Director, Human Resources

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

Better Trucks. Better World.

Headquartered in Wixom, MI with locations in California, Ohio and Indiana, Workhorse is raising the standard for what a medium-duty truck should be — delivering vehicles, infrastructure, and support designed to work for you.

About the Role

As we scale operations and mature our HR function to match the fast pace of the business, we are looking for a Director of Human Resources to own the design, standardization, and continuous improvement of our core HR policies and processes. Our workforce spans a diverse employee base from hourly production employees to salaried technical and engineering professionals, and this role requires policies, programs, and communication that work for that full range. Reporting to the VP of HR, this role drives consistency, efficiency, and a strong employee experience by building HR standards, governance, and best practices that scale across the organization and reflect our core values. Prior HR experience in a manufacturing or industrial environment is a must, given the operational complexity and workforce dynamics unique to that setting. Success requires a blend of strategic thinking and hands-on execution; someone equally comfortable setting the direction and doing the work to get there.

What You Will Do

• Team Development. Partner with the VP of HR to build and lead a high-performing, geographically dispersed HR team, fostering strong collaboration, communication, and a shared sense of purpose across locations. Together, drive the team's success as a service-oriented organization, ensuring HR is viewed as a trusted, responsive partner across the business. Provide coaching, clear direction, and growth opportunities for direct reports, ensuring consistent support and engagement regardless of where team members are based.
• Employee Development. Partner with the VP of HR to design and implement development programs that support a geographically dispersed workforce, ensuring equitable access to growth opportunities, training, and career development. Build systems and practices that foster connection, engagement, and a shared organizational culture across all sites.
• Innovation & Technology. Explore the use of emerging technology, including AI tools to streamline HR processes, improve decision-making, and enhance the employee experience. Stay current on HR technology trends and proactively identify opportunities to modernize how the team delivers services, from automating routine tasks to leveraging AI-driven insights for smarter, faster outcomes.
• Performance Management. Develop performance evaluation tools and processes that ensure fair, consistent assessments and clearly connect individual performance to Workhorse's corporate goals; cascading OKRs to make that alignment visible to leadership. Train managers on effective goal setting, feedback, and development planning. Stay open to alternatives beyond traditional review cycles that better fit Workhorse's innovative culture.
• Employee Relations. Foster a positive work environment by establishing effective employee relations programs, policies, and practices. Collaborate closely with the VP of HR to serve as a trusted advisor to employees and managers, providing guidance on HR-related issues, conflict resolution, and performance improvement plans.
• Culture, Communication and Employee engagement. Shape and reinforce Workhorse's culture, and values through programs that strengthen employee engagement and job satisfaction. Lead initiatives that build a collaborative, high-performing workplace. Develop and execute a company-wide employee communications strategy to ensure consistent, effective messaging across all levels of the organization. 
• HR Operations, Compliance. Oversee day-to-day HR operations, including HRIS management, policy development, and compliance with employment laws and regulations. Implement and maintain HR metrics and analytics to drive data-informed decision-making. Evaluate current procedures, templates, HRIS, LMS, and performance management systems and provide recommendations for improvement. Assist in the review and build-out of an equitable pay structure.
• Learning and Development. Oversee learning and development initiatives to enhance employee skills and capabilities. Identify training needs, provide coaching and mentorship, and support the continuous learning culture within the organization.
• Metrics and Continuous Improvement. Build a metrics-driven approach to HR operations, using data to evaluate the effectiveness of recruiting, onboarding, and other core services, and translating insights into targeted improvements.
• Talent Acquisition. Partner with the Talent Acquisition Manager with regards to intake with hiring managers, a clean workflow in the system, and an onboarding experience that runs smoothly from offer through the first week.

Required Qualifications & Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Management, General Business, or a related field required; Master's degree preferred. SHRM-SCP or SPHR certification desired.
• Minimum 10+ years of progressive HR experience, including significant experience within a manufacturing or industrial operating environment.
• Minimum 5 years of supervisory/people-leadership experience, including leading HR teams through periods of growth or organizational change.
• Working knowledge of wage-and-hour law, FLSA classification, and compliance requirements.
• Experience supporting HR operations across multiple sites or locations preferred.
• Excellent leadership skills, with the credibility to engage effectively across a diverse workforce spanning production, technical, and engineering roles.
• Comfortable working under pressure with strict deadlines in a fast-paced, environment.
• Demonstrated ability to solve problems and formulate practical, actionable recommendations.
• Strong strategic thinking, with a demonstrated ability to translate business goals into HR policy, process, and governance.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with the utmost discretion.
• Capable of managing multiple tasks and projects simultaneously with attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and sound prioritization.
• Strong interpersonal skills to build relationships and influence stakeholders.
• Track record of successfully designing, standardizing, and implementing HR programs, policies, and initiatives in a rapidly growing organization.
• Ability to model Workhorse core values in day-to-day leadership and decision-making.

Why Workhorse

Engineering and Manufacturing for the Work Ahead

Workhorse designs, engineers, tests, validates and manufactures physical products in America’s Heartland. Our work spans battery-electric commercial vehicles and the development of Mobile AI Infrastructure.

See Your Work Take Shape

Engineering and manufacturing come together at Workhorse. Employees can see their contributions progress from problem-solving and product development to production and real-world use.

Collaborative, Accountable Teams

Our teams work across disciplines to solve practical challenges. We value respect, open communication and accountability, and employees are trusted to contribute ideas and take ownership of their work.

Built on Experience. Focused on What’s Ahead.

Workhorse brings established commercial-vehicle experience to new products and applications, creating opportunities to strengthen what we do today while helping develop what comes next.

A Workplace with Personality

We take our work seriously while making room for connection, camaraderie and fun. At select locations, that includes a dog-friendly workplace in accordance with site guidelines.

Workhorse Group Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability.