Human Resources Director

Position Overview

The HR Director / Senior Manager provides strategic and operational leadership across all Human Resources functions for a heavy civil construction organization operating in New Jersey. This role is responsible for workforce planning, talent acquisition, labor compliance, employee relations, performance management, benefits administration, and organizational development. The position partners closely with executive leadership and project teams to support a dynamic, project-driven workforce.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and execute HR strategies aligned with business objectives and workforce needs
• Advise executive leadership on organizational structure, staffing plans, and succession planning
• Lead HR planning for project mobilizations, demobilizations, and seasonal workforce fluctuations

Talent Acquisition & Workforce Planning

• Oversee recruiting for field, shop, and office-based positions
• Coordinate workforce forecasting with project and operations teams
• Build and maintain industry networks and craft labor pipelines

Employee Relations & Labor Compliance

• Provide guidance on employee relations issues, disciplinary actions, and conflict resolution
• Ensure compliance with NJ labor laws, DOT, FMCSA, I-9, EEO, and other regulatory requirements
• Maintain positive labor relations, including union interactions where applicable
• Conduct employee investigations in both office and active jobsite environments

Performance Management

• Oversee performance review processes and coaching frameworks
• Partner with supervisors and managers to address performance issues and development plans

Compensation & Benefits

• Manage benefits administration, leave programs, and related policies
• Review job classifications, pay scales, prevailing wage requirements, and compliance issues

Training & Development

• Lead onboarding programs for new hires across field and office operations
• Ensure jobsite training, certifications, and compliance training are completed
• Develop leadership and management training programs for supervisors and project managers

HR Operations & Compliance

• Maintain HRIS accuracy, reporting, and documentation
• Oversee policy development, employee handbook updates, and regulatory reporting
• Ensure consistent application of HR policies across all business units
• Oversee Workers’ Compensation programs
• Administer FMLA and PTO tracking

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field
• 10+ years of progressive HR experience, including at least 4 years in a leadership role
• Strong knowledge of NJ, PA, and NY labor laws and employment compliance
• Excellent communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills

Preferred

• SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or SPHR certification
• Experience in heavy civil construction, infrastructure, or related industries
• Experience working in union environments and with prevailing wage requirements
• Familiarity with construction-focused HRIS platforms