Head of Human Resources (Director)

About Proficient Auto Logistics

Proficient Auto Logistics (PAL) is a leading specialized freight company focused on providing auto transportation and logistics services. Formed via IPO in May 2024, PAL combined five industry-leading operating companies and has since acquired two additional operating companies. As a combined entity, we operate one of the largest auto transportation fleets in North America with over 55 terminal locations and nearly 750 employees, a majority of whom are drivers.

We offer a broad range of auto transportation and logistics services, primarily focused on transporting finished vehicles from automotive production facilities, marine ports of entry, or regional rail yards to auto dealerships around the country. We have developed a differentiated business model due to our scale, breadth of geographic coverage, and embedded customer relationships with leading auto original equipment manufacturing companies (OEMs).


Our customers range from large, global auto companies, to electric vehicle ("EV") producers, auto dealers, auto auctions, rental car companies, and auto leasing companies.

Job Summary

The Head of Human Resources is a versatile leader who will advance modernization and integration efforts of the HR systems, business practices and culture at Proficient Auto Logistics (PAL). The ideal candidate has robust expertise across the HR discipline, experience with Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) integration, a passion for building culture (including, importantly, safety and driver engagement), and excels as an enabling business partner, engaged across functions.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the optimization, governance, and adoption of enterprise HR systems and programs, including benefits, HRIS, recruiting/onboarding, training, rewards and recognition, and performance management. Ensure effective communication, training, policy alignment, and change management as enhancements and updates are introduced, driving consistent utilization and continuous improvement across the organization.
• Maintain strong proficiency in HR systems and workforce data, demonstrating the ability to work directly within HRIS platforms to manage employee records, configure workflows, analyze data, and produce accurate reporting. Apply strong attention to detail to ensure data integrity, effective system utilization, and reliable insights for leadership.
• Enhance and consolidate key HR policies, procedures, and practices to support the scale and complexity of PAL, ensuring alignment with federal and state employment laws and compliance/reporting requirements. Partner with leadership and HR teams to identify policy needs and lead development, legal/internal review, rollout, and ongoing compliance monitoring.
• Provide leadership and operational oversight for the geographically dispersed HR Operations and HR Business Partner team supporting PAL's 800 employees. Establish consistent HR processes, system utilization standards, and operational controls across the organization, ensuring accurate reporting and actionable workforce insights to support leadership decision-making.
• Serve as a senior advisor on employee relations and employment law matters, guiding complex or sensitive situations and ensuring consistent, legally compliant outcomes. Support the organization through counseling, investigations, and training to promote a positive and compliant workplace.
• Partner with operational and corporate leaders across the network to support employees, strengthen organizational culture, solve business challenges, and advance PAL's strategic objectives.
• Drive standardization and documentation of core HR infrastructure, including job descriptions, organizational structures, salary bands, and related frameworks, ensuring consistency, transparency, and compliance in hiring and workforce management practices.
• Oversee the annual talent and performance management cycle, including goal setting, performance evaluations, talent reviews, compensation planning, and bonus/incentive programs within established frameworks.
• Support organizational growth and acquisitions, playing a key role in employee communication, engagement, and HR integration activities during acquisition and transition periods.
• Develop and monitor HR metrics, dashboards, and reporting to evaluate program effectiveness, identify workforce trends, and support data-driven decision-making that strengthens organizational performance.

Qualifications:

• 12-18+ years of progressive HR experience in growing or operationally complex organizations, including at least 5 years in senior HR leadership roles with people management responsibility.
• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business, or a related field required; advanced degree and/or SHRM certification preferred.
• Deep knowledge of HR disciplines, employment law, and compliance requirements, with the ability to apply best practices across a multi-state organization.
• Strong proficiency with HR systems and external HR platforms, including HRIS and payroll, with the ability to work directly within systems to manage employee data, generate reports, and support operational decision-making. Experience implementing or optimizing HR technologies and managing vendors preferred.
• Experience leading HR operations infrastructure, including HRIS administration, employee data governance, HR policy frameworks, and operational HR processes.
• Experience supporting payroll environments with multiple data inputs and variable compensation structures, including incentive, activity-based, or operational pay components.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex HR initiatives and competing priorities, including system implementations, process improvements, and cross-functional projects.
• Experience supporting organizational growth and change, including M&A integration and change management initiatives, preferred.
• Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills, with the ability to build credibility and collaborate effectively with leaders and employees at all levels.
• Strong analytical and organizational capability, with exceptional attention to detail and the ability to balance strategic leadership with hands-on execution.
• Business acumen and data-driven decision-making skills, with the ability to translate workforce data into clear insights for leadership.
• Experience supporting operational or distributed workforces preferred, ideally within transportation, logistics, or similar industries.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and PowerPoint, with the ability to communicate complex information clearly to non-HR stakeholders.
• Experience with Paycor and TenStreet strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated integrity, accountability, sound judgment, and a high sense of urgency, with the ability to drive performance and accountability across the HR team.
• Ability to travel as job requires, with home/office location in Jacksonville, FL. Other locations/remote will not be considered.