Director of Human Resources

Experience & Background:

· Manufacturing experience essential, preferably in similar-sized companies ($500M range, not $5B+)

· Multi-site experience with 8+ locations

· Experience with large unskilled/semi-skilled labor workforce (800+ employees)

· Distribution or packaging industry background preferred over financial services

· Second chance hiring and veteran program experience

· Government relations and grant acquisition experience

· Plant closure and workforce transition experience

· Self-insured benefits program managemen

 

Key Competencies:

· AI integration in HR processes and understanding ROI metrics

· Leadership training and development (both internal and external)

· Strategic workforce planning for expansion and consolidation

· Union avoidance expertise (not necessarily union negotiation experience)

· Retention strategies and programs

· Government compliance (federal and state regulations for plant closures)

· Strategic business partnership with executive leadership

Personal Attributes:

· Willingness to travel to plants (minimum twice yearly, approximately 4 trips)

· Respect for and ability to connect with blue-collar workforce

· Strong leadership presence - minimum 4 days in office (Tuesday-Thursday mandatory)

· SHRM, PHR, or similar HR certification required

Qualifications

 

 

Must-Haves (Non-Negotiable Requirements)

1. Manufacturing Experience: Must come from manufacturing environment with similar workforce demographics

2. Multi-site Management: Experience managing HR across multiple locations

3. Large Unskilled Labor Force: Experience with 800+ entry-level manufacturing workers

4. HR Certification: SHRM, PHR, or equivalent professional certification

5. Office Presence: Minimum 4 days in office per week (Tuesday-Thursday mandatory)

6. Travel Willingness: Ability to visit plants twice yearly (approximately 4 trips annually)

7. Strategic Mindset: Capable of contributing to executive-level strategic decisions

8. Permanent Hiring Philosophy: Must align with company's preference for direct hiring over temporary staffing

9. EH&S background: They will not own it, but they need to work hand in hand with the Safety team

10. Workers’ Comp experience: We have several claims and need an experienced person to help us minimize this risk and financial exposure.