Our client, a rapidly growing manufacturer and distributor of chemical products serving commercial customers and distributors throughout the Northeast, is seeking an experienced HR Director / Head of HR to join its leadership team in the Elizabeth, NJ area.
This is a high-impact leadership role reporting directly to the executive team and serving as a key strategic partner to the business. The organization is scaling quickly and is seeking a senior HR leader who can both build and evolve the HR function , while also supporting day-to-day operational excellence in a hands-on environment.
The ideal candidate will bring a strong operational HR foundation combined with the ability to think strategically about organizational design, workforce planning, culture, and leadership development. This individual will play a critical role in shaping how the company attracts, develops, and retains talent as it continues to grow.
Key Responsibilities
- Serve as the senior HR leader for the organization and trusted advisor to the executive team
- Oversee all core HR functions including employee relations, compliance, performance management, compensation support, training, and organizational development
- Design, implement, and continuously improve HR policies, programs, and infrastructure to support a scaling organization
- Partner with leadership on organizational design, workforce planning, and succession planning
- Drive a strong, accountable, and performance-oriented culture across the organization
- Coach leaders and managers on employee relations, performance issues, and team effectiveness
- Ensure full compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations
- Develop and deliver training and leadership development initiatives aligned with business needs
- Support both strategic HR initiatives and day-to-day operational HR needs as the organization evolves
Requirements
7–12+ years of progressive HR experience, ideally in manufacturing, distribution, or similarly operational environments
- Proven experience building or scaling HR infrastructure, policies, and programs in a growing organization
- Strong operational HR foundation with demonstrated strategic advisory capability
- Experience partnering directly with executive leadership or senior management teams
- Strong employee relations, organizational development, and compliance expertise
- Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, evolving, and hands-on environment
- Excellent communication, influencing, and stakeholder management skills