Associate Director, Human Resources

Overview The Associate Director, Human Resources serves as a strategic business partner supporting designated regions, including a manufacturing location in Mexico. This role focuses on consistent, effective execution of established HR practices, strong employee relations and steady partnership with value stream leadership. The position is designed for an experienced HR professional who brings sound judgment, credibility and continuity to the organization. The Associate Director ensures enterprise HR policies and programs are applied thoughtfully at the regional and site level, while providing practical guidance to leaders on complex people matters. This role operates within an established enterprise HR framework and partners closely with enterprise HR to support adoption and ongoing effectiveness of people practices. Responsibilities Serve as a primary HR partner to regional leadership. Build strong, trust-based relationships with leaders, managers and HR colleagues. Support assigned manufacturing operations, including one plant in Mexico, in alignment with enterprise HR policies and local employment requirements. Provide counsel on employee relations, performance management, discipline, investigations, employee morale and workplace conduct. Support leaders through sensitive or complex employee situations with professionalism and consistency. Ensure consistent application and execution of enterprise HR policies, programs and procedures. Provide stable HR leadership during periods of routine operations and organizational change. Partner with enterprise HR teams to support effective implementation of HR initiatives at the site level. Translate enterprise HR initiatives into practical, workable applications for manufacturing environments. Maintain strong working knowledge of employment law and compliance requirements. Support investigations, corrective action processes and issue resolution in alignment with policy and applicable law. Promote fair, consistent and timely application of HR practices across assigned locations. Support audit readiness and document compliance practices as required. Support change initiatives by ensuring clear communication, reducing barriers and reinforcing consistent behaviors. Measure success through reduced escalation, leader confidence and overall stability of HR operations at the site level. Provide leadership and guidance to HR members, focusing on coaching, capability development and consistent execution. Foster collaboration within the HR team and alignment with enterprise standards. Other duties as assigned. Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field; Master's degree preferred. 10+ years of progressive HR experience, including significant experience as a site-wide HR leader. Manufacturing experience required. Demonstrated strength in employee relations, compliance, and day‑to‑day HR leadership. Prior experience leading or supporting HR teams. Solid understanding of core HR disciplines including employee relations, performance management, talent processes, and compensation. Working knowledge of state and federal employment regulations. Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools; experience with HR systems and reporting tools. HR certification (PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, or SHRM-SCP) preferred. Demonstrated excellent verbal and written communication skills. Demonstrated working knowledge of the recruitment lifecycle processes. Leadership Attributes Embrace Diversity and Inclusion - Solicit and respect the input of others, celebrate differences, and strive for transparency and inclusiveness. Seek to Listen - Actively listen to reach the best solution and make the strongest decisions. Always Learn - Strive to improve; do not quit or settle for the status quo. Be Authentic - Demonstrate honesty, energy, and grit in everything you do. Win Together - Collaborate, seek alignment, and excel at cross-group communication to success as one team and One Wabash. Join us in turning ideas into world-changing realities. Curate and build your high-impact professional career at Wabash. Affirmative Action/EEO Statement Wabash is committed to providing equal employment opportunity for its associates and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, or other protected class or activity under federal, state, or local law. All employment decisions must be based on neutral, legitimate criteria. All employment policies and rules shall be applied equally to similarly situated associates. #J-18808-Ljbffr