HR Compliance & Employment Director (6-month Contract-to-Hire) 100% Remote PST – candidates can sit anywhere in California $79–$111/hour + benefits 6-month contract-to-hire (will convert permanently) About the Opportunity A leading, nationally recognized healthcare system is seeking an experienced HR Compliance & Employment Director to drive enterprise-wide compliance initiatives. This is a hands-on Director-level role for a true subject matter expert in California wage & hour law, timekeeping, and workforce compliance within a complex, highly regulated environment. This position is structured as a 6-month contract-to-hire, with a strong track record of converting consultants into long-term leadership roles. The organization is focused on hiring high-impact, long-term talent. Responsibilities + Lead HR compliance strategy, ensuring adherence to California, federal, and local employment laws + Serve as the SME and owner of wage & hour compliance, including policies around breaks, overtime, and wage practices + Oversee and audit timekeeping/workforce systems (e.g., UKG/Kronos or equivalent) + Act as HR Accreditation Lead, partnering with regulatory agencies (CDPH, CMS, Joint Commission) + Lead audits, surveys, and compliance investigations; ensure audit readiness across HR and operations + Develop and execute risk mitigation strategies related to compliance exposure, employee relations, and regulatory requirements + Partner with Risk Management to analyze trends in grievances and claims and implement remediation plans + Establish and maintain HR policies, procedures, and governance workflows + Deliver compliance training and guidance to HR and operational leadership + Perform regular audits of HR policies, procedures, and employee data + Oversee programs such as Alternative Work Schedules to ensure compliance with CA law Required Experience + 15+ years of progressive HR experience + 5+ years in a Director-level role + Deep expertise in California wage & hour law, including: + Meal & rest break compliance + Daily overtime rules + Wage statement requirements + PAGA / DLSE exposure + Proven ownership of timekeeping and workforce management systems (not just payroll partnership) + Experience in a large healthcare system or hospital environment (1,000+ employees; clinical workforce preferred) + Strong background leading wage & hour audits, investigations, and compliance enforcement + Experience working with regulatory bodies and accreditation standards (CDPH, CMS, Joint Commission) Core Competencies + Hands-on leadership style with ability to execute, not just advise + Strong analytical and problem-solving skills + Ability to influence stakeholders and build cross-functional alignment + Expertise in HR operations, systems, and compliance frameworks Education + Bachelor’s degree required (HR, Business, or related field What Makes This Role Unique + Opportunity to make an immediate impact within a large, complex healthcare system + High likelihood of full-time conversion into a long-term leadership role + High visibility with senior leadership and regulatory stakeholders + Ideal for a true compliance SME who wants program ownership and impact Preferred background Candidates are typically successful in this role if they come from large, integrated healthcare systems or organizations with similarly complex, multi-site workforces. Job Type & Location This is a Contract position based out of Redwood City, CA. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $79.76 - $111.75/hr. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave) Workplace Type This is a fully remote position. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on May 18, 2026. About Aston Carter Aston Carter provides world-class corporate talent solutions to thousands of clients across the globe. Specialized in accounting, finance, human resources, talent acquisition, procurement, supply chain and select administrative professions, we extend the capabilities of industry-leading companies. We draw on our deep recruiting expertise and expansive network to meet the evolving needs of our clients and talent community with agility and excellence. With offices across the U.S., Canada, Asia Pacific and Europe, Aston Carter serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® double diamond winner for both client and talent service. The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law. If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email astoncarteraccommodation@astoncarter.com (%20astoncarteraccommodation@astoncarter.com) for other accommodation options. San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability. Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.