Vice President of Human Resources
1 day ago
Dallas
Job Description WINSTON FAMILY OF COMPANIES Vice President of Human Resources Location Dallas, TX — On-site (hybrid considered for the right candidate) Reports To CFO / COO Direct Reports HR Generalists, Benefits Administrator, Payroll Coordinator Compensation $150,000 – $185,000 base + bonus potential, commensurate with experience Scope 70+ locations across the southern U.S. | Winston Water Cooler & Affiliate Companies The Opportunity The Winston Family of Companies, anchored by Winston Water Cooler, one of the most established plumbing supply distributors in the southern U.S., has experienced extraordinary growth over the past several years, expanding to 70+ locations and a diverse, multi-company workforce spanning several industry verticals. That momentum has created a remarkable opportunity: the chance to architect and lead an HR function worthy of the organization we have become. We are seeking a Vice President of Human Resources who is as energized by building as they are by leading. This is a role for someone who sees untapped potential where others see complexity, who is excited to establish strong foundations, modernize operations, and create people programs that scale with a growing enterprise. You will have wide latitude to assess, design, and implement across every core HR discipline. What You Will Own Benefits Strategy & Administration • Take strategic ownership of all benefit programs (medical, dental, vision, life, disability, HSA/FSA, 401(k), and voluntary offerings) and lead a comprehensive evaluation to maximize value, cost-efficiency, and employee experience., • Assess and advance plan design, including analysis of self-funded, level-funded, or captive options, to ensure Winston's benefits are competitive and financially sound., • Serve as the primary relationship owner with brokers, TPAs, carriers, stop-loss vendors, and benefits consultants., • Own Open Enrollment end-to-end: strategy, communications, compliance documents, employee education, and system accuracy., • Lead implementation and ongoing management of the cafeteria plan (Section 125), required filings (5500s, PCORI, ACA reporting), and wellness initiatives., • Develop a benefits communications strategy that is clear, accessible, and resonant for both field and HQ employees across all Winston entities. HR Compliance & Risk Management • Establish a robust compliance posture across all 70+ locations, evaluating policies, documentation, posting requirements, leave administration, and classification to ensure the organization is fully protected and current., • Ensure all HR practices and documentation align with federal, state, and local employment law: FMLA, ADA, COBRA, ERISA, HIPAA, ACA, FLSA, NLRA, and applicable multi-state requirements., • Develop and maintain a comprehensive, up-to-date employee handbook and suite of HR policies that reflect Winston's culture and legal obligations., • Build and manage a proactive HR compliance calendar covering all filing, reporting, notice, and renewal deadlines., • Implement a regular internal review process to stay ahead of regulatory changes and continuously strengthen the organization's compliance position., • Serve as the internal subject-matter expert for employment law matters; partner with legal counsel on investigations, regulatory inquiries, and risk mitigation as needed. Payroll Oversight & Integrity • Provide executive-level oversight of payroll operations ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance at every step., • Assess current payroll processes and implement enhancements with particular attention to overtime practices, worker classification, garnishments, and multi-state tax compliance., • Collaborate with Finance and the payroll team and vendor to build strong controls, clear reconciliation workflows, and reliable escalation procedures., • Confirm proper worker classification (exempt/non-exempt, W-2 vs. 1099) and ensure full alignment with wage and hour requirements across all states of operation., • Oversee payroll tax compliance and all year-end reporting processes, including W-2s and ACA filings., • Champion full utilization and optimization of the HRIS/payroll platform (currently Paycom) to improve efficiency, accuracy, and manager empowerment. Employee Relations & Culture • Develop and implement a consistent, fair, and legally sound employee relations framework establishing clear investigation protocols, performance management practices, and documentation standards across all locations., • Serve as a trusted resource and escalation point for complex employee matters: performance management, workplace conflict, accommodation requests, and separations., • Build a structured offboarding process that ensures compliance, captures actionable feedback, and maintains positive employee experiences through transition. HR Operations, Policy & Systems • Create and implement standardized HR workflows and documentation across all Winston locations including onboarding, job changes, leave of absence, accommodations, and offboarding to ensure consistency at scale., • Expand and optimize the use of Paycom to drive efficiency, strengthen data integrity, and enable meaningful manager self-service., • Lead, develop, and invest in the HR team setting clear expectations, providing mentorship, and creating a culture of accountability and continuous improvement within the function. A Note on Scope Talent Acquisition & Development are led through dedicated channels and fall outside the direct scope of this role, allowing the VP of HR to maintain sharp focus on the core people operations mission. That said, this leader will play an important connective role ensuring HR infrastructure seamlessly supports hiring and development efforts through strong onboarding handoffs, compliance training alignment, and accurate job documentation. What We're Looking For Experience & Education • Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field required; advanced degree or HR certification preferred., • 10+ years of progressive HR experience, with at least 3–5 years in a senior HR leadership role (Director or VP level)., • Demonstrated experience building or rebuilding HR infrastructure in a high-growth, multi-location organization., • Hands-on experience managing benefits programs, payroll oversight, and HR compliance simultaneously, not just one of these. Skills & Competencies • Comprehensive working knowledge of ERISA, HIPAA, COBRA, ACA, FMLA, ADA, FLSA, Section 125, NLRA, and multi-state employment law., • Experience managing benefits plan design, broker relationships, and alternative funding models (self-funded, level-funded, captives)., • Strong payroll acumen with end-to-end understanding of payroll operations, compliance requirements, and risk management., • Demonstrated ability to navigate complex employee relations matters with fairness, consistency, and legal soundness., • Proficiency with HRIS/payroll platforms; Paycom experience is a significant plus., • Adaptable and decisive in a dynamic environment and able to prioritize effectively and move with confidence when the landscape is still taking shape. The Ideal Mindset • A genuine builder, someone who is energized by creating structure, establishing best practices, and seeing the direct impact of their work across an organization., • Comfortable operating at both the strategic and the operational level, particularly during the first 12–18 months as the function is elevated and expanded. Preferred Credentials • PHR/SPHR or SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP certification., • CEBS (Certified Employee Benefits Specialist) designation., • Experience leading an HRIS implementation, migration, or optimization initiative., • Multi-state employment law experience, particularly across TX, LA, OK, AR, NM, NV, FL, CA and surrounding southern states. Why the Winston Family of Companies • A genuine seat at the leadership table, this role reports directly to the CFO/COO with direct influence over enterprise-wide people strategy across all Winston entities., • Winston is a growth company, and the right leader will grow with it, • Competitive base salary, annual bonus potential, comprehensive benefits package, and 401(k) with employer match. Ready to build something lasting? We'd love to connect. Winston Family of Companies | Dallas, TX | winstonwatercooler.com