Human Resources Associate Director at Sakata Seed America, Inc.

Job Summary: The Human Resources Associate Director partners closely with the HR Director and senior leadership to execute people strategies that align with organizational objective s and ensu re full compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. This role plays a key part in developing, implementing, and evaluating HR policies, programs, and functions , driving continuous improvement and operational excellence . The HR Associate Director provides both strategic guidance and hands-on leadership across core HR functions , including benefits, compensation, payroll, HRIS, talent management , learning and development , employee relations, compliance, and engagement , while fostering a positive , equitable , and inclusive workplace culture.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Partner with HR director and senior leadership to translate business objectives into actionable HR strategies.
• Lead initiatives that strengthen organizational culture, improve employee experience, and enhance overall workforce effectiveness.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to managers and employees on complex HR matters.
• Provides guidance and hands-on leadership across core HR functions.
• Provides guidance on employee relations issues, ensuring fair and consistent resolution aligned with policy and legal standards.
• Oversee performance management process, ensuring accountability and professional growth.
• Ensure HR programs, policies, and practices comply with multi-state, federal, and local labor and employment laws and regulations.
• Develops, implements and control programs in a manner that ensures cost effectiveness, market competitiveness and internal equity among employees.
• Directs full-cycle recruitment, ensuring alignment with workforce planning and hiring goals.
• Partners with leaders to forecast hiring needs and develop effective talent pipelines.
• Oversee benefit strategy, administration, and vendor relationships to deliver high-value, cost-effective programs.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.
  
  

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources , B usiness A dministration, or related field ; Master’s degree .
• HR certification PHR/SPHR or SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP preferred.
• 10+ years of progressively responsible experience in human resources, overseeing functional areas such as benefits administration, compensation, HRIS data, compliance, employee relations, payroll, talent acquisition and onboarding, learning, and talent development.
• 5+ years leading a team of HR professionals.
• General, broad-based knowledge and practice of HR competencies: organizational design, performance management, leadership development, talent practices, employment practices, compensation, and total rewards.
  
  

Working Conditions / Physical Demands

• Must be able to sit for long periods of time.
• Must be able to work extended hours if necessary.
• Must be able to travel to different locations.
  
  

Required Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Ability to quickly build relationships, build trust, and successfully collaborate with others to influence the accomplishment of organizational goals.
• Works independently to prioritize work, effectively delegate, establish goals, and produce quality work.
• Deep knowledge of federal, multi-state, and local labor and employment laws and regulations.
• The ability to work both strategically and operationally.
• Strong supervisory and leadership skills .
• Ability to manage multiple concurrent assignments while meeting company and department objectives.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office suite(e.g.Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Teams, etc.)and ADP or related HRIS software.
• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.