Human Resources Director
4 days ago
Kearny
Job Description Job Title: Human Resources Director Classification: Full Time, Salary, Exempt Department: Human Resources Location: Kearny, NJ Direct Supervisor: President Job Summary: The Human Resources Director is responsible for leading all HR functions for Kuehne’s New Jersey headquarters and multi-site operations, overseeing a team of HR professionals. This role combines strategic leadership with hands-on execution, ensuring that HR programs support the organization’s mission, operational goals, and compliance obligations within a safety-sensitive, manufacturing environment. The Director serves as a trusted partner to senior leadership while maintaining close visibility into day-to-day HR operations, including recruitment, employee relations, compensation, benefits, performance management, compliance, and career development. Supervisory Responsibilities: • Leads, mentors, and develops the Human Resources team to ensure efficient execution of departmental functions., • Recruits, interviews, hires, and trains new staff., • Oversees the daily workflow of the Human Resources department., • Provides constructive and timely performance evaluations. Leadership & Strategy: • Collaborate with executive leadership to align HR programs with organizational objectives, workforce planning needs, and company values., • Lead and maintain Kuehne Company’s Three Pillars of Wellness programs:, • Physical Wellness: promoting health, safety, preventive care, and fitness initiatives., • Mental & Emotional Wellness: supporting access to counseling resources, stress management tools, open communication, and a supportive work culture., • Financial Wellness: managing benefits education, retirement readiness tools, and long-term stability planning., • Oversee full-cycle recruitment, onboarding, and workforce planning for all locations., • Develop and maintain competitive compensation, benefits, and incentive programs., • Maintain strict adherence to federal, state, and local employment laws, including OSHA, DOT, EEOC, FMLA, ADA, and TSA/TWIC-related requirements., • Develop, implement, and update HR policies, procedures, and employee handbooks., • Serve as a resource and advisor to managers and employees for conflict resolution, performance matters, and interpretation of policies., • Promote a respectful, equitable, and accountable workplace culture., • Manage HR systems, records, reporting, and departmental budgeting., • Manage and promote use of annual performance review software (Lattice) to promote a culture of continuous improvement and ensure employee engagement., • Recommend process improvements to enhance efficiency, data integrity, and employee experience., • Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, • Excellent verbal and written communication skills., • Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem-solving abilities., • Thorough understanding of HR policies, employment law, and best practices., • Ability to handle confidential information with discretion., • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and HRIS platforms., • Must have reliable transportation., • Must be able to pass a 10-panel controlled substance test and participate in ongoing random testing., • Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field required., • Minimum of 8–10 years of progressive HR experience, with at least 5 years in leadership roles., • PHR, SPHR, or SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP certified., • Experience in manufacturing, industrial, logistics, or similarly regulated environments strongly preferred., • Experience working in unionized environments, including familiarity with union rules, labor relations, and participation in negotiations., • This position requires occasional travel to various company sites., • Prolonged periods of working at a computer. Kuehne is an Equal Opportunity Employer (M/F/Disabled/Veteran)