Job Type: FLSA Exempt, 40 hour Full Time, on-site

About The Industrial Commons (TIC): The Industrial Commons is an economic ecosystem located in Morganton, NC, that founds and grows interconnected enterprises that solve problems for businesses and workers and manufactures hope for the people of Southern Appalachia. Our mission is to rebuild a diverse working class based on locally rooted wealth. We address the root causes of generational poverty by supporting frontline workers to build an economy for all through our four fields: Workforce Development, Community Engagement, Business Development, and Network Development. TIC is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Overview:The Human Resources Director is responsible for leading and executing all human resources functions across the organization, serving as the primary point of contact for a 38-person workforce. This role requires a hands-on HR leader who can independently manage day-to-day HR operations while also designing and implementing systems, policies, and processes that support organizational growth, compliance, workplace safety, and employee well-being. The ideal candidate brings strong knowledge of NC labor laws, HR compliance, manufacturing safety practices, and full-cycle HR administration, with the ability to create a people-centered workplace culture grounded in trust and accountability.

Essential Functions:

Lead all human resources operations, including recruitment, onboarding, offboarding, personnel records, disciplinary documentation, and policy acknowledgments.
Lead performance evaluation process and compile data for executive leadership team.
Compile and analyze compensation and benefits market data to support salary recommendations, pay equity, and competitive total rewards strategies.
Partner with payroll to ensure timely and accurate processing of compensation changes, promotions, benefit deductions, leave changes, and terminations.
Oversee benefits administration, including employee education, annual open enrollment, and all related recordkeeping.
Identify hiring challenges and implement effective recruiting strategies to attract and retain top talent, including leadership and executive-level positions.
Serve as the primary resource for employee relations matters, mediating disputes, coaching managers, and recommending practical, legally compliant solutions.
Serve as a strategic advisor to leadership on workforce planning, retention, compliance, culture, and organizational risk.
Lead workplace safety and OSHA compliance efforts, including safety policies, required trainings, incident documentation, and workers’ compensation claims.
Partner with leadership to support manufacturing safety practices, PPE compliance, hazard communication, emergency drills, and risk mitigation efforts.
Lead policy development and compliance with all federal, state, labor law postings, handbook updates, and HR process improvements.
Build and improve HR systems, SOPs, workflows, and scalable processes that strengthen compliance, efficiency, and employee experience.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Experience:

Masters in Human Resource Management or 5+ years of HR leadership experience, preferably in a senior HR or director role.
Strong knowledge of NC labor laws, federal compliance, and workplace safety regulations.
Experience in manufacturing, industrial, or operations-heavy environments.
Expertise in: Payroll and benefits administration, Compensation analysis, Executive recruiting, Employee relations and conflict resolution, Policy development, OSHA and workers’ compensation compliance
Proven ability to create and improve HR systems, processes, and policies independently.
Strong judgment, discretion, and ability to handle sensitive employee matters with care.
Ability to multi-task and prioritize workload to meet both short-term and long-term objectives.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

Ability to occasionally lift 15 lbs-50 lbs.
Ability to remain in a stationary position with computer work.
Must be able to move about various office environments to access office machinery, products, and to communicate with staff.
Ability to occasionally commute within the region.
Must be able to reach/access products on high shelves.
Ability to perceive and interpret information presented in written, printed, and digital formats
Ability to receive and interpret spoken communication in person, by phone, and in virtual settings

Salary and Benefits

Salary: Competitive, with an anticipated range of starting between $80,000-$90,000 based on experience. Benefits: Health, dental, and vision insurance, paid time off, and holidays.

To apply, please send a resume to HR@theindustrialcommons.org

The Industrial Commons

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