Hands-on leadership role Ability to build from the ground up About Our Client Our client is a respected, growth-oriented manufacturer with a long-standing history, recognizable products, and an expanding global presence. Following recent strategic investment and expansion initiatives, the organization is evolving into a more modern, growth-focused enterprise. This newly created HR Director position offers the opportunity to build and elevate the HR function during a pivotal stage of its evolution. Reporting directly to the COO, the HR Director will serve as a strategic business partner to senior leadership while remaining hands-on in day-to-day HR operations. The role will lead key initiatives across organizational effectiveness, employee performance, workforce planning, labor relations, and leadership development. Candidates must have experience working with union populations. A major focus of the role will be evaluating, optimizing, and managing the company's benefits programs and HR vendors. The HR Director will own relationships with healthcare carriers, brokers, retirement plan providers, and other service partners, with responsibility for identifying cost-saving opportunities, improving vendor performance, negotiating contracts, and enhancing the employee value proposition. This individual will lead benefits-related RFPs, vendor transitions, and implementation projects while partnering closely with leadership on data-driven decisions related to healthcare, insurance, retirement plans, and HR technology investments. Candidates must have direct ownership of benefits strategy and vendor management. Hands-on experience is required; candidates whose benefits functions were primarily managed through shared services or external consultants will not be a fit. Job Description Serve as the lead HR partner to the executive team, helping align people initiatives with business objectives and growth plans. Build and enhance core HR processes, creating structure and consistency across the organization. Assess current employee programs, benefits offerings, and vendor partnerships to identify opportunities for improvement and cost savings. Lead benefits strategy, including oversight of healthcare, retirement, and insurance programs, while ensuring employees receive competitive and valuable offerings. Drive vendor selection, contract negotiations, and implementation projects to improve efficiency, service quality, and overall return on investment. Partner with leaders across manufacturing and corporate functions to strengthen employee engagement, retention, and workforce effectiveness. Develop and implement performance management frameworks that support accountability, development, and business results. Leverage data and workforce metrics to identify trends, support decision-making, and recommend practical solutions. Coach and support managers in building high-performing teams and navigating organizational change. MPI does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or based on an individual's status in any group or class protected by applicable federal, state or local law. MPI encourages applications from minorities, women, the disabled, protected veterans and all other qualified applicants. MPI does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or based on an individual's status in any group or class protected by applicable federal, state or local law. MPI encourages applications from minorities, women, the disabled, protected veterans and all other qualified applicants. The Successful Applicant A successful HR Director should have: Ability to go on-site five days a week. 7+ years of experience in human resources management within manufacturing or similar industry. Proven experience supporting unionized workforces and partnering effectively with plant leadership. Hands-on HR leader who is equally comfortable operating at both the strategic and tactical levels. Demonstrated success implementing performance management programs, improving processes, and building HR infrastructure. Strong background in benefits strategy, including healthcare, insurance, retirement plans, broker relationships, and vendor management. Experience negotiating vendor contracts, leading RFPs, identifying cost-saving opportunities, and improving service delivery. Track record of leading organizational change, managing transformations, and influencing senior leadership teams. What's on Offer Newly created HR Director role with significant visibility and influence. Direct partnership with the COO and senior leadership team. Opportunity to build and modernize HR processes from the ground up. Ability to make a measurable impact on a unionized manufacturing workforce. Lead organizational transformation during a period of growth and change. Competitive salary ranging from $100,000 to $125,000. Full health benefits. Interested? Apply today.