Relate Search is seeking an experienced HR Director for a global industrial manufacturing organization. This senior HR leader will oversee all people strategy across multiple locations, providing strong leadership in talent, labor relations, organizational development, engagement, and compliance.
This role will lead union relationships, elevate and rebuild parts of the HR function, and play a critical role on the site leadership team. With strong succession potential, this position offers a clear path to future advancement within the Americas HR organization.
What You’ll Do
- Serve as a member of the Management Team, contributing to strategic planning and ongoing process improvement.
- Lead and develop a four-person HR team across two sites, assessing capability and upgrading talent where needed.
- Oversee full-cycle labor relations: union negotiations, grievances, contract interpretation, and engagement with bargaining units.
- Partner with managers on workforce planning, recruitment, onboarding, and employee transitions.
- Manage benefits administration, employee communication, and compliance across health, welfare, and retirement programs.
- Maintain accurate HR systems, reporting, and employee records aligned with GDPR and federal/state requirements.
- Ensure compliance with FLSA, ADA, FMLA, OSHA, HIPAA, WC, UI, EEO, and all other applicable regulations.
- Serve as the primary ER contact, conducting investigations and supporting leaders with conflict resolution.
- Drive employee engagement through survey facilitation, action planning, retention improvement, and culture initiatives.
- Promote diversity and inclusion across both sites and educate leaders on inclusive practices.
- Lead the performance management process, training efforts, compensation discussions, and organizational design updates.
- Maintain updated org charts, job descriptions, and role alignment across both locations.
What You Bring
- 10+ years of progressive HR leadership experience, ideally within a manufacturing environment.
- Strong experience in union environments, including leading negotiations in multi-union settings.
- Demonstrated ability to develop and elevate HR teams.
- In-depth understanding of employment law, compliance, and HR best practices.
- Ability to influence leaders, drive organizational change, and support a high-performance culture.
- Strong HRIS and data capabilities; ERP or Workday experience preferred.
- Exceptional communication, judgment, and problem-solving skills.
Perks & Benefits
- Competitive compensation package with annual STI bonus and relocation support.
- Clear career growth — successor potential to the Head of HR, Americas.
- Opportunity to transform and modernize an HR function at a critical site.
- High visibility and impact within a global, well-established manufacturing organization.
- Collaborative culture with strong support from HR peers across the Americas.
About Relate Search
Relate Search is a woman-, minority-, and LGBTQIA+-owned executive and professional search firm specializing in Human Resources, Total Rewards, Talent Management, and HR Business Partner leadership roles. We partner with organizations to identify exceptional talent that drives performance, culture, and growth.
Equal Opportunity & Diversity Statement
Relate Search and our clients are proud to be Equal Opportunity Employers. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating inclusive workplaces where employees of all backgrounds can thrive. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.