Human Resource Director in Gainesville, Georgia at IMS Gear Georgia, LLC

Location: Gainesville, GA (On-site)
Reports To: President & CEO and Global VP, Human Resources (Matrix Reporting)
Travel: 10-20% domestic travel between U.S. locations, with occasional international travel

Lead the People Strategy for a Global Manufacturing Organization

IMS Gear is seeking an experienced and influential Director, Human Resources to lead all HR functions across our U.S. operations. This is a high-impact leadership role responsible for driving people strategy, organizational effectiveness, workforce capability, and employee experience for approximately 500 employees across our manufacturing facilities in Gainesville, Georgia and Virginia Beach, Virginia.

As the senior HR leader for the United States, you will work closely with executive leadership, site leaders, and global HR partners to shape and execute business-focused people strategies while ensuring operational excellence and compliance. This role is ideal for a hands-on HR executive who thrives in a manufacturing environment and enjoys balancing strategic leadership with day-to-day execution.

What You'll Do

Strategic Business Partnership

• Serve as the senior HR advisor to U.S. leadership teams.
• Align people strategies with business objectives and operational priorities.
• Drive workforce planning, succession planning, organizational design, and change management initiatives.
• Use workforce analytics and business data to identify trends, risks, and opportunities.
• Represent U.S. business and employment requirements in global discussions.

Lead and Develop the HR Function

• Lead, coach, and develop the U.S. HR team across multiple locations.
• Create accountability, consistency, and operational excellence throughout HR processes.
• Build scalable HR programs and service delivery models that support growth and business performance.
• Maintain a visible presence within the business and on the manufacturing floor.

Employee Relations, Compliance & Risk Management

• Lead complex employee relations matters, investigations, performance management, corrective actions, and conflict resolution.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws.
• Partner with employment counsel and global HR resources on high-risk employment matters, including accommodations, leaves, immigration, claims, and workforce reductions.
• Maintain compliant HR policies, practices, and documentation.

Talent Management & Organizational Development

• Oversee recruitment, onboarding, retention, development, succession planning, and talent assessment.
• Strengthen leadership capability and performance management practices across the organization.
• Support training and workforce development initiatives that build future manufacturing talent.
• Develop recruiting partnerships with technical schools, colleges, universities, and workforce organizations.

Compensation, Benefits & HR Operations

• Provide oversight of compensation programs, benefits, retirement plans, payroll, and related employee programs.
• Lead HR technology, process improvement, reporting, and workforce analytics initiatives.
• Ensure accurate and compliant administration of employee programs and HR systems.

International HR Support

• Partner with Global HR and international business leaders on enterprise initiatives.
• Oversee immigration, work authorization, expatriate support, and international assignments.
• Participate in strategic cross-functional and global business projects.

What We're Looking For

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 15+ years of progressive HR experience, including senior leadership responsibility.
• Significant HR leadership experience within a multi-site manufacturing, industrial, or operations-driven environment.
• Experience supporting a U.S. business within a global or highly matrixed organization.
• Strong background in employee relations, investigations, compliance, performance management, and organizational change.
• Demonstrated ability to influence senior leaders and navigate complex business decisions.
• Experience leading both strategic HR initiatives and hands-on operational execution.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Human Resources, Business, or related discipline.
• SPHR and/or SHRM-SCP certification.
• Experience with organizational transformation, turnaround, or change management initiatives.
• Exposure to immigration and expatriate programs.
• German or Spanish language skills are a plus.

Knowledge, Skills & Leadership Attributes

Successful candidates will demonstrate:

• Strong knowledge of employment law and HR best practices.
• Exceptional business acumen and operational understanding.
• Executive presence and the ability to influence across all levels of the organization.
• Sound judgment and confidence handling sensitive issues.
• Leadership coaching and talent development expertise.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to balance global objectives with local business needs.
• Experience using workforce metrics, HR systems, and data analytics to drive decisions.

Work Environment

• Primarily onsite in Gainesville, Georgia.
• Regular interaction within both office and manufacturing environments.
• Occasional travel throughout the United States and internationally.
• Ability to sit, stand, walk manufacturing facilities, and occasionally lift up to 15 pounds.

Why Join IMS Gear?

At IMS Gear, you'll have the opportunity to shape the future of our U.S. workforce while partnering with global leaders in a dynamic manufacturing environment. You'll play a key role in building leadership capability, strengthening organizational performance, and creating an employee experience that supports long-term business success.

If you're a strategic HR leader who enjoys rolling up your sleeves, driving change, and making a measurable impact, we'd like to hear from you.

Apply today and help lead the future of IMS Gear's U.S. operations.