HR Director

Summary/Objective: The HR Director serves as a strategic people lead for the organization, crafting organizational development, total rewards policies, and leadership alignment across all business units. Overseeing a team that includes an HR Business Partner, HR Recruiter, and Payroll/Benefits Specialist, this position bridges business goals with talent solutions. The HR Director leads initiative planning in total rewards, manager coaching, proactive employee relations, and employer branding to position the company as an employer of choice across East Wake County.

Responsibilities/Essential Functions:

●      Formulate and implement multi-year HR strategic plans aligned with overall business growth, operational goals, and corporate policies.

●      Act as a culture champion, developing organizational programs and communication frameworks that reinforce mission, vision, and employee engagement.

●      Partner with senior leadership to design compensation philosophies, performance management systems, and total rewards programs that attract and retain top talent.

●      Establish key workforce metrics, quality standards, and KPIs to measure HR efficiency, retention, and workforce productivity.

●      Directly supervise, mentor, and motivate the HR team, providing clear delegation and developmental oversight for the HR Business Partner, HR Recruiter, and Payroll/Benefits Specialist.

●      Provide escalation support for complex employee relations issues, high-risk investigations, and advanced legal or regulatory compliance matters.

●      Oversee budget planning, cost allocation, and vendor selection for HR systems, benefit providers, and recruitment channels.

●      Design and execute management development programs to enhance supervisory capability, conflict resolution, and strategic decision-making.

●      Provide one-on-one coaching to leaders and mid-level managers on performance management, team dynamics, succession planning, and proactive communication.

●      Drive local employer branding and talent acquisition strategies targeting the East Wake County / Zebulon corridor to build a strong talent pipeline.

●      Build partnerships to create competitive positioning in regional job markets.

●      Oversee progressive discipline policies, employee retention initiatives, and workplace conflict resolution to ensure a fair, transparent, and legally compliant environment.

●      Keep continuous education of federal, state (NC & AZ), and local employment laws, labor conditions, and industry trends, adapting internal policies and employee handbooks accordingly.

Education and Certifications:

●      Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Organizational Development, or related field required

●      Master’s degree (MBA or M.S. in HR) preferred.

●      Minimum of 8–10 years of progressive HR experience, with at least 3–5 years in a managerial or strategic leadership role.

●      Preferred experience supporting a manufacturing, warehouse, distribution, or production floor environment.

●      Experience driving employer branding and talent strategies in regional growth corridors (e.g., Triangle/East Wake) is strongly preferred.

●      SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP or SPHR certification highly preferred.

Skills and Capabilities:

●      Demonstrated executive leadership and supervisory capabilities with a proven track record of inspiring and developing multi-disciplinary HR teams.

●      Strong strategic thinking, problem-solving, and analytical capabilities with the ability to interpret HR analytics into actionable business decisions.

●      Advanced expertise in North Carolina labor laws, employment regulations, total rewards design, and workplace safety compliance.

●      Exceptional verbal and written communication skills with the ability to coach, negotiate, and present effectively to executive leadership and external partners.

●      Excellent organizational skills with the ability to prioritize strategic initiatives alongside daily administrative operations in a dynamic, changing environment.

●      Proactive conflict resolution skills, demonstrating high emotional intelligence and empathy when managing sensitive employee matters.

●      Proficient in HRIS/payroll platforms (e.g., Rippling), Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), and Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Teams).

Physical Requirements:

●      Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

●      Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.

●      Must be able to navigate various work areas and facility environments during employee visits and events.

Travel Required:

●      Minimal travel required (approx. 5–10%), primarily local travel within Zebulon for community branding events, job fairs, and regional site visits.

EEO Statement: We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age (40 and older), disability, genetic information, veteran/military status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local laws.

NOTE: This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.