Director, Human Resources

The Director of Human Resources provides strategic leadership and oversight of all HR initiatives at a unionized manufacturing site with approximately 650 employees. As a key member of the site’s Management Team, this role serves as a trusted business advisor and champion of performance management, employee relations, leader development, workforce planning, diversity and inclusion, engagement, talent management as well as general HR policy administration.

The ideal candidate brings a balanced mix of strategic leadership, hands-on execution, and deep labor relations experience, with a strong understanding of union environments and a track record of building high-performing, collaborative workplace cultures.

• Serve as a strategic HR Business Partner (HRBP), providing leadership in employee relations, labor relations, staffing, organizational development, compensation, and engagement.
• Manage all aspects of labor relations and collective bargaining agreements (CBAs), including contract administration, grievance handling, dispute resolution, and communications with union representatives.
• Develop and maintain positive, productive relationships with union groups and employee representative organizations.
• Provide counsel and guidance on legislative, regulatory, and compliance issues related to labor and employment practices.
• Coach and advise leaders on performance management, employee development, and disciplinary actions.
• Champion a positive workplace culture that promotes inclusion, accountability, and professional growth.
• Collaborate with Centers of Excellence (COEs) to support recruitment, employee development, compensation planning, and succession management.
• Resolve employee relations matters using appropriate investigative, counseling, and conflict resolution strategies.
• Partner with site leadership to drive business transformation, change management initiatives, and culture-shaping efforts.
• Lead strategic HR projects and cross-functional initiatives that align with overall business and people strategy.
• Provide guidance on HR policies and practices, conflict resolution, and legal implications of employment actions.

Education Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Labor Relations, Business Administration, or a related field is required. Master’s degree preferred.

Experience:

• 10–15 years of progressive senior-level Human Resources experience in a manufacturing environment.
• 5–10 years of hands-on labor relations experience, including collective bargaining, grievance handling, and arbitration.
• Experience in multi-site HR leadership preferred.
• Proven expertise across core HR functions: employee relations, organizational development, succession planning, workforce planning, training, compensation, and performance management.
• Track record of successfully coaching leaders, resolving complex employee issues, and influencing culture change in large organizations.

Skills & Competencies:

• Deep knowledge of labor law, union negotiations, and contract administration.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and influence skills—able to build trust and credibility at all levels of the organization.
• High level of professionalism, integrity, and discretion in handling sensitive matters.
• Demonstrated agility in fast-paced, dynamic environments with shifting priorities.
• Ability to lead through influence and develop empowered leaders and teams.
• Strong project management and problem-solving skills.
• Culturally aware and experienced in working within diverse and complex environments.