Head of Human Resources

About the Opportunity:

We are seeking a Head of Human Resources to lead the HR function across eight companies with approximately 2000 employees, that operate under shared ownership and management. As a key member of the executive team, the Head of Human Resources will report directly to the C-Suite, serving as a trusted advisor while overseeing the full scope of the HR function and guiding its teams. This is both a strategic and operational leadership opportunity.

The Head of HR will be responsible for aligning people strategies with business objectives, fostering a high-performance culture, and ensuring compliance across multiple entities and jurisdictions. They will lead post-acquisition organizational integrations, ensuring initiatives support business growth and seamless cultural alignment. This position requires balancing enterprise-wide strategy with hands-on leadership, driving consistent HR practices while respecting the unique needs of each company.

Waste and Recycling businesses:

With roots dating back to the 70s, three generations of family and a dedicated team of professionals are leading USA Waste and All American Waste into the future while serving communities in CT, Western MA, and Westchester, NY. They operate one of the region’s most forward-thinking waste and recycling enterprises with a commitment to remaining on the leading edge of waste, hauling, and processing - innovating every step as they work to find the best solutions for safe and efficient residential and commercial services. From building the country's largest state-of-the-art recycling facility, to powering its buildings with solar energy, and fueling its trucks with all-American natural gas, they are committed to the communities they serve, and the planet.

The story started with a single truck. In 1974, founder Guy "Sonny" Antonacci and his wife, Mary Ann, started Somers Sanitation - named after their hometown of Somers, Connecticut. While their fleet, facilities, services, and family have all grown, they take pride in continuing to operate these businesses based on the fundamental principle that has guided them since the beginning - to provide exceptional service and innovation to the communities and people they serve.

Entertainment businesses:

Beyond waste and recycling, the family owns and operates Sonny’s Place, a popular family entertainment center, a golf club, and horse farms. Together, these ventures reflect a multigenerational legacy that blends environmental services, hospitality, agriculture, and community recreation, with a consistent emphasis on family leadership, regional investment, and long-term growth.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership :

• Serve as a trusted advisor to ownership and the executive team on workforce planning, organizational design, and cultural transformation.
• Develop and implement HR strategies that support long-term business objectives.
• Drive initiatives that promote operational excellence.
• Partner with the executive team to shape company culture, employee engagement, and leadership development.

Talent Management & Development:

• Oversee talent acquisition, succession planning, and workforce development strategies.
• Design and implement leadership development, training, and performance management programs.
• Champion employee engagement initiatives that improve retention and strengthen the employer brand.

Employee Relations & Compliance:

• Lead employee relations strategies that foster trust, accountability, and fairness.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.
• Mitigate risk by managing sensitive investigations, conflict resolution, and high-stakes employee issues.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Oversee the design and administration of competitive compensation and benefits programs.
• Continuously evaluate market trends to ensure offerings remain competitive and equitable.

HR Operations & Optimization:

• Direct HR operations, policies, and processes to maximize efficiency and employee experience.
• Implement HR technologies and data-driven insights to improve decision-making.
• Lead continuous improvement efforts in HR programs, practices, and service delivery.

The Successful Candidate Will Bring:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field (Master’s preferred).
• 10+ years of progressive HR leadership experience, including multi-entity or multi-location responsibility.
• Operational leadership experience preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to balance enterprise-wide HR strategy with the unique needs of individual companies.
• Strong expertise in employment law, HR compliance, and organizational development.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and relationship-building skills across diverse teams and industries.
• Experience overseeing talent acquisition is important, and working with Visa programs is beneficial.
• HR certification (SHRM-SCP, SPHR) strongly preferred.
• Valid Driver’s License and vehicle insurance
• Ability to travel - This position requires site visits to business locations