Description

Human Resources Director
FLSA Classification: Exempt
Reports to: Corporate Officers
Level: Director

Job Description Summary
The Human Resources Director provides strategic and hands-on leadership for AZO and its divisions in excavating, landfill, waste management, and materials. This role builds and leads a professional HR structure to support approximately 1,000 employees across multiple states. The Director ensures compliance with employment laws, strengthens recruiting and retention practices, and promotes a safe, engaged, and values-driven workplace. Reporting to the Corporate Officers, this position partners closely with Finance, Legal, and Operations leaders to align HR strategy with business goals and regulatory compliance.

Essential Functions

• Develop, implement, and oversee HR strategies, policies, and programs across all divisions.
• Lead and mentor HR team members, including Benefits, Engagement, Recruiting, and HR Operations staff.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and Michigan employment laws (EEO, FLSA, FMLA, MIOSHA, ADA, Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act, and Paid Leave).
• Oversee compensation and benefits programs to maintain equity, competitiveness, and compliance.
• Establish standardized recruiting, onboarding, and manager training practices across sites.
• Partner with Operations and Safety to coordinate risk management, workers’ compensation, and return-to-work programs.
• Develop and manage performance management, succession, and employee engagement initiatives.
• Collaborate with Finance and Accounting on payroll policy and reporting alignment.
• Advise management on employee relations, investigations, and disciplinary actions; ensure documentation and consistency.
• Build HR dashboards to track turnover, retention, and engagement metrics.
• Coordinate with external legal counsel and HR compliance partners as needed.
• Represent HR in leadership meetings and support culture and communication initiatives.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Competencies

• Strategic Leadership – Balances long-term planning with day-to-day execution.
• Employment Law Expertise – Deep understanding of multi-state and Michigan HR compliance requirements.
• Operational Excellence – Designs scalable systems and processes that support field operations.
• Coaching & Development – Builds trust with leaders and helps them manage people effectively.
• Change Management – Leads cultural and procedural transformation with calm and clarity.
• Employee Relations – Handles complex issues with fairness, confidentiality, and judgment.
• Data-Driven Decision Making – Uses metrics to guide improvements and measure results.
• Communication – Clear, approachable, and able to connect across all levels of the company.
• Continuous Improvement – Drives efficiency and consistency in all HR operations.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Direct supervision of Benefits Manager, Employee Engagement & Communications Specialist, and future HR Coordinator and Recruiter positions. Provides indirect guidance to site-level HR contacts and Safety/Compliance team members.

Accommodations Statement

AZO is committed to providing reasonable accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Michigan Persons with Disabilities Civil Rights Act. Applicants or employees requiring accommodation to perform essential functions or participate in the hiring process should contact the Human Resources Department.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

AZO is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Requirements

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field.
• 7–10 years of progressive HR experience, including at least 3 years in a leadership role.
• Experience supporting industrial, construction, manufacturing, or multi-site operations.
• Proven success in developing HR policies, compliance frameworks, and workforce initiatives.
• Strong knowledge of employment law, benefits administration, and recruiting practices.
• Ability to travel to sites as needed for leadership, compliance, or training support.

Preferred Education and Experience

• Master’s degree in HR Management, Organizational Development, or related discipline.
• SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, or PHR/SPHR certification preferred.
• Experience leading HR in a growing or restructuring organization.
• Background in safety, risk, or workers’ compensation management is beneficial.
• Proficiency with or ability to quickly learn the organization’s HRIS system.  UKG knowledge preferred.

Travel Required

Up to 25%, primarily within the Midwest region.

Work Environment

Primarily office environment with occasional visits to construction, landfill, or yard operations. Noise level ranges from low to moderate, with occasional exposure to outdoor environments.