Benefits:

• We are proud to offer hybrid work from home options for most non-customer facing positions.
• We share our success with you through Profit Sharing, Incentives, and other Bonus Structures, based on your position.
• We support healthy work/life balance by offering 20 days of paid vacation, 2 paid wellness days, 2 days of paid community service time, as well as paid sick leave that is accrued based on hours worked.  Our employees will also enjoy 11 paid holidays throughout the calendar year.
• Wellness needs vary by individual, so we provide a full suite of Health benefits to employees and their families that include Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance, Mental Health Resources, and a $200 annual reimbursement for wellness related expenses.
• We invest in your financial security by providing an 8% 401(k) employer match and safety net of life and disability plans.

We Offer Competitive Compensation:

Salary Range in Bellingham, WA

 

$133,226 per year - $287,768 per year

 

Typical hiring range: $133,226 - $200,000 per year.

 

EEO Statement(s):

At Peoples Bank, we know we are better together.  We are dedicated to crafting a workplace that reflects the different backgrounds and perspectives of our communities, customers, and employees. If you’re excited about the job, we encourage you to apply, all experiences are welcome.  Peoples Bank is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and affirmative action employer.