Executive Director of Human Resources
Who We Are:
Challenge Manufacturing’s mission is to manufacture with operational excellence by empowering our employee-owners. As a leading tier 1 supplier of complex metal assemblies for the global automotive industry, we drive innovative solutions for future mobility. We believe the best ideas come from individual unique perspectives. These ideas combined with the teamwork of industry leaders allow us to accomplish any challenge. Our team members take pride in the work we do and embody our core values of safety, ownership, and teamwork every day; they are the true driving force in our operations.
Challenge is proud to be one of the largest employee-owned automotive companies in North America. One of the many benefits of joining the Challenge team is the ESOP program. This program allows Challenge to give shares of the Company to all employee-owners annually. These shares are an additional retirement benefit that will continue to grow during your time at Challenge. Being part of an ESOP means our employee-owners share in Challenge’s success!
Challenge is #QualityDriven and #PeoplePowered!
Who We Want:
We are seeking a strategic and hands-on Executive Director of Human Resources to lead and support HR functions across multiple production sites. This individual will directly oversee a team of Directors of Plant Human Resources, ensuring HR strategies and operations are aligned with manufacturing goals and execution.
Reporting directly to the Vice President of Manufacturing, this role will serve as a key partner in driving operational excellence, workforce performance, and labor strategy in a fast-paced, high-output environment. This is a high-impact leadership opportunity for someone who thrives in manufacturing, understands the nuances of plant HR leadership, and can lead with accountability, urgency, and integrity.
This role is ideal for a leader who can guide a dispersed HR team, influence plant-level leadership, and build alignment between corporate objectives and site-level execution.
What You'll Do:
- Lead, coach, and develop a team of Directors of Plant Human Resources across multiple manufacturing locations.
- Act as a trusted advisor to the VP of Manufacturing and plant leadership teams on all HR-related matters, including workforce planning, employee engagement, performance management, and hourly labor strategy.
- Provide strategic oversight and direction on site-level HR initiatives, ensuring consistent application of policies, best practices, and high standards of compliance.
- Partner with plant leaders to proactively manage labor relations, including union negotiations, grievance handling, and maintaining a positive labor environment.
- Align HR operations with business priorities such as production targets, cost optimization, and plant performance metrics.
- Monitor and assess HR data and analytics from each plant to identify trends, drive action plans, and support site performance improvement.
- Guide and ensure the consistent execution of the hourly employee lifecycle processes—from recruitment through separation—tailored to the needs of each manufacturing site.
- Promote a performance-driven culture by supporting local HR leaders in implementing effective coaching, feedback, and development practices.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Operations, Safety, Total Rewards and Legal, to ensure a safe, compliant, and inclusive working environment.
- Serve as a change agent during key initiatives such as plant launches, reorganizations, or labor negotiations, providing leadership and stability during high-pressure periods.
- Drive consistency in HR practices across all sites while allowing for flexibility where site-specific needs require.
When and Where:
This position is located at our Corporate Office in Walker, MI.
Occasionally, this may require you to arrive early, stay late, or work on weekends, outside of our regular hours, to ensure we successfully meet customer needs, deadlines, or urgent requests.
What You Need to Have:
- Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources Management or related field required; Master’s degree preferred.
- Minimum 15 years of progressive HR experience, with at least 10 years of management experience, and 5+ years at a senior leadership level.
- Demonstrated success leading HR in automotive or complex manufacturing environments.
- Strong background in union relations (UAW preferred), including contract negotiations and grievance processes.
- Exceptional leadership skills with a track record of building and guiding high-performing HR teams across multiple locations.
- Ability to communicate effectively and influence across all levels—from plant floor associates to senior executives.
- Strong business acumen and understanding of how HR contributes to operational and financial results.
- Proven ability to drive consistency in HR execution while supporting site-specific needs.
- PHR/SPHR or SHRM-CP/SCP certification strongly preferred.
- Proficiency in HRIS and data analytics tools.
- Knowledge of relevant employment and labor laws (e.g., FMLA, ADA, NLRA, etc.).
- Ability to operate with a sense of urgency and adaptability in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment.
What We Offer:
We’re excited to offer a range of awesome benefits, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, a Health Savings Account with annual employer contributions, Flexible Spending Accounts, company-paid Short-Term Disability and Basic Life Insurance, Voluntary Life and Long-Term Disability options, an Employer 401k Match, ESOP shares, tuition reimbursement, a Referral Bonus Program, Challenge Incentive Program, and paid time off.
Please note, while these benefits are part of what we offer, they may not all apply to this specific role. The details shared in this job description are intended to give you a general idea, but duties and responsibilities may evolve over time, with or without notice. And of course, we’re happy to provide reasonable accommodations to help individuals with disabilities succeed in their role.
