Vice President Human Resources

Job Description

Reporting to the President and Chief Operating Officer, the Vice President of Human Resources is a strategic and dynamic HR leader, serving on the executive team. This role is critical in shaping Proficient Auto Logistics’ future by driving integration efforts across systems, business practices and culture.

The ideal candidate has robust expertise across the HR discipline, deep experience with M&A integration, a passion for building culture (including, importantly, safety culture), and excels as an enabling business partner, engaged across functions.

Key Responsibilities:

·        Lead the identification of best practice enterprise HR solutions in concert with internal due diligence and thereafter drive implementation, training, policy and change management programs with a high sense of urgency to ensure smooth transitions to new systems, policies and business practices. These efforts are already underway in several areas and the scope of enterprise needs span benefits, insurance, HRIS, recruiting, travel and expense, etc.

·        Develop/enhance/consolidate key policies, procedures and HR practices to match the scope and scale of PAL, aligned to state-specific laws and requirements. The position will be responsible for end-to-end mapping of current state to future state, and all interim steps, including timelines, collaboration with HR teams and legal to develop and advance recommendations to executive team (and Board Compensation Committee, where relevant), successful rollout and communication/engagement, and compliance monitoring ongoing. This need spans subject matter such as (though not limited to) employee handbook, compensation practices, talent management, recruiting, travel and expense, corporate vehicles and more.   

·        Provide strategic oversight and leadership for the HR Operational and Business Partner teams supporting PAL’s 700 employees.

·        Collaborate with executive leadership to align the HR strategy with the organization’s long-term goals.

·        Lead the HR department, setting goals, objectives, and systems, while planning, organizing, and controlling all departmental activities.

·        Serve as an advisor and decision-maker on high-level employee relations and legal issues, conducting regular employee relations counseling and training throughout the organization. Primary interface with outside partners on significant claims and legal matters.

·        Ensure compliance with employment, benefits, insurance, safety, and other laws, regulations, and requirements. Maintain knowledge of laws, regulations, and best practices in employment law, human resources, and talent management.

·        Supervise a geographically disperse staff and liaise with leaders throughout the operating network to support employees, build PAL’s culture, solve problems, and advance corporate goals.

·        Primary role in the negotiation and management of contracts for benefits and related HR third parties and vendors.

·        Standardize (where practical) and ensure the documentation of job descriptions, organizational charts, salary bands, and other key content. Make organizational design recommendations as the company grows and evolves.

·        Oversee annual talent management cycle, including goal setting, performance management, development, compensation reviews and increases, and bonus and incentive programs program(s).

·        Play a central role in new acquisitions to enable strong communication and engagement of new employees through changes that will occur during the integration cycle into PAL.

·        Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

·        Expert-level knowledge of HR disciplines, best practices, regulatory changes, new technologies in human resources, and employment law.

·        Knowledge of and strength in external HR tools and systems, with significant experience in the implementation thereof; proven ability to manage multiple projects, including technological integrations within HR and third-party contractors.

·        Competence negotiating and managing complex employee benefit plans including 401(k) and other retirement plans.

·        Exceptional ability to work closely with C-suite executives on strategic issues affecting company growth.

·        Significant M&A integration experience, with competence in change management – must have exceptional ability to facilitate organizational change through business leaders.

·        Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills, with a collaborative style.

·        Strong organizational skills with keen attention to detail; ability to drive both strategic and tactical workstreams simultaneously with active, hands-on engagement.

·        High level of business acumen with a focus on data-driven decision making and problem-solving required.

·        College degree in relevant field with SHRM certification required; master’s degree preferred.

·        15+ years’ experience in human resources, with at least 5 years of executive-level management.

·        Transportation experience, with understanding of driver workforce, preferred.

·        Advanced MS Office skills, including Excel and Powerpoint, with complementary presentation skills to share complex information in a manner easily understood by stakeholders outside of HR (including across levels).

·        Passion for developing people and culture, with strength in mentoring, influence and facilitation skills across levels and audiences; highly accountable, with the skill and tact to drive accountability throughout the organization for high performance.

·        Create a cross-trained, integrated human resources work team that offers developmental opportunities to team members.

·        Lead the development of metrics for the Human Resources function to measure results and guide higher contributions to the organization’s success.

·        Impeccable integrity and ethical decision-making framework.

·        High sense of urgency and commitment to success.

·        Ability to travel as job requires, with home/office location in Jacksonville, FL.

About Proficient Auto Logistics

Proficient Auto Logistics (PAL) is a leading non-union, specialized freight company focused on providing auto transportation and logistics services. Formed via IPO in May 2024, PAL combined five industry-leading operating companies, and has since acquired a sixth. As a combined entity, we operate one of the largest auto transportation fleets in North America with over 1200 trucks, 50 terminal locations and 700 employees, a majority of whom are drivers.

We offer a broad range of auto transportation and logistics services, primarily focused on transporting finished vehicles from automotive production facilities, marine ports of entry, or regional rail yards to auto dealerships around the country. We have developed a differentiated business model due to our scale, breadth of geographic coverage, and embedded customer relationships with leading auto original equipment manufacturing companies (OEMs). 

Our customers range from large, global auto companies, such as General Motors, BMW, Stellantis, and Mercedes Benz, to electric vehicle (“EV”) producers, such as Tesla and Rivian. Additional customers include auto dealers, auto auctions, rental car companies, and auto leasing companies.