Director of Human Resources

AKIRA/shopAKIRA.com Logo
AKIRA/shopAKIRA.com
Chicago, IL, United States
110000 - 150000 USD / Year
  • Clothing
  • FullTime
  • Applications have closed

AKIRA DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES In 2002, AKIRA opened the doors to its first women’s clothing boutique in Chicago. Since then, the company has extended its reach to 30 stores across the United States, as well as a thriving eCommerce business (shopAKIRA.com.) AKIRA is extremely well-poised for sustained growth as we continue to build a nationally recognized brand.

AKIRA’s culture has one very large, distinct difference from other fast-fashion competitors: Other-Worldly Customer Service and Fanatical, Obsessive Attention to the consumer’s needs and desires. The core principle for all employees at AKIRA is to Act and Think Like an Owner , and this belief can be reflected across all areas of the company.

The Position Director of Human Resources

Location Full-time Onsite

Hybrid between Chicago, IL (Headquarters) & Bolingbrook

Position Overview We are seeking a highly skilled and strategic Director of Human Resources to lead and elevate our Human Resources function across multiple locations. This role is responsible for aligning people’s strategies with business objectives, driving operational excellence, and serving as a key advisor to leadership. The ideal candidate will bring deep HR expertise, strong business acumen, and the ability to manage both strategic initiatives and daily operations in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment.

Key Responsibilities

  • Serve as the sole HR Leader for the organization, responsible for building scalable HR infrastructure.
  • Act as a trusted advisor to leadership on all people-related matters.
  • Ensure full compliance with federal, state, and local labor laws, as well as internal policies and procedures.
  • Manage complex employee relations and advise leaders across retail, warehouse, and corporate teams supporting 1,000 employees.
  • Oversee benefits administration, payroll, compensation planning, and compliance with all applicable employment laws.
  • Partner closely with an external HCM provider to deliver best-in-class HR practices and scalable infrastructure.
  • Lead full-cycle recruitment and onboarding to attract and retain diverse, high-quality talent.
  • Oversee risk management efforts, including workers’ compensation, safety compliance, and liability insurance programs.
  • Develop and implement training and development programs to support growth, performance and succession planning.
  • Maintain HR systems and ensure data integrity across employee records, HRIS, and support platforms (e.g., Zendesk).
  • Champion a positive workplace culture through engagement initiatives, employee relations, and retention strategies.

Qualifications

  • Proven experience leading HR Functions within a retail and multi-unit environment.
  • Track record of transforming HR teams and implementing modern systems.
  • Bachelor’s degree in human resources, Business Administration, or related field (HR certification preferred).
  • 10 years of progressive HR experience, including 5 years in HR Ops or Payroll leadership.
  • Proven experience setting up HR operations in a startup or high-growth environment and partnering with external HCM providers
  • Strong knowledge of iSolved or similar HRIS and ATS platforms, with the ability to design, integrate, and optimize systems to support recruitment, onboarding, payroll, and compliance workflows.
  • In-depth knowledge of employment law, HR compliance, and organizational development practices.
  • Strategic mindset with strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
  • Familiarity with compliance audits and regulatory reporting across multiple geographies.

Diversity & Inclusion At AKIRA we believe that treating everyone in a first-class manner is essential to fostering an inclusive environment that reflects our values and our community. This is deeply rooted in our company’s principles, culture, and fashion. We continuously strive to cultivate a company where employees feel a sense of belonging and contribute to a culture that values differences, ideas, and experiences. Our unique workforce is directly linked to our success and makes us stronger collectively.

Benefits And Perks AKIRA offers competitive benefits for full-time employees, including Medical, Dental, Vision, Pet, Life, LTD, FSA/HSA/Dependent Care FSA, Flex Transit (CTA), 401(k), and employee discount. We are committed to encouraging internal development and providing significant career enrichment opportunities. Most importantly, what has propelled AKIRA’s growth and success over the years has been the dynamic culture within the company – if you’re filled with passion, have a strong desire to get things done, and if you want to go to a place where you know your work matters and where you can implement your ideas and decisions, then AKIRA just might be the place for you.

At AKIRA, we are committed to fair and transparent compensation practices. The starting pay for this position is $110,000 – $150,000 annually, and may be adjusted based on experience, qualifications, and other job-related factors. Additional compensation and benefits may also apply and will be discussed during the hiring process.

Job Type: Full-time

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