Vaco Recruiter Services
Vaco is working with a global manufacturing looking for a Human Resource Director for their US division. You are a structured, high-accountability leader responsible for designing and driving the talent and people operations framework for a rapidly scaling, results-oriented organization. Reporting to the CEO and supporting executive-level reporting, this role demands a seasoned professional with strong judgment, operational rigor, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. This leader excels at building strong teams, setting clear expectations, and ensuring that people-related systems, policies, and practices are both compliant and strategically aligned to business objectives. A legal background—particularly someone who has practiced law and seeks a leadership-focused, business-driven role—would be highly desirable but not a must. The successful candidate will operate a disciplined, efficient People function that reinforces a culture of precision, consistency, and professionalism. Organized creative thinking is always welcomed.
Responsibilities Strategic Leadership
Act as the primary advisor to the CEO on organizational structure, workforce planning, talent strategy, compliance, and cultural initiatives.
Own the delivery of precise, executive-level people metrics (e.g., turnover, hiring, compensation, engagement, compliance).
Prepare clear, data-driven people operations reports.
Shape a long-term people strategy that supports growth.
Lead and develop a People Operations team responsible for payroll, training, benefits, recruiting, compliance, and employee relations.
Operational Duties
Build a People function grounded in strong systems, clean documentation, and reliable processes.
Ensure team members are equipped to deliver exceptional work and are held accountable through structured oversight. Implement ongoing companywide training that strengthens leadership capability, performance consistency, and operational excellence.
Oversee all talent acquisition activity, ensuring only high-caliber candidates move through the organization.
Oversee the selection, optimization, and accuracy of HR technologies and workflow tools.
Compliance & Risk Management
Maintain compliance with federal, state, and local employment regulations across all operating regions.
Develop and enforce clear policies and procedures to minimize risk and maintain alignment across the organization.
Collaborate closely with internal or external legal resources (or serve in that capacity if legally trained) on investigations, claims, regulatory matters, and contractual issues.
Performance & Culture
Establish and maintain a performance management structure with defined expectations, measurable objectives, and consistent documentation.
Equip managers at all levels with the tools and knowledge needed to lead effectively and responsibly.
Qualifications
BS/MBA or Juris Doctor strongly preferred; experience practicing employment, corporate, or labor law is a significant advantage.
10+ years of progressive HR or people operations experience, including at least 5 years leading the function in a mid-sized or larger organization.
Demonstrated ability to build, lead, and manage a structured, accountable People team.
Proven success in designing and implementing systems, processes, and documentation frameworks.
In-depth knowledge of U.S. employment law, compliance requirements, and industry best practices.
Strong executive presence, exceptional communication skills, and sound decision-making capabilities.
Experience working directly with executive leadership and reporting to a board is preferred.
Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco/Highspring depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to the individual’s skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, office location and other geographic considerations, as well as other business and organizational needs. With that said, as required by local law in geographies that require salary range disclosure, Vaco/Highspring notes the salary range for the role is noted in this job posting. The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses, and can participate in medical, dental, and vision benefits as well as the company’s 401(k) retirement plan. Additional disclaimer: Unless otherwise noted in the job description, the position Vaco/Highspring is filing for is occupied. Please note, however, that Vaco/Highspring is regularly asked to provide talent to other organizations. By submitting to this position, you are agreeing to be included in our talent pool for future hiring for similarly qualified positions. Submissions to this position are subject to the use of AI to perform preliminary candidate screenings, focused on ensuring minimum job requirements noted in the position are satisfied. Further assessment of candidates beyond this initial phase within Vaco/Highspring will be otherwise assessed by recruiters and hiring managers. Vaco/Highspring does not have knowledge of the tools used by its clients in making final hiring decisions and cannot opine on their use of AI products.
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Responsibilities Strategic Leadership
Act as the primary advisor to the CEO on organizational structure, workforce planning, talent strategy, compliance, and cultural initiatives.
Own the delivery of precise, executive-level people metrics (e.g., turnover, hiring, compensation, engagement, compliance).
Prepare clear, data-driven people operations reports.
Shape a long-term people strategy that supports growth.
Lead and develop a People Operations team responsible for payroll, training, benefits, recruiting, compliance, and employee relations.
Operational Duties
Build a People function grounded in strong systems, clean documentation, and reliable processes.
Ensure team members are equipped to deliver exceptional work and are held accountable through structured oversight. Implement ongoing companywide training that strengthens leadership capability, performance consistency, and operational excellence.
Oversee all talent acquisition activity, ensuring only high-caliber candidates move through the organization.
Oversee the selection, optimization, and accuracy of HR technologies and workflow tools.
Compliance & Risk Management
Maintain compliance with federal, state, and local employment regulations across all operating regions.
Develop and enforce clear policies and procedures to minimize risk and maintain alignment across the organization.
Collaborate closely with internal or external legal resources (or serve in that capacity if legally trained) on investigations, claims, regulatory matters, and contractual issues.
Performance & Culture
Establish and maintain a performance management structure with defined expectations, measurable objectives, and consistent documentation.
Equip managers at all levels with the tools and knowledge needed to lead effectively and responsibly.
Qualifications
BS/MBA or Juris Doctor strongly preferred; experience practicing employment, corporate, or labor law is a significant advantage.
10+ years of progressive HR or people operations experience, including at least 5 years leading the function in a mid-sized or larger organization.
Demonstrated ability to build, lead, and manage a structured, accountable People team.
Proven success in designing and implementing systems, processes, and documentation frameworks.
In-depth knowledge of U.S. employment law, compliance requirements, and industry best practices.
Strong executive presence, exceptional communication skills, and sound decision-making capabilities.
Experience working directly with executive leadership and reporting to a board is preferred.
Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco/Highspring depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to the individual’s skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, office location and other geographic considerations, as well as other business and organizational needs. With that said, as required by local law in geographies that require salary range disclosure, Vaco/Highspring notes the salary range for the role is noted in this job posting. The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses, and can participate in medical, dental, and vision benefits as well as the company’s 401(k) retirement plan. Additional disclaimer: Unless otherwise noted in the job description, the position Vaco/Highspring is filing for is occupied. Please note, however, that Vaco/Highspring is regularly asked to provide talent to other organizations. By submitting to this position, you are agreeing to be included in our talent pool for future hiring for similarly qualified positions. Submissions to this position are subject to the use of AI to perform preliminary candidate screenings, focused on ensuring minimum job requirements noted in the position are satisfied. Further assessment of candidates beyond this initial phase within Vaco/Highspring will be otherwise assessed by recruiters and hiring managers. Vaco/Highspring does not have knowledge of the tools used by its clients in making final hiring decisions and cannot opine on their use of AI products.
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