Human Resources Director, US

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 LeadershipAct 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, compliancePrepare 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 DutiesBuild 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 ManagementMaintain 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 & CultureEstablish 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.Vaco by Highspring values a diverse workplace and strongly encourages women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply.EEO Notice Vaco by Highspring is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race (including but not limited to traits historically associated with race such as hair texture and hair style), color, sex (includes pregnancy or related conditions), religion or creed, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, status as a veteran, union membership, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, political affiliation, or any other protected characteristics as required by federal, state or local law.Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact HR@vaco.com .Vaco by Highspring also wants all applicants to know their rights that workplace discrimination is illegal. By submitting to this position, you agree that you will be giving Vaco by Highspring the exclusive right to present your as a candidate for the foregoing employment opportunity. You further agree that you have represented information about yourself accurately and have not affirmatively misrepresented your qualifications. You also agree to maintain as confidential, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any information you learn from Vaco by Highspring about the position and you will limit disclosure of information about the position only to the extent necessary to perform any obligations in furtherance of your application. In exchange, Vaco by Highspring agrees to exercise reasonable efforts to represent you through all solicitation, job screening and resume dispersal.Privacy NoticeVaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries (“we,” “our,” or “Vaco by Highspring”) respects your privacy and are committed to providing transparent notice of our policies. California residents may access Vaco by Highspring HR Notice at Collection for California Applicants and Employees here. Virginia residents may access our state specific policies here. Residents of all other states may access our policies here. Canadian residents may access our policies in English here and in French here. Residents of countries governed by GDPR may access our policies here.Pay Transparency Notice Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco by Highspring depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to: the individual’s skill sets, experience and training; licensure and certification requirements; office location and other geographic considerations; other business and organizational needs.With that said, as required by local law, Vaco by Highspring believes that the following salary range referenced above reasonably estimates the base compensation for an individual hired into this position in geographies that require salary range disclosure. The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses.