Position Overview:

The Director of Human Resources is a strategic business partner and hands-on HR leader responsible for aligning people and strategies with company objectives in a dynamic, single-site precision sheet metal manufacturing organization. This role combines strategic leadership with direct, daily engagement across all levels of the organization.  This is an on-site full-time position, reporting to the CEO, with accountability to the COO, CFO, and Leadership Team, with a 5-day M-F workweek on 1^st shift.

The Director of Human Resources will drive culture change and engagement while ensuring compliance with employment laws, consistent policy application, and best practices across all aspects of human resources management.  This role is critical to support and lead the people-centric vision and strategic direction in accordance with our values of Safety, Quality, Collaboration, Integrity, Accountability, and Continuous Improvement.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership & Organizational Development

• Partner with the CEO, CFO, COO and leadership team members to develop and implement HR strategies that support company strategic growth plans, operational performance, and culture.
• Provide thought leadership on workforce planning, succession management, organizational structure, and talent optimization.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to senior management on people-related matters including engagement, retention, and leadership effectiveness.
• Lead initiatives to strengthen communication, collaboration, trust, employee participation and engagement throughout the organization.

HR Operations & Team Leadership

• Collaborate with and lead the HR team to leverage specialized expertise in functional HR areas, such as recruiting and talent acquisition, compliance, benefits & payroll,  while ensuring seamless HR coverage in our high-touch people 1^st environment.
• Manage capital resources in accordance with annual budgets and goals, maintain and develop partners with external organizations to enhance the strategic plan of the organization.
• Develop and implement sustainable systems and processes that leverage core strengths and enhance our strategic growth plan.
• Implement data-driven HR reporting to measure effectiveness and inform decision-making.

Talent Acquisition and Workforce Planning

• Partner for mutual benefit with stakeholders in fostering professional development through strategic planning.
• Develop initiatives between talent matrix and four-part framework to maximize workforce agility and accelerate talent development.
• Identify, strategize and plan against manufacturing workforce trends that will benefit all stakeholders.

Employee Relations, Engagement, Performance Management & Training

• Foster an environment of respect, inclusion, and care for the well-being of all team members to shape and improve the culture of open communication and respect.
• Lead the annual performance review and talent development process.   Provide coaching and guidance to all team members on performance, conduct, and career development.
• Partner with organizational leaders to identify and implement development programs for each team member to enhance capability and readiness.
• Manage and deliver safety and compliance training in coordination with EHS regulations and operations leadership.
• Manage investigations, disciplinary actions, and conflict resolution with discretion and consistency.
• Lead initiatives to monitor and improve team member well-being, satisfaction, morale, and engagement.

Compensation, Benefits, and Compliance

• Partner with internal and external organizations and resources to administer and enhance competitive compensation and benefits programs aligned with company objectives and market trends.
• Manage reviews, wage adjustments, and incentive programs in coordination with our people-first strategy and leadership team guidance.
• Ensure compliance with federal and Massachusetts state labor laws and regulatory agencies, including wage and hour, leave, and workplace safety requirements.
• Maintain accurate HR records and manage employee data integrity within formal systems.

Success Attributes:

• Approachable Leader: Trusted, visible presence with relationships built in all areas of the company.
• Strategic Partner: Aligns people-initiatives with company goals and metrics.
• Hands-On Practitioner: Willing to roll up sleeves to execute daily HR tasks.
• Change Agent: Drives modernization of HR processes, systems, and culture.
• Culture Builder: Champions our core values of safety, quality, collaboration, integrity accountability and continuous improvement and models the behaviors expected of all team members.

Qualifications & Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field required; Master’s degree or HR certification (SPHR, SHRM-SCP) preferred.
• Minimum 10+ years of progressive HR experience, including at least 3 years in a leadership capacity within manufacturing, industrial, or similar environments.
• Proven experience balancing strategic planning and hands-on HR management in a small or mid-sized company.
• Deep knowledge of employment laws, HR best practices, and employee relations in Massachusetts and other states.
• Demonstrated ability to influence leadership and build trust across all levels of the organization.
• Strong communication, facilitation, and conflict resolution skills.
• High emotional intelligence and approachability with a focus on human connection.
• Strategic mindset with data-driven decision-making ability.
• Exceptional organizational and multitasking abilities.

Why Work at Salem Metal?

• Our customers and our team members are the core of our business.  We’re focused on the well-being of our team members, who utilize their skills every day to meet the needs of our customers.
• We serve many markets – Medical Equipment, Measurement & Test, Industrial, Electronics, Security, Manufacturing and more – with products that improve the human condition and quality of life.
• We accomplish our work with a people-first atmosphere, with a benefits and services package provided by our PEO (Professional Employer Organization), yet we operate with the agility and drive of a small company.
• Our company leadership is on site daily.  SMI has been a proud supporter of our local community for more than 55 years.
• Our new custom-built 100,000 sf state-of-the art facility in Middleton, MA is a great working environment to be in, with ample room for growth.  5S and housekeeping are part of our culture of high-performance.
• SMI’s core values are Safety, Quality, Integrity, Accountability, Collaboration, and Continuous Improvement.
• Company celebrations, recognition events, and an annual bonus are all part of the mix at Salem Metal, Inc.  People make the difference on our team.

** Salem Metal is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state, or local protected class.