Director, Human Resources

Job description

Who We Are: 160over90 is an award-winning global marketing agency which forges stronger human connections and creates shared moments where people feel something real. With 800 thinkers, doers, and makers across every cultural corner of the world, the agency offers a full-service, channel-agnostic approach and a deep connection to the people, places, and properties that drive the conversation of tomorrow. 160over90 works with leading brands including AB InBev, Amazon, Coca-Cola, DP World, Macy’s, Marriott International, McDonald’s, Verizon and Visa. 160over90 is part of WME Group, a global representation business comprising the world’s leading talent, intellectual property and brands. Director, HRBP 160over90 / Publicis Sports Position Overview The Director, Human Resources Business Partner is a strategic people leader supporting 400+ employees across 160over90’s global network. Based in New York City and reporting to the VP, Human Resources, this role partners closely with senior leaders across Partnerships, Experiential, PR/Social, Finance, and Business Operations to drive organizational performance, talent strategy, and a connected, high‑impact culture. This leader brings a global mindset and strong business acumen, advising on workforce planning, organizational design, leadership development, and employee engagement. They anticipate business needs, use data to influence decisions, and design scalable people programs that support growth across diverse markets. The HR Director also oversees complex employee relations, ensures compliance across multiple jurisdictions, and strengthens leadership capability through coaching and development. Balancing strategic vision with hands‑on execution, the HR Director thrives in a fast‑paced, creative environment and plays a critical role in shaping a workplace where employees feel supported, empowered, and inspired to do their best work. Who We Are: 160over90 is an award-winning global marketing agency which forges stronger human connections and creates shared moments where people feel something real. With 800 thinkers, doers, and makers across every cultural corner of the world, the agency offers a full-service, channel-agnostic approach and a deep connection to the people, places, and properties that drive the conversation of tomorrow. 160over90 works with leading brands including AB InBev, Amazon, Coca-Cola, DP World, Macy’s, Marriott International, McDonald’s, Verizon and Visa. The Role and What You’ll Do: Serve as a trusted advisor to the Partnerships, Experiential, PR/Social, Finance and Business Operations leadership teams, influencing business and talent decisions through strategic counsel, data-driven insights, and practical solutions that drive organizational performance. Proactively identify organizational and talent challenges, assess root causes, and develop actionable solutions while influencing leaders to drive alignment, accountability, and successful execution. Partner with hiring managers and department heads to understand staffing needs, prospective openings, and position requirements; forecast changes in staffing, plan recruiting strategies in advance, and maintain movement in the talent pipeline to maximize long-term productivity. Effectively partner with finance and business leaders to manage open headcount process, with deep understanding of organization to inform staffing structures and headcount needs. Influence leaders across the organization to optimize team structures, workforce planning, and talent strategies; drive initiatives that improve organizational effectiveness, business performance, collaboration, and employee engagement. Coordinate company-wide training on, and compliance with, all federal, state, and local laws and regulations, including health and safety regulations, anti-harassment and non-discrimination policies, and employee conduct guidelines. Implement organizational talent initiatives, focusing on talent recruitment, retention, training, and professional growth, with specific emphasis on leadership development. Coach and counsel management and employees in areas of employee relations, conflict resolution, performance appraisals, and disciplinary measures. Thoroughly investigate any potential EEO issues, discrimination, harassment, or any other employee relations complaints or disputes; effectively present findings to the appropriate parties. Proactively identify and implement procedures that promote employee performance and job satisfaction. Ensure fair and consistent application of company policy and regulation while promoting positive employee morale. Guide assigned client groups through semi-annual performance review process and coordinate with senior management and finance counterparts to execute merit planning. Compile and process new hire paperwork, employee data changes, merit increases / salary adjustments and employee terminations leveraging Workday. Anticipate business needs and bring forward solutions, recommendations, and insights rather than simply responding to requests, helping leaders navigate growth, change, and organizational complexity. You Have These: Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Psychology, Business Management, or related field required; relevant Master’s degree preferred. HR certifications a plus, including but not limited to PHR, SHRM–CP, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, APTD, or CPLP. Minimum of 8 - 10 years of Human Resources experience with a focus on strategic business partnership, employee relations, and organizational development. Recruitment experience a plus. The ability to incorporate equity and belonging into all of our HR initiatives and overall employee experience. Previous experience as HR Business Partner supporting companies within the marketing, entertainment, sports, fashion, or media industry highly desired. Experience supporting a marketing agency preferred. Must possess a strong working knowledge and understanding of all applicable employment/human resources laws, rules, codes, and regulations (i.e. EEO, ADA, FMLA etc.). Knowledge of global HR statutory practices and international HR operations. Proficiency in Microsoft Office is a must. Previous experience using Workday or similar HRIS systems preferred. A proven background of success managing and developing people. We’d Love If You Also Have These: Must demonstrate experience in developing and delivering original, progressive strategy aligned to the needs of the business. Possess a strong desire to innovate; able to think creatively; generate out-of-the-box ideas to circumvent barriers to growth and streamline processes. Ability to identify potential conflicts within and across employee teams and address them proactively. Experience and high degree of comfort dealing with employees at all levels and of all personality types. Ability to plan, communicate, monitor, prioritize, and delegate assignments when appropriate; set challenging and realistic expectations and deliver pointed feedback that propagates personal growth. Must be self-motivated/self-starter with the ability to multitask successfully and operate within budgetary and timeline constraints; highly detail oriented and organized, with the ability utilize sound judgement to make quick decisions under pressure. Exceptional time management skills coupled with the ability to work collaboratively and cross-functionally in a team environment to build and lead an effective and high-performing team. Strong communication and ability to influence; speaks clearly and persuasively; responds well to questions; has strong group presentation skills; writes clearly and informatively; presents numerical data effectively; able to read, interpret and critically analyze written and quantitative information; able to write and deliver speeches using original and innovative techniques; etc. Understand variation in skill, competencies, and dispositions across teams, recognize areas of improvement, and recruit applicants accordingly, taking into account opportunities for synergy, efficiency, and enhanced productivity. How we work: 160over90 is at the center of sports, media, entertainment, and is a largely relationship-based business. To foster an environment of collaboration, develop our future talent, and build on relationships across leadership, peers, and teams, we work from the office 4 days per week. We see immeasurable value internally and throughout the core of the businesses we support. Don’t meet every single requirement? We are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles. Per local requirements and in the interest of transparency, the rate shown below reflects the prevalent current hiring range for this position. Hiring pay rates are based on a number of factors, including location and may vary depending on job-related qualifications, knowledge, skills and experience. The company strives to provide locally competitive rewards packages, which include base rate along with, as applicable, short- and long-term incentives, growth and developmental opportunities, and robust benefits, such as health care, retirement, vacation and other paid time off, and additional offerings. Hiring Rate Minimum: Hiring Rate Maximum: 160/90 is proud to be an equal opportunity employer that encourages applications from qualified, eligible candidates from all backgrounds and life experiences regardless of race, gender identity, disability, age, sexual orientation, religion, or belief.