Human Resources Director

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.
• Handles discipline and termination of employees in accordance with company policies and procedures.

Essential Responsibilities:

Leadership & Strategy:

• Collaborate with executive leadership to align HR programs with organizational objectives, workforce planning needs, and company values.
• Identify opportunities to improve retention, engagement, and internal advancement across all departments.

Employee Wellness & Engagement:

• Lead and maintain Kuehne Company's Three Pillars of Wellness programs:
  1. Physical Wellness: promoting health, safety, preventive care, and fitness initiatives.
  2. Mental & Emotional Wellness: supporting access to counseling resources, stress management tools, open communication, and a supportive work culture.
  3. Financial Wellness: managing benefits education, retirement readiness tools, and long-term stability planning.
• Evaluate and enhance wellness program effectiveness through participation, feedback, and measurable outcomes.

Talent Acquisition & Workforce Management:

• Oversee full-cycle recruitment, onboarding, and workforce planning for all locations.
• Develop and maintain competitive compensation, benefits, and incentive programs.
• Ensure consistent performance management processes, including coaching and corrective action when needed.

Compliance & Risk Management:

• 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.
• Support safety initiatives in collaboration with operations leadership.

Employee Relations & Culture:

• 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.
• Be a key resource of confidentiality for employees in need of support.

HR Operations & Continuous Improvement:

• 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.
• Represent Kuehne at professional HR and industry-related events, as needed.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• 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.
• Must be able to pass and maintain eligibility under TSA TWIC background requirements.

Education and Experience:

• 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.
• Working knowledge of multiple HR disciplines, including compensation, benefits and retirement plan administration, employee relations, performance management, and employment law.

Travel Requirements:

• This position requires occasional travel to various company sites.
• A valid driver's license and reliable transportation are required for this role.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of working at a computer.
• A valid driver's license and reliable transportation are required for this role.

This position description is not intended to be and should not be construed as an all-inclusive list of responsibilities, skills, or working conditions associated with this position. While this position description is intended to reflect the position's activities and requirements accurately, management reserves the right to modify, and or remove duties as necessary. This is a Safety Sensitive Position within the organization.

Kuehne is an Equal Opportunity Employer (M/F/Disabled/Veteran)