Head of People Operations & Payroll

Who We Are:

At Guardian Restoration Partners, we are on a mission to build the most impactful restoration business in the industry. Our network of "Guardians" helps property owners in crisis rebuild their lives after devastating events like water, fire, and mold damage. As part of our team, you’ll be contributing to a company that values results, integrity, and putting customers first.

Guardian is a passionate group of professionals committed to preserving the legacy of small and medium-sized businesses while accelerating their growth. We bring deep expertise and a hands-on approach to support our partners, expand the Guardian network, and make a lasting, positive impact across every organization

Who We Are: 

Guardian Restoration Partners, an Alpine Investors’ platform, is leading transformative change in the restoration and mitigation industry. At Guardian Restoration Partners, we are on a mission to build the most impactful restoration business in the field. With a network of dedicated “Guardians,” we help property owners in crisis rebuild their lives after devastating events like water, fire, and mold damage. We are a passionate group of professionals committed to preserving the legacy of small and medium-sized businesses while accelerating their growth. We bring deep expertise and a hands-on approach to support our partners, expand the Guardian network, and make a lasting, positive impact across every organization in our portfolio. As a member of our team, you’ll be part of a company that values results, integrity, and putting customers first.  

Alpine Investors is a people-driven private equity firm dedicated to investing in fragmented industries across the U.S. Named to Inc.'s List of Founder-Friendly Investors for five consecutive years, Alpine creates value by honoring the legacy of founders and transforming their companies into enduring, high-growth businesses. Our portfolio companies thrive through strategic consolidation, technology advancement, and operational support. By leveraging this approach, one of our portfolio companies has achieved impressive results, scaling from $0 to $2 billion in just four years with over 300 acquisitions, all while preserving founders’ legacies. Guardian Restoration Partners, is leading the way in transformative changes in the restoration and mitigation industry. 

What we need:  

This leadership role centers around building and optimizing our People Operations function to support a dynamic and rapidly growing workforce. You will design and lead programs that enhance employee experience, streamline HR infrastructure, and drive data-informed decisions through geographically and highly distributed teams. With a focus on efficiency and scalability you'll oversee key pillars like payroll and HR systems, Compliance and Reporting, among others. This position is perfect for someone who thrives in fast-paced environments, blends analytical thinking with empathetic leadership, and is passionate about creating the foundation for transformative employee experiences. The ideal candidate embraces complexity and change, using them as levers for innovation and progress. They’ll build and lead high-performing, inclusive, and cross-functional teams that are empowered to deliver real impact. Just as importantly, they’ll foster strong, trust-based partnerships with business founders, General Managers, and front-line operators, ensuring that our People technology and programs are aligned with real-world needs and opportunities.  Additionally, the ideal candidate will serve as a trusted advisor to the Executive Team and thrives in both strategic leadership and operational excellence. 

Accountabilities:

• Lead and optimize critical HR operational functions including onboarding, payroll, HRIS implementation and adoption at existing and newly acquired Partner companies, along with building our compliance and reporting motions. 

• Build and operationalize a robust HR analytics capability including a People Dashboard to drive data-informed decision-making across the employee lifecycle 

• Streamline HR processes for scalability, user experience, and efficiency—including hiring velocity and performance review frameworks 

• Build and implement standard practices to capture and measure key performance indicators such as Exit Interviews, Turnover, Regrettable Turnover, Time to Fill and other People team analytics 

• Develop scalable People programs designed to enhance the employee experience and reinforce a compliant, people first culture 

• Cultivate a growth-driven, inclusive culture that empowers employees to thrive 

• Provide hands-on leadership to a high-performing Payroll and People Operations team, mentoring team members, scaling the team as needed and aligning priorities with strategic goals 

• Lead organizational change initiatives related to technology adoption, ensuring minimal disruption to operations while providing training and support to facilitate smooth transitions and maximize user engagement with newly implemented systems. 

Systems Integration & Adoption 

• Lead the implementation and ongoing optimization of ADP Workforce Now (WFN) across newly acquired businesses, ensuring smooth transitions and data integrity. 

• Standardize HRIS and payroll processes to achieve consistency, scalability, and compliance across the enterprise. 

• Partner with IT, Finance, and M&A teams to integrate systems during acquisitions. 

Payroll  

• Oversee accurate and timely processing of payroll in a high-growth, multi-state environment with a highly non-exempt employee population. 

• Ensure payroll compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. 

• Partner with Finance to align payroll processes with financial reporting and planning. 

Compliance & Risk Management 

• Build and maintain scalable compliance systems covering employment law, wage & hour, benefits, and data privacy. 

• Monitor changes in labor regulations and proactively adjust policies and procedures. 

• Oversee audits, reporting, and risk management practices. 

Leadership & Advisory 

• Serve as a trusted advisor to the Chief People Officer and other members of the Executive Team on people operations, compliance, and risk management. 

• Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing People Operations team. 

• Partner cross-functionally with HR Business Partners, Total Rewards, Talent, and Finance to ensure seamless people processes. 

Culture & Continuous Improvement 

• Drive a culture of operational excellence, continuous improvement, and employee experience. 
• Champion the use of data and analytics to inform decisions and improve processes. 
• Ensure People Operations supports the organization’s values and long-term growth. 

Skills Needed for Success: 

• Proven success leading complex, multi-site ADP WFN deployments that drive scalable impact 

• Experience navigating private equity-backed, roll-up, or platform business models with agility and insight 

• Humble, service-oriented leadership with a builder’s mindset and strong operational discipline 

• Deep functional expertise across technology strategy, implementation, adoption, and ongoing support 

• Demonstrated ability to lead change management and seamless integration initiatives with empathy and clarity 

• Skilled collaborator who fosters inclusive, cross-functional partnerships to achieve shared goals 

• Exceptional communicator, adept at engaging diverse stakeholders with transparency and influence 

• Strong data literacy and proficiency with tools that enable informed, strategic decision-making 

Requirements 

• 12+ years of progressive HR experience with 5+ years in senior leadership roles, ideally within scaling, geographically distributed businesses (300-1000+ employees) 

• Excellent knowledge and experience in implementing HR Technology solutions to streamline operations in distributed work groups 

• Strong expertise in payroll operations, including ADP Workforce Now implementation and management. 

• Proven experience building scalable compliance frameworks in high-growth or multi-entity environments. 

• Strong HR expertise across regulatory frameworks, compliance, and team management 

• Hands-on experience leading HR functions through M&A events, including integration of acquired teams 

• Proven ability to use HR data and metrics to influence business decisions and optimize operations 

• Demonstrated success in leading large-scale programs from concept to implementation 

• Strong knowledge of federal, state, and local labor laws;  

• Exceptional leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills. 

• Data-driven mindset with experience leveraging metrics to drive improvements 

• Strong interpersonal skills with an empathetic, collaborative, and people-first approach 

• Strategic business mindset with the ability to align people initiatives to commercial goals 

• Ability to travel up to 50% of the time 

• Passion for personal growth, talent development, and building cultures of continuous learning 

Our Core Values:

1. Results Matter – We believe in delivering on our promises and driving outcomes that make a measurable difference.
2. Do the Right Thing – Integrity is at the core of everything we do. We are committed to being ethical and trustworthy in every situation.
3. Customer-First – Our customers are at the heart of our business. We strive to exceed their expectations and build lasting relationships.

Total Rewards:

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 401K Plan with company match
• Paid Time Off

We are focused on becoming an “employer of choice” and are continuously looking at how to expand our Total Rewards offerings to best suit the needs of our employees.

Why Join Us?

At Guardian Restoration Partners, we are committed to empowering our employees with the resources and opportunities they need to excel. When you join our team, you’ll enjoy:

• Competitive Compensation: A comprehensive package that includes health, vision, dental, and retirement plans to support your financial and personal well-being.
• Work-Life Balance: Hybrid work options designed to provide flexibility while fostering collaboration and connection with your team.
• Collaborative Culture: Be part of a mission-driven team that values innovation, teamwork, and meaningful impact.
• Professional Growth: Thrive in an entrepreneurial environment where you’ll take on diverse challenges, gain hands-on experience, and have opportunities to shape your role as the company grows.

You’ll contribute to a dynamic team where your expertise will make a tangible difference in our success. We offer a supportive environment that fosters collaboration, innovation, and a strong commitment to your personal and professional development.

Compensation:

Guardian is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. For this position, the base salary pay range is $160,000 - $230,000 + Bonus. Actual compensation will depend upon an individual’s skills, experience, qualifications, location, and other relevant factors. The salary range is subject to change and may be modified at any time.

Location: Denver, Colorado strongly preferred, but open to candidates in the Mountain Time Zone or Central Time Zone. 

Application Deadline

The anticipated application deadline is November 3, 2025, though that date may change depending on the volume of qualified resumes we receive by that time.

Ready to Apply?

If you’re passionate about employee experience, we want to hear from you! Our philosophy is to treat the employee experience like a product - designed with care, shaped by feedback, and constantly evolving to meet people where they are. Apply today and join a team that values your expertise and supports your professional growth.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

At Guardian Restoration Partners, we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, or any other protected status as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.