HUMAN RESOURCES GENERALIST

HUMAN RESOURCES GENERALIST—VAN DAM CUSTOM BOATS

THE POSITION—VAN DAM is seeking an experienced and skilled team member to serve as our Human Resources Generalist on our campus at Van Dam Custom Boats and Boyne Boat Yard. We are looking for someone who is thirsty for a rewarding and challenging career on our world-renowned campus. We aim to be the best in the industry, and this is a dynamic opportunity for a passionate professional to contribute to our tradition of excellence by fostering a culture where employees are valued, supported, and inspired to grow with us into the future.

This role is anticipated to be a 32-hour per week position (minimum 32 hours per week with possibly more hours from time to time), on campus, with reasonable flexibility to determine an ongoing schedule that works best for you and Van Dam. You will be responsible for a one-person department of Human Resources, serving a campus of 30 employees, reporting directly to the Vice President of Van Dam Custom Boats.

As the Human Resources Generalist you will be administering and managing the functions of human resources including but not limited to: recruitment and onboarding, benefits administration, ensuring proper company policies and practices, developing and promoting ongoing talent development and training, as well as promoting the mission, values, and culture of Van Dam and its strategic vision. This role requires excellent collaboration with other leaders within the organization, with a focus on working as a team, providing service and information for employees, and ensuring an atmosphere that is purposeful with a focus on quality, safety, and efficiency.

TIMELINE: Applications due 3/9/25/25; Stage 1 screening calls will take place 3/10-3/21/25; Stage 2 on-site interviews will take place 3/24-4/9/25; Desired start date is 4/28/25 or sooner.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Performance and Talent Management: Manages compliance with training and certification requirements, including safety, marine industry credentials, and leadership development, while overseeing a Performance Management Program that aligns with company goals, fosters employee growth, and supports leadership in performance evaluations.

• Onboarding: Leads the recruitment, interviewing, and hiring process in collaboration with department managers and the Vice President, while overseeing new-hire orientation to provide a seamless onboarding experience with proper training, company knowledge, and employee integration.

• Administration and Communications: Oversees HR programs, including compensation, benefits, employee engagement, and compliance with employment laws. Manages the HR Management System. Develops and maintains employee policies, facilitates conflict resolution, and ensures effective onboarding, recognition, and training programs. Supports leadership with employee relations, meetings, and HR best practices to foster a positive and compliant workplace.

• Support the Whole Employee: Enhances the employee experience by fostering positive relationships, developing engaging programs for onboarding, training, and career growth, and supporting overall well-being through comprehensive initiatives. Uphold our commitment to creating a workplace where employees thrive, feel valued, and encourage others to join our team.

OUR BENEFIT OFFERINGS:

• 401(k) Retirement plan with Company Match.
• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Life insurance
• Vision insurance
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Holidays
• Profit Sharing Bonus
• Company Paid Training and Education—Industry Certifications
• Employee discount on materials for personal use
• $200 Allowance-Annual Crew Gear
• $1,500 Employee Referral Program
• Opportunities for Advancement
• Company Sponsored Events (celebrating milestones and goals, golf outings, etc.)

Join us as our Human Resources Generalist in our quest to build the finest wooden boats in the world.

REQUIREMENTS & QUALIFICATIONS

• 3-5 years’ experience in human resources, preferably in manufacturing or fabrication.
• One or more of the following degrees/certifications:
  • Bachelor’s degree in HR, Business Admin., Industrial Psychology, or related field or similar focus and/or equivalent HR experience with specific experience as a department of one.
  • SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP certification or SPHR certification preferred.
• Strong knowledge of employment law, HR information systems, and benefits administration.
• Experience developing and implementing HR policies, compensation structures, and performance management systems.
• Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to connect with employees at all levels.
• A proactive, hands-on approach with a passion for employee engagement/well-being.
• Proficiency in HR information systems, Microsoft Office Suite.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Ability to organize and present thoughts verbally, in print, and in front of a group.
• Required Competencies:
  • Integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality.
  • Excellent interpersonal and conflict-resolution abilities
  • Active listening capabilities
  • Approachable with an ability to think and remain calm before acting.
  • Respectful of others.
  • Shows ambition and eagerness to learn.

MORE ABOUT US

THE CAMPUS—Located in Boyne City, Michigan, our campus is home to both Van Dam Custom Boats and Boyne Boat Yard, two companies united by a passion for craftsmanship, innovation, and excellence in the marine industry.

Van Dam Custom Boats has been building high-performance, wood-composite boats since 1977. Known for our world-class craftsmanship and cutting-edge designs, we blend traditional techniques with modern engineering. Our skilled team—ranging from master craftspeople to apprentices—works in a dynamic, state-of-the-art facility, taking on some of the most exciting and intricate builds in the industry. With a backlog stretching well into 2026, opportunities for growth in technical, project leadership, and build management roles are abundant.

Boyne Boat Yard, our full-service marine yard, extends this expertise into service, repair, and restoration for a wide range of recreational boats, from Van Dam power and sailboats to 55’ sport yachts and cruisers. We are a technician’s yard, dedicated to solving highly technical challenges with precision and care. With access to Van Dam’s world-renowned wood shop, machine shop, paint shop, and design office, there is no project too complex for our team.

Together, our campus fosters a strong culture of collaboration, continuous learning, and a shared commitment to excellence.

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