Director of Human Resources

Description

PURPOSE STATEMENT:

The HR Director will lead and develop the human resources function to align with the business strategy of a fast-growing pet food manufacturer with private equity backing. The role is essential in fostering a high-performance culture, driving talent acquisition, retention, and development, and ensuring compliance with labor laws and operational standards. As a member of the leadership team, the HR Director will partner with cross-functional leaders to support sustainable growth, employee engagement, and operational excellence, positioning the company for long-term success in a competitive market.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic HR Leadership

• Implement HR strategies and initiatives aligned with the overall business plan to support the company’s growth objectives.
  
  

Talent Management

• Lead recruitment, selection, and onboarding processes to attract and retain top talent.
• Build strong talent pipelines to meet the organization’s future needs.
  
  

Employee Relations

• Foster a positive work environment by building strong relationships with employees and managers, ensuring alignment with company values, and addressing employee concerns.
  
  

Organizational Development

• Identify, design, and implement training and development programs to enhance employee skills, engagement, and leadership capabilities.
  
  

Performance Management

• Oversee performance evaluation processes, ensure timely feedback, and implement performance improvement plans as necessary.
  
  

Compensation & Benefits

• Develop and manage competitive compensation and benefits plans that align with industry standards while supporting the company’s financial objectives.
• Lead open enrollment for wellness and health plans.
  
  

Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with labor laws, health and safety regulations, and internal policies, including but not limited to: EEO, FMLA, ADA, COBRA, OSHA, ERISA, etc.
• Oversee audits, handle investigations, and manage HR-related risks.
• Create policies as needed.
  
  

Culture & Engagement

• Promote an inclusive and high-performance culture that aligns with the company’s purpose, vision and values, ensuring a strong sense of belonging among employees, and playing an active role on the company’s Culture Committee.
• Administer culture and benefit surveys at regular frequencies.
• Oversee picnic and other event planning.
  
  

Change Management

• Lead HR-related initiatives in alignment with private equity objectives, including organizational restructuring, mergers, acquisitions, or divestitures.
  
  

Organizational Communication

• Ensure seamless effective communications via multiple channels, including all company meetings, Slack, bulletin boards, posters, email, HRIS system, etc.
• Work with translators and interpreters as needed.
  
  

Other

• Report issues with regards to the food safety/quality assurance system (FSQA) to Leadership and adhere to the requirements of the FSQA standards.
• Oversee all other HR tasks as necessary.
  
  

Reporting Structure

• Reports to: CFO
• Direct Reports: HR Generalist, HR/Office Coordinator
  
  

LOCATION:

• In-Person role in Green Bay, WI
• No relocation is available.
  
  

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field. Master’s degree preferred.

Experience

• 7+ years of progressive HR experience, with at least 3 years in a leadership role, preferably in manufacturing or a private equity-backed environment.
• Experience working with private equity stakeholders.
• HR Certification preferred (SHRM-SCP, SPHR, etc.)
• Strong understanding of employment laws, regulatory compliance, and best HR practices.
• Proven experience in talent acquisition, leadership development, and change management.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and conflict resolution skills.
• Demonstrated ability to influence senior leaders and work collaboratively across departments.
• Experience in the pet food or consumer goods industry desired.
• Bilingual a plus (Spanish or Hmong)
  
  

Benefits

• 4% 401k match, medical, dental, vision, voluntary life and pet insurance, 100% company-paid life/short-term disability/long-term disability insurance, 9 paid holidays (including 1 floating holiday to use as you choose), PTO, employee discounts on pet food and treats, tuition and wellness reimbursement, EAP