Human Resources Director

Kobussen Buses Ltd. is one of Wisconsin's largest student transportation companies, proudly serving communities throughout the state for more than 88 years. As a third-generation, family-owned organization, we are committed to delivering Family Pride in Every Ride while fostering a culture of safety, integrity, and exceptional service.

We are seeking an experienced, hands-on Human Resources Director to lead all aspects of the Human Resources function across our multi-location organization. Reporting directly to executive leadership, the Human Resources Director serves as the organization's senior HR leader and trusted business partner, providing both strategic direction and day-to-day operational leadership for all human resources initiatives.

This role is responsible for developing, implementing, and continuously improving HR strategies, policies, programs, and practices that support the organization's business objectives and workforce needs. The Human Resources Director oversees talent acquisition, compensation, benefits, employee relations, leave administration, performance management, organizational development, compliance, policy administration, and workplace investigations while ensuring compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local employment laws.

The successful candidate will possess the ability to balance strategic planning with hands-on execution, build strong relationships with leaders across multiple locations, navigate complex employee relations matters, and provide practical HR guidance that supports operational excellence. This position plays a critical role in developing organizational culture, mitigating risk, and driving initiatives that attract, retain, and engage a high-performing workforce.

Job Responsibilities:

• Serve as the primary strategic HR advisor to executive leadership and managers across multiple locations.
• Develop, implement, and continuously improve HR policies, programs, and initiatives that align with organizational goals.
• Lead company-wide talent acquisition strategies, workforce planning, and succession planning efforts.
• Partner with managers to resolve complex employee relations matters, conduct workplace investigations, and ensure consistent application of company policies.
• Develop and administer compensation programs by analyzing market data, internal equity, and organizational needs.
• Oversee employee benefits strategy, including plan design, vendor management, compliance, annual renewals, and cost containment initiatives.
• Direct the performance management process, including performance evaluations, coaching, and leadership development.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations, including FMLA, ADA, FLSA, EEO, ACA, COBRA, unemployment, workers' compensation, and other employment-related requirements.
• Develop and maintain job descriptions and organizational documentation to support recruitment, compensation, and compliance.
• Maintain current knowledge of applicable transportation industry regulations and employment practices affecting the organization.
• Partner with insurance brokers, legal counsel, and third-party vendors regarding employee benefits, claims, and employment matters.
• Analyze HR metrics and workforce trends to support strategic decision-making and continuous improvement.
• Travel to company terminal locations as needed to support managers, employees, and organizational initiatives.
• Foster a culture of professionalism, accountability, collaboration, and exceptional customer service through effective communication and leadership.

To perform this position successfully, an individual must demonstrate regular and reliable attendance and be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The selected candidate must successfully pass all required background checks.
Education

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Organizational Leadership, or a related field required.
• Master's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration (MBA), Organizational Development, or a related field preferred.
• Professional certification such as SHRM-SCP, SPHR, or equivalent HR credential preferred.

Experience

• Minimum of seven (7) years of progressive human resources leadership experience, including responsibility for multiple HR functional areas.
• Experience supporting a multi-site organization with geographically dispersed operations preferred.
• Demonstrated experience advising senior leadership on complex employee relations, organizational, and workforce matters.
• Experience conducting workplace investigations and administering employee leave programs, including FMLA, ADA accommodations, workers' compensation, unemployment, and other employment-related matters.
• Experience developing and administering compensation, benefits, performance management, and talent acquisition programs.
• Proven ability to interpret and apply federal, state, and local employment laws while minimizing organizational risk.
• Experience developing HR policies, procedures, and best practices that support organizational objectives.
• Experience managing HRIS platforms, HR reporting, and workforce analytics.
• Budget management and vendor relationship experience preferred.
• Experience in transportation, manufacturing, logistics, construction, healthcare, education, or another multi-site, operations-driven environment preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Comprehensive knowledge of employment laws and regulations, including FLSA, FMLA, ADA, Title VII, ADEA, ACA, COBRA, and other applicable federal and state employment laws.
• Strong business acumen with the ability to align HR strategies with organizational goals.
• Exceptional interpersonal, communication, coaching, and conflict-resolution skills.
• Demonstrated ability to build trusted relationships with leaders and employees at all levels of the organization.
• Excellent judgment, discretion, and ability to handle highly confidential information.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and Human Resource Information Systems (HRIS).
• Ability to travel to company terminal locations throughout Wisconsin as business needs require.