Help Our People Go Further! Rugged Radios designs and builds communication solutions for people who work, race, and play in demanding environments. For more than 20 years, the company has combined innovation, technical expertise, adaptable solutions, and world-class customer service to help people stay connected wherever their journey takes them. We're looking for a hands-on Human Resources Business Partner who understands that strong employee experience drives strong customer experience. This individual will work closely with leadership, managers, and employees to strengthen our workplace culture, develop our people, reduce organizational risk, and build practical HR programs that support a growing, fast-moving business. This is an ideal opportunity for an experienced HR professional who enjoys being visible and accessible, solving real workplace challenges, and turning people's strategies into actions that make a measurable difference. The Role The HR Business Partner will provide day-to-day HR leadership and guidance across Rugged Radios' operations, including sales, customer service, e-commerce, events, warehouse, technical, and administrative teams. You will balance strategic partnership with hands-on execution, helping managers lead effectively, employees succeed, and the organization maintain consistent, compliant, and people-centered practices. What You'll Do

• Partner with company leadership to align workforce priorities with operational and business goals.
• Serve as a trusted and approachable resource for employees and managers.
• Coach managers on communication, performance expectations, accountability, employee development, and workplace concerns.
• Manage employee relations matters through timely, fair, consistent, and well-documented processes.
• Guide performance management, coaching, corrective action, and performance improvement planning.
• Strengthening onboarding, orientation, training, and employee development programs.
• Support workforce planning, position development, organizational changes, and succession readiness.
• Coordinate recruiting and selection practices that attract qualified candidates who can contribute to Rugged's culture and performance standards.
• Maintain accurate personnel records, job descriptions, policies, acknowledgments, and required employment documentation.
• Administer or coordinate benefits, leaves of absence, workers' compensation, accommodations, and related employee programs.
• Monitor compliance with California and federal employment requirements and recommend practical risk-reduction measures.
• Review employee data and workplace trends to identify opportunities for improved retention, engagement, communication, and operational effectiveness.
• Help create an environment where employees understand what is expected, receive constructive feedback, and have opportunities to grow. You'll Thrive at Rugged If You
• Put the customer and employee experience at the center of your decisions.
• Bring solutions—not just policies—to the table.
• Communicate directly, respectfully, and professionally.
• Earn trust by following through on commitments and maintaining confidentiality.
• Stay organized and composed when priorities move quickly.
• Are comfortable working across an active, hands-on business environment.
• Balance consistency and compliance with sound judgment and practical execution.
• Welcome new ideas, continuous improvement, and constructive feedback.
• Take ownership of your work while collaborating openly with others.
• Enjoy helping people and teams reach their full potential. You do not need to be an off-road expert on day one. However, curiosity about our products, customers, and the Work. Race. Play. industries we serve will help you connect with our team and understand what makes Rugged unique. What You Bring
• Five or more years of progressive human resources experience, preferably in an HR Business Partner, HR Manager, or senior HR generalist capacity.
• Strong working knowledge of California and federal employment practices.
• Demonstrated experience with employee relations, performance management, investigations, recruiting, leaves, accommodations, and policy administration.
• Ability to build trusted working relationships across departments and organizational levels.
• Strong coaching, conflict-resolution, and problem-solving capabilities.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Sound judgment and the ability to handle sensitive information with discretion.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage several priorities and deadlines.
• Proficiency with HR information systems, Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and business technology.
• Bachelor's degree in human resources, business administration, organizational development, or a related field—or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred qualifications:

• PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, or

SHRM-SCP

certification.

• Experience supporting a manufacturing, distribution, retail, e-commerce, automotive, motorsports, or founder-led organization.
• Experience developing training, succession-planning, and leadership-development programs. What Rugged Offers Current full-time benefits listed by Rugged Radios include:
• Medical and dental benefits after 90 days.
• Paid sick time.
• Seven paid holidays annually.
• Two weeks of accrued vacation annually after 90 days.
• 401(k) participation with a 3% company match after one year.
• Generous employee product discounts.

Benefits, eligibility, and waiting periods are governed by the applicable plan documents and company policies. Join Team Rugged If you are a practical, people-centered HR professional who wants to help build a workplace where accountability, creativity, teamwork, and exceptional service can thrive, we want to hear from you. Please submit your resume and a brief introduction explaining how your experience would help Rugged Radios strengthen its people, culture, and business performance. Help our people connect, perform, and Go Further. Rugged Radios is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made based on qualifications, merit, and business needs. Reasonable accommodation is available during the application and interview process. Rugged Radios anticipates a starting salary between $85,000 and $97,500 . The full annual salary range for the HR Business Partner position is $80,000-$120,000 . The actual starting salary will be determined based on job-related factors, including the candidate's experience, qualifications, demonstrated competencies, scope of prior responsibilities, and internal equity. The upper portion of the full salary range generally reflects continued growth and development within the position and is not necessarily the expected starting salary.

Pay:

$85,000.00 - $97,500.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k) Dental insurance Health insurance Paid time off Application Question(s): Do you have a strong working knowledge of California and federal employment practices? Do you possess PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, or

SHRM-SCP

certification? Do you have experience supporting a manufacturing, distribution, retail, e-commerce, automotive, motorsports, or founder-led organization?

Experience:

progressive Human resources: 5 years (Required) Ability to

Commute:

Arroyo Grande, CA 93420 (Required)

Work Location:

In person