Head of Employee Relations & HR Compliance

On the Heels of Achieving 3X Growth, Virginia Transformer Is Hiring to Do It Again!

Virginia Transformer is the largest U.owned manufacturer of power transformers in North America. As a privately held, organically growing company, we manufacture premium-quality, custom-engineered power transformers with some of the shortest lead times in the industry.

On the heels of achieving 3X growth, we're strategically building our team for the next 3X growth cycle. This is an intense, fast-paced, and rewarding environment where innovation, execution, accountability, and results drive our success.

Virginia Transformer is seeking an accomplished, strategic, and results-driven Director of Human Resources to lead all Human Resources functions at our manufacturing facility in Pocatello, Idaho.

This senior leadership position will serve as a key strategic partner to plant leadership, driving organizational effectiveness, workforce planning, talent acquisition, employee and labor relations, leadership development, and HR operational excellence.

The Director of Human Resources will be responsible for developing and executing comprehensive HR strategies that support aggressive business growth, operational performance, employee engagement, and long-term organizational success.

The ideal candidate is an experienced manufacturing HR executive with a proven track record of leading HR functions in complex, high-performance industrial environments. This individual must be equally capable of developing long-term workforce strategies and driving hands-on execution at the plant level.

This position requires strong business acumen, executive presence, sound judgment, and the ability to influence senior leadership while building a culture of accountability, performance, and continuous improvement.

Strategic HR Leadership & Business Partnership

Serve as the senior HR leader for the Pocatello manufacturing operation, providing strategic direction and leadership across all HR functions.

Partner directly with plant leadership and corporate HR executives to align workforce strategies with operational objectives and long-term business growth.

Develop and execute comprehensive HR strategies supporting manufacturing performance, workforce expansion, and organizational effectiveness.

Advise senior leadership on organizational structure, leadership effectiveness, workforce risks, and human capital investments.

Drive HR transformation initiatives that improve efficiency, accountability, and organizational performance.

Establish measurable HR objectives and performance indicators aligned with business priorities.

HR Operations & Organizational Excellence

Provide executive oversight of all HR functions, including talent acquisition, onboarding, compensation, benefits administration, employee relations, performance management, and policy administration.

Establish and maintain consistent, compliant, and effective HR policies, procedures, and operational practices.

Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.

Evaluate and improve HR processes, systems, and service delivery to support operational excellence.

Lead HR initiatives that strengthen workforce productivity, employee retention, and organizational capability.

Collaborate with corporate HR leadership to ensure alignment with company-wide policies and strategic priorities.

Employee & Labor Relations Leadership

Provide senior-level leadership and guidance on complex employee relations and labor relations matters.

Develop proactive employee relations strategies that minimize organizational risk and support a productive workplace.

Lead and support labor relations strategies in union and non-union environments.

Advise plant leadership on employment practices, workforce issues, and organizational risk management.

Ensure consistent application of company policies and fair, professional treatment of employees.

Talent Acquisition, Workforce Planning & Succession Management

Develop strategic talent acquisition and workforce planning initiatives to support current and future manufacturing requirements.

Partner with operational leadership to forecast staffing needs based on production demands, expansion plans, and business growth.

Oversee recruitment strategies designed to attract, develop, and retain high-performing manufacturing and professional talent.

Drive leadership development programs that strengthen management effectiveness and internal talent pipelines.

Organizational Development & Performance Management

Lead organizational development initiatives that improve leadership effectiveness, employee performance, and operational execution.

Establish and reinforce performance management processes that drive accountability and measurable results.

Coach and advise plant leaders on employee development, leadership effectiveness, and organizational change.

Support change management initiatives related to business growth, operational restructuring, and process improvement.

Build a performance-driven culture focused on productivity, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.

Employee Engagement & Organizational Culture

Develop and execute comprehensive employee engagement and retention strategies.

Partner with plant leadership to strengthen communication, employee morale, and workforce alignment.

Identify workforce challenges and implement solutions that improve employee satisfaction and organizational performance.

Promote a culture of accountability, collaboration, safety, and continuous improvement.

Champion leadership behaviors that support Virginia Transformer's values and business objectives.

Provide strategic oversight of compensation programs and workforce-related financial decisions.

Establish and monitor key HR performance indicators, including turnover, retention, staffing levels, employee engagement, and workforce productivity.

Utilize HR analytics to identify trends, anticipate workforce challenges, and support executive decision-making.

Develop workforce reports and recommendations for plant and corporate leadership.

Support data-driven decisions related to labor costs, organizational effectiveness, and workforce investments.

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Psychology, or a related field required.

Master's degree or MBA preferred.

10–15+ years of progressive Human Resources experience , including significant leadership responsibility within a manufacturing or industrial environment.

Minimum 5 years in a senior HR leadership role , preferably as an HR Director, Senior HR Manager, or equivalent.

Demonstrated success leading comprehensive HR functions within complex, fast-paced manufacturing operations.

Strong experience partnering with senior executives and plant leadership to drive business performance.

Extensive experience in employee relations, labor relations, organizational development, and workforce planning.

Proven ability to lead organizational change, improve workforce performance, and support significant business growth.

Experience managing complex employee relations matters, investigations, and employment-related risk.

Strong knowledge of employment laws, regulatory compliance, and HR best practices.

Demonstrated ability to develop and execute strategic HR initiatives with measurable business results.

High degree of business acumen, professional judgment, confidentiality, and integrity.

Previous HR Director experience within a large-scale manufacturing or industrial organization.

Experience supporting high-volume manufacturing operations with substantial hourly workforces.

Background in engineered-to-order manufacturing, heavy industrial equipment, electrical equipment, or related industries.

Experience leading HR initiatives during periods of rapid organizational growth, workforce expansion, or operational transformation.

Demonstrated success implementing employee engagement, leadership development, and retention initiatives.

Advanced Microsoft Excel skills and experience utilizing HR analytics and workforce reporting systems.

Professional HR certification such as SPHR or SHRM-SCP preferred.

Proven ability to lead both strategic initiatives and hands‑on HR operations in a demanding manufacturing environment.

Strategic Thinking: Ability to translate business objectives into actionable HR strategies.

Operational Focus: Strong understanding of manufacturing operations and workforce requirements.

Change Leadership: Ability to lead organizational transformation and support aggressive growth.

Accountability: Willingness to take ownership of outcomes and maintain high performance standards.

Candidates must be willing to relocate to Pocatello prior to their start date if not currently local.

Relocation assistance is available.

Virginia Transformer offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Health Savings Account (HSA)

Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Life insurance

Relocation assistance

Why Join Virginia Transformer?

Virginia Transformer offers an exceptional opportunity for an experienced HR leader to play a critical role in the continued growth and success of one of North America's leading power transformer manufacturers.

As Director of Human Resources, you will have the opportunity to shape workforce strategy, influence senior leadership, strengthen organizational capabilities, and directly impact the performance of a major manufacturing operation.

We are seeking a proven leader who thrives in a demanding, results-driven environment and is ready to take ownership of building a high-performance workforce.