Director of People and Culture (ID:46705)

As an Executive Leadership Team member reporting directly to the CEO, this exciting role requires a strategic yet hands-on leader who thrives in a fast-paced, growing organization. You will be responsible for evaluating, designing, and implementing the necessary HR infrastructure—policies, systems, and processes—to support a people-first culture while driving business performance across two manufacturing sites and a remote workforce. This is a high-visibility role for a professional who is both a tactical problem solver and a forward-thinking strategist, capable of serving as a trusted thought partner to the leadership team.

The successful candidate will have a strong blend of HR leadership experience and business acumen, with deep expertise in employment law, organizational development, and change management. Your ability to balance people-focused initiatives with business needs will be key to shaping a high-performing and engaged workforce.

Location: Maple Grove, MN. Onsite

Salary Range: $120,000 - $140,000

Benefits: Health insurance, Dental insurance, Vision insurance, Paid time off (PTO), Retirement savings plans (like 401k with company matching), Life insurance, Short-term disability, and potentially additional perks depending on the company's specific policies and location.

Roles & Responsibilities

• HR Leadership & Strategic Planning
• Develop and implement an HR strategy that aligns with business objectives and fosters a high-performing culture.
• Assess current HR capabilities and build the necessary policies, tools, and processes from scratch to establish an effective HR infrastructure.
• Act as a trusted advisor and thought partner to the Executive Leadership Team, providing insights on talent strategy, workforce planning, and organizational development.
• Lead change management initiatives, ensuring smooth transitions and high engagement during periods of growth and transformation.
• Define and track key HR metrics, ensuring accountability for people-related initiatives that drive business success.
• Establish a consistent and scalable HR framework across locations, ensuring compliance and best practices.
• Talent Acquisition, Development & Retention
• Build and lead a full-cycle talent acquisition strategy, ensuring the company attracts and retains top-tier talent.
• Strengthen onboarding, engagement, and retention programs to foster a connected and committed workforce.
• Implement succession planning and leadership development programs to cultivate future leaders and address skills gaps proactively.
• Partner with leaders to create performance management programs that align with business goals and encourage continuous feedback and growth.
• Oversee compensation and benefits strategies, ensuring they are competitive, equitable, and aligned with organizational objectives.
• Employee Relations & Culture Development
• Serve as the champion of company culture, ensuring a workplace that values collaboration, accountability, and respect.
• Act as a trusted employee relations partner, guiding leaders and employees through conflict resolution and workplace challenges.
• Develop and implement DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) initiatives to build an inclusive and diverse workplace.
• Lead employee engagement efforts, including surveys, focus groups, and action planning, to continuously improve team member experience.
• HR Operations, Compliance & Continuous Improvement
• Evaluate and implement HR technology solutions to improve efficiency, data tracking, and employee experience.
• Ensure compliance with all employment laws and regulations, providing guidance and training to leaders on legal best practices.
• Oversee health, safety, and wellness programs, ensuring a safe and productive work environment across all locations.
• Develop and manage the HR budget, ensuring resources are allocated effectively to support business goals.
  
  

Required Skills & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business, or a related field
• 10 years of HR leadership experience, ideally in a manufacturing or operations-heavy environment.
• Experience building an HR function from scratch, including implementing systems, processes, and policies.
• Proven ability to balance strategic planning with hands-on execution in a fast-paced, scaling company.
• Strong expertise in employee relations, talent management, compensation strategy, and organizational development.
• Excellent business acumen and the ability to partner with executives on people strategies that drive results.
• Deep knowledge of employment laws, compliance requirements, and HR best practices.
• PHR or SPHR or SHRM certifications (preferred)
• Exceptional communication, coaching, and leadership skills.
  
  

About Versique

Versique: /ver-seek/ adj. being both versatile and unique; n. a high-performance recruiting firm specializing in executive leadership search, direct hire, and interim hiring solutions.

Versique Executive, Professional, & Interim Recruiting is a locally owned and operated hiring and placement firm based in the Twin Cities of Minnesota. With specialized practice areas across our three divisions, Versique delivers tailored expertise to a wide range of industries. What sets us apart is our team of recruiters—seasoned professionals who have worked in the very fields they now hire for, providing unmatched industry insight and connections.

We believe people are more than just resumes—they are transformative, unlocking the potential for organizational growth and success.

Versique is proud to be award-winning, earning recognition on the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing private companies and the Minneapolis-St. Paul Business Journal's Fast 50 list for 2023. We are also consistently recognized as a Star Tribune Top Workplace and were named a Best Place to Work in 2022 by the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal.

Let's find your people, together.

Versique is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse workforce. We consider all qualified applicants regardless of race, religion, color, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or veteran status.