Vice President of Human Resources

Vice President Of Human ResourcesThe Vice President of Human Resources is a senior executive responsible for leading the full spectrum of HR strategy and operations for the company's largest U.S. manufacturing operation. Reporting to the President/COO, this role serves as a strategic partner to executive leadership and a key liaison to Japan-based parent company stakeholders.This position aligns human capital strategies with business objectives to drive organizational performance, workforce capability, and a high-performance culture while ensuring compliance in a complex global manufacturing environment. It also leads organizational design and transformation initiatives to support growth, scalability, and operational efficiency.This is a key leadership role with significant influence on business strategy, organizational growth, and operational performance. The Vice President will play a critical role in strengthening leadership capability, stabilizing and developing the workforce, and building a sustainable talent pipeline to support long-term business success.Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following:Strategic Leadership and Business PartnershipServe as a key advisor and strategic influencer to the President/COO and executive leadership team on all human capital mattersDevelop and execute HR strategies aligned with business goals, operational priorities, and long-term growth plansAlign workforce strategies with operational goals, including productivity, quality, and cost efficiencyEstablish, monitor, and report on key HR and workforce metrics (e.g., turnover, engagement, staffing, safety) to drive executive decision-making, accountability, and continuous improvementLead workforce planning, succession planning, and leadership pipeline development to ensure long-term organizational capabilityLead organizational design, restructuring, and change management initiatives to optimize performance and scalabilityTalent and Workforce StrategyOversee enterprise-wide talent acquisition, performance management, compensation, and benefits programsDevelop and lead integrated strategies to attract, retain, and develop talent in a competitive manufacturing labor marketEstablish and drive enterprise-wide talent management processes, including succession planning, high-potential development, and workforce capability building to create a sustainable leadership pipeline and organizational capabilityDesign and implement leadership development and training programs that support operational excellence and career progressionAlign talent strategies with productivity, quality, and cost objectivesCulture and Employee RelationsChampion and embed organizational culture, values, and leadership behaviors across all levelsLead employee engagement and retention initiatives to strengthen morale and workplace effectivenessProvide executive oversight and decision authority on complex employee relations matters, including investigations, conflict resolution, and disciplinary actionsEnsure consistent, fair, and legally compliant employment practices and advise leadership on high-risk business and employment decisionsCompliance and Risk ManagementEnsure compliance with all federal, state, and local employment laws and serve as the primary liaison with regulatory agencies and external legal counselOversee workplace policies, internal controls, and audit readiness to protect employee data and company interestsPartner with Operations and EHS leadership to support a strong safety culture, workers' compensation, and return-to-work programsEnsure compliant administration of leave of absence programs, employee accommodations, and attendance practicesOversee employment eligibility verification (I-9) and support immigration and global mobility processes for expatriate employeesGlobal Alignment and Stakeholder EngagementLead cross-cultural HR alignment with Japan-based parent company stakeholders, ensuring consistency in governance, reporting, and strategic initiatives across global operationsAdapt global programs and policies to meet U.S. legal requirements and cultural expectationsCommunicate organizational risks, workforce trends, and HR initiatives effectively across global leadershipHR Operations and AnalyticsOversee HR operations including HRIS, reporting, policy governance, and data integrityLeverage analytics to identify trends, improve processes, and enhance organizational performanceEnsure efficient, scalable HR systems and processes aligned with business growthStrengthen internal controls that ensure confidentiality of personal and privileged information, including personal data and disciplinary measures.Functional and Leadership Competencies12+ years of progressive Human Resources experience, including 7+ years in a senior manufacturing Human Resources leadership role.Significant experience in manufacturing or other labor-intensive environments (500+ employees) within a global organization. Automotive industry and/or Japanese company experience highly beneficial.Demonstrated success leading HR strategy in a complex, fast-paced organizationExperience working within a global or matrixed organization; exposure to Japan-based or international parent companies strongly preferredExperience supporting continuous improvement or lean manufacturing environments is a plusKnowledge and practical application of HR disciplines including employment and labor laws, employee relations, management, and leadership development.

Experience with positive employee relations preferred.Strategic thinking with strong business and financial acumenDeep knowledge of employment law and HR best practicesProven leadership and team development skillsStrong employee relations and conflict resolution expertiseAbility to influence and collaborate across all organizational levelsHigh emotional intelligence and executive presenceChange management and organizational transformation expertiseStrong analytical capability with the ability to interpret workforce and operational data to drive data-driven business decisionsExceptional communication and stakeholder management skillsStrong critical thinking, judgment, and problem-solving abilityAbility to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environmentStrong listening, communication, and presentation skills, with the ability to engage and influence diverse audiencesAbility to work well under pressure, manage competing demands, and meet tight deadlines, working outside normal Monday through Friday business hours as responsibilities require.Experience building or improving a dedicated Human Resource function for a growing company with solid management skills to lead a team and department.Commitment to fostering a positive, inclusive, and high-performance cultureDemonstrated commitment to execution excellence, accountability, and delivering results in a fast-paced environmentSuccess in this role will be measured by improvements in workforce stability, leadership capability, employee engagement, and alignment between people strategy and operational performanceQualificationsTo perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below represent the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.Education and/or ExperienceMinimum of 12 years of progressive Human Resources experience, including 7+ years in a senior manufacturing Human Resources leadership role. Bachelor's Degree required; master's degree in human resources, business, or related field strongly preferred. SPHR, SHRM-SCP, or other HR-related certifications strongly preferred.Language SkillsAbility to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals/documentation. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups.Mathematical SkillsAbility to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.Reasoning AbilityAbility to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form. Desire to proactively and collaboratively work toward solutions with cross-functional team input.Physical DemandsThe physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a Team Member to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.Code of ConductIndiana Automotive Fasteners is a team environment. We operate with mission-driven integrity. Our mission of "Ensuring your family's SAFETY through our team's QUALITY" is at the heart of all our decisions and actions. We exemplify ethical practices, professionalism, and personal integrity, creating respectful and trusting collaborative work environments where sound advice