Executive Director of Human Resources

Who We Want:
We are seeking a strategic and hands-on Executive Director of Human Resources to lead and support HR functions across multiple production sites. This individual will directly oversee a team of Directors of Plant Human Resources, ensuring HR strategies and operations are aligned with manufacturing goals and execution.

Reporting directly to the Vice President of Manufacturing, this role will serve as a key partner in driving operational excellence, workforce performance, and labor strategy in a fast-paced, high-output environment. This is a high-impact leadership opportunity for someone who thrives in manufacturing, understands the nuances of plant HR leadership, and can lead with accountability, urgency, and integrity.

This role is ideal for a leader who can guide a dispersed HR team, influence plant-level leadership, and build alignment between corporate objectives and site-level execution.

What You'll Do:

• Lead, coach, and develop a team of Directors of Plant Human Resources across multiple manufacturing locations.
• Act as a trusted advisor to the VP of Manufacturing and plant leadership teams on all HR-related matters, including workforce planning, employee engagement, performance management, and hourly labor strategy.
• Provide strategic oversight and direction on site-level HR initiatives, ensuring consistent application of policies, best practices, and high standards of compliance.
• Partner with plant leaders to proactively manage labor relations, including union negotiations, grievance handling, and maintaining a positive labor environment.
• Align HR operations with business priorities such as production targets, cost optimization, and plant performance metrics.
• Monitor and assess HR data and analytics from each plant to identify trends, drive action plans, and support site performance improvement.
• Guide and ensure the consistent execution of the hourly employee lifecycle processes—from recruitment through separation—tailored to the needs of each manufacturing site.
• Promote a performance-driven culture by supporting local HR leaders in implementing effective coaching, feedback, and development practices.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Operations, Safety, Total Rewards and Legal, to ensure a safe, compliant, and inclusive working environment.
• Serve as a change agent during key initiatives such as plant launches, reorganizations, or labor negotiations, providing leadership and stability during high-pressure periods.
• Drive consistency in HR practices across all sites while allowing for flexibility where site-specific needs require.

When and Where:
This position is located at our Corporate Office in Walker, MI. Occasionally, this may require you to arrive early, stay late, or work on weekends, outside of our regular hours, to ensure we successfully meet customer needs, deadlines, or urgent requests.

What You Need to Have:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources Management or related field required; Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum 15 years of progressive HR experience, with at least 10 years of management experience, and 5+ years at a senior leadership level.
• Demonstrated success leading HR in automotive or complex manufacturing environments.
• Strong background in union relations (UAW preferred), including contract negotiations and grievance processes.
• Exceptional leadership skills with a track record of building and guiding high-performing HR teams across multiple locations.
• Ability to communicate effectively and influence across all levels—from plant floor associates to senior executives.
• Strong business acumen and understanding of how HR contributes to operational and financial results.
• Proven ability to drive consistency in HR execution while supporting site-specific needs.
• PHR/SPHR or SHRM-CP/SCP certification strongly preferred.
• Proficiency in HRIS and data analytics tools.
• Knowledge of relevant employment and labor laws (e.g., FMLA, ADA, NLRA, etc.).
• Ability to operate with a sense of urgency and adaptability in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment.