Director of Talent

Job Description

Job Description

Studs is a category-defining ear piercing and earring brand named one of "the 10 most innovative companies in retail for 2023" by Fast Company. Studs connects ear piercing with aftercare and earring shopping to create an end-to-end Earscaping® experience. We offer a better retail and digital experience that prioritizes safety and expertise in a cool, fun and welcoming environment, along with a wide earring assortment—all at an accessible price point.

Salary Range : $175,000-$200,000

Location : New York, NY

The Director of Talent is a senior leader on the People Team responsible for Studs' employee relations, manager advisory, talent programs, and integration of core people operations. This role leads three key functions and ensures "hire to retire" processes are effective, compliant, and scalable.

The Director owns employee relations across both Retail and HQ populations, serves as the primary advisor to managers, and drives company-wide People programs such as reviews, calibrations, compensation cycles, and workforce planning. They manage the HR Operations & Compliance Manager, Retail Training & Talent Manager, and Office Manager / HR Admin, ensuring outputs are coordinated and aligned to company priorities.

This role balances hands-on casework and program execution with leadership of a small, multi-function team. It requires disciplined delivery, strong judgment, and the ability to integrate across Retail, Finance, Legal, and People Operations to support Studs' growth.

Key Responsibilities :

Employee Relations & Manager Advisory

• Lead employee relations cases, investigations, accommodations, and leaves of absence across Retail and HQ populations.
• Serve as the primary advisor to managers (Regional, Studio, HQ) on performance management, corrective actions, and coaching.
• Ensure consistent, compliant application of policies and maintain audit-ready documentation.
• Escalate complex or high-risk cases to the VP of People while managing the full process directly.

Program & Project Leadership (PMO)

Team Leadership

Cross-Functional Partnership

Requirements :

Benefits & Perks

Studs is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing a work environment that fosters diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity without regard to race, color, gender, age, creed, sex, religion, national origin, disability (physical or mental), marital status, citizenship, ancestry, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, or any other legally protected status. Studs considers qualified applicants with criminal histories. We comply with applicable state and local laws prohibiting discrimination in employment in every jurisdiction in which we operate. If you require an accommodation for the application process, please fill out this form.

Massachusetts Applicants : 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.

Click here for the Studs Privacy Notice for California Applicants.