The Director of Human Resources will serve as a strategic business partner to executive leadership, driving the development and execution of HR initiatives that support operational performance and organizational growth. This role oversees all aspects of human resources within a manufacturing environment, including employee relations, labor relations (if applicable), talent acquisition, leadership development, compliance, and workforce planning.
The ideal candidate brings a strong blend of strategic leadership and hands-on execution, with deep experience supporting plant operations, multi-site environments, and a diverse hourly and salaried workforce.
Key Responsibilities
- Partner with executive leadership to align HR strategy with business objectives, driving performance, culture, and organizational effectiveness
- Lead and develop the HR function across one or multiple manufacturing sites, including HR Managers, Generalists, and support staff
- Provide guidance and leadership on complex employee relations matters, including investigations, conflict resolution, and policy interpretation
- Oversee labor relations strategy, including union interactions, contract negotiations, and grievance management (if applicable)
- Develop and execute talent acquisition strategies to attract and retain skilled manufacturing talent in competitive labor markets
- Implement workforce planning and succession strategies to ensure leadership pipeline and operational continuity
- Drive performance management processes, including goal setting, coaching, and leadership development initiatives
- Partner with operations leadership to improve employee engagement, retention, and overall workforce productivity
- Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations, including OSHA and workplace safety standards
- Lead compensation and benefits strategy, including market benchmarking, incentive programs, and total rewards optimization
- Oversee HR metrics and analytics to support data-driven decision-making and continuous improvement
- Champion company culture initiatives that promote accountability, safety, inclusion, and operational excellence
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field (Master’s degree or MBA preferred)
- 10+ years of progressive HR leadership experience, with significant experience in a manufacturing or industrial environment
- Proven experience supporting plant operations and working closely with operations leadership
- Strong background in employee relations and conducting workplace investigations
- Experience in labor relations and union environments preferred
- Demonstrated success leading multi-site HR teams and driving organizational change
- Deep knowledge of employment law, compliance, and HR best practices
- Strong business acumen with the ability to influence senior leadership
- Excellent communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills
