Director of HR

Director of Human Resources

Carlson Distributing | Salt Lake City, UT

Carlson Distributing is Utah's largest beer distributor and the state's largest import and specialty beer distributor, serving more than 3,000 retail customers throughout Utah. As a family-owned company with more than 50 years of success, we are looking for an experienced HR leader to help shape our people strategy, strengthen our culture, and support our continued growth.

About the Role

The Director of Human Resources serves as a strategic partner to executive leadership and oversees all aspects of Human Resources, including employee relations, compliance, talent acquisition, compensation and benefits, payroll oversight, training and development, organizational effectiveness, and culture initiatives.

This is an opportunity for a hands-on HR leader who enjoys developing leaders, solving complex employee issues, improving processes, and helping drive business results through strong people practices.

The successful candidate stays current on changes in employment law and HR compliance and can translate legal requirements into practical business solutions. This role serves as a trusted advisor to leadership, providing guidance that balances compliance, employee experience, and operational needs.

If you're excited about this opportunity but don't meet every preferred qualification listed below, we encourage you to apply. We recognize that experience can be gained in many different ways.

What You'll Do

• Partner with executive leadership to develop and execute people strategies that support business objectives.
• Lead employee relations efforts, workplace investigations, conflict resolution, and performance management initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.
• Provide guidance regarding ADA, FMLA, PWFA, USERRA, EEOC requirements, wage and hour compliance, and workplace accommodations.
• Oversee leave administration, workers' compensation, and employment-related compliance matters.
• Lead responses to audits, agency inquiries, and employment-related matters.
• Direct recruiting, onboarding, manager development, and employee training programs.
• Oversee payroll operations, HRIS administration, employee benefits, and HR reporting.
• Develop and continuously improve HR policies, procedures, and people processes.
• Strengthen company culture through leadership development, employee engagement, accountability, and recognition initiatives.

What We're Looking For

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Organizational Leadership, or a related field.
• Seven or more years of progressive Human Resources experience.
• Three or more years of HR leadership or management experience.
• Experience conducting workplace investigations and managing complex employee relations issues.
• Strong knowledge of federal and state employment laws and regulations.
• Experience administering ADA accommodations, FMLA, workers' compensation, and other employee leave programs.
• Experience developing and implementing HR policies, procedures, and compliance programs.
• Ability to research, interpret, and apply changing employment laws and regulations.
• Strong communication, leadership, coaching, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience with HRIS and payroll systems.

Preferred Qualifications

• SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or SPHR certification.
• Experience supporting a multi-location workforce.
• Experience in distribution, logistics, manufacturing, transportation, or other operational environments.
• Experience with workforce analytics and executive reporting.
• Experience with ADP Workforce Now.

What We Offer

• 10 days of Paid Time Off (PTO), with opportunities to earn additional PTO based on tenure
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA) option
• 401(k) program with a company match of up to 4%
• Company-paid Short-Term Disability (STD)
• Company-paid Long-Term Disability (LTD)
• Company-paid Basic Life Insurance
• Seven paid holidays each year

Why Join Carlson?

• Direct partnership with executive leadership
• Opportunity to influence company culture and people strategy
• Ability to build programs, processes, and systems rather than simply maintain them
• Meaningful impact across the organization
• Stable, family-owned company with a strong reputation and long history of success

Equal Employment Opportunity

Carlson Distributing is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where employees are treated with dignity and respect. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

We believe that diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives strengthen our organization and contribute to our success.