Sr. Human Resources Director

The Senior Human Resources Director will serve as a strategic HR leader for AAR’s MRO Network, partnering with senior leadership to align people strategy with business priorities across a complex, multi-site operating environment. Based in Chicago, this role will help shape workforce strategy, strengthen organizational capability, and drive HR initiatives that support operational performance across eight North American locations.

As a key business partner to MRO executive leadership, this leader will advise on talent, organization design, workforce planning, leadership effectiveness, employee engagement, and change management. The Senior HR Director will lead an HR team of eight, establish consistent HR practices across the network, and use data-driven insights to influence decisions, mitigate risk, and deliver measurable business outcomes.

What you will be responsible for: 

• Strategic Leadership: Develop and execute comprehensive HR strategies that align with business goals and drive organizational success. Provide vision and direction for all HR functions, including talent acquisition, performance management, compensation, benefits, learning & development, and employee engagement.
• People Management: Lead, mentor, and inspire a high-performing direct reporting HR team of eight (8). Foster a collaborative, growth-oriented environment where innovation and continuous improvement are encouraged. 
• Talent Acquisition & Retention: Oversee sourcing, selection, and onboarding of top-tier talent. Implement strategies to enhance employee retention and reduce turnover. Build strong pipelines for future leadership and critical roles.
• Performance & Development: Design and manage robust performance evaluation systems. Create impactful learning and development programs that nurture professional growth and support succession planning. Champion a culture of feedback, recognition, and accountability.
• Culture & Engagement: Cultivate an engaging workplace culture that embodies company values and inspires employees to excel. Lead initiatives to enhance employee morale, well-being, and satisfaction.
• Compliance & Risk Management: Ensure HR policies, procedures, and practices are compliant with all federal, state, and local regulations. Provide guidance on complex employee relations matters, investigations, and dispute resolution.
• Organizational Change: Drive change management initiatives in partnership with senior leadership. Support business transformations, mergers, acquisitions, and restructuring efforts to facilitate smooth transitions and positive outcomes.
• Data-Driven Insights:  Analyze HR metrics and trends to inform decision-making. Prepare reports and presentations for the executive team, highlighting opportunities for improvement and celebrating successes.
   

What you will need to be successful in this role: 

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, Business Administration, or related field; Master’s degree or advanced credentials preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive HR leadership experience, including at least 5 years in a senior management role and leading others.
• Demonstrated success in designing and implementing strategic HR programs for large, complex organizations.
• Strong understanding of global employment law, and industry HR trends.
• Experience leading organizational change, mergers, acquisitions, or transformation projects.
• Exceptional communication, coaching, and negotiation skills.
• Proficiency in HRI