Director Human Resources

Handy Distribution offers an onsite Director of Human Resources role in Lynchburg, VA. This leadership position oversees day-to-day HR operations, including benefits, compensation, recruitment, onboarding, training, performance management, employee relations, workers' compensation, policy administration, and HR communications. The role focuses on balancing employee needs with business objectives to support strategic initiatives and foster a productive, compliant workplace.

Responsibilities

• Designs and deploys HR solutions that improve overall business performance and drive employee engagement.
• Plays a pivotal role in evaluating and implementing benefits and wellness programs.
• Crafts recruiting and staffing strategies to attract and retain top talent in a competitive market.
• Establishes recruiting processes that broaden diversity hiring across all levels.
• Partners with managers in a continuous improvement approach to enhance the employee experience from onboarding to retirement.
• Ensures compliance with federal and state employment laws and required HR training; collaborates with the Safety Manager to meet safety training requirements.
• Fosters a learning culture and oversees training programs that support career pathing and professional development.
• Performs compensation analyses to stay current with market pay trends and recommends adjustments as needed.
• Maintains familiarity with the HRIS and collaborates on functionality, enhancements, and challenges.
• Provides objective guidance and oversight on employee relations matters.
• Conducts timely investigations into employment issues with proper resolution and documentation.
• Leads managers through performance conversations with a coaching and feedback focus.
• Oversees preparation for performance reviews and merit pay recommendations.
• Partners with Accounting to develop the company personnel budget.
• Oversees annual budget and position control throughout the year.
• Maintains and updates the Employee Policies Handbook and communicates changes as needed.
• Maintains knowledge of legal requirements related to day-to-day employee management to reduce risks and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Audits the workplace for compliance with federal and state employment laws.
• Participates in HR initiatives and projects, contributing to process improvements that boost productivity.
• Develops employee communications and responds promptly to HR requests or support needs.
• Builds and nurtures partnerships across the organization to strengthen relationships between management and staff.
• Ensures reporting compliance with state and federal regulatory agencies.
• Represents the company in a professional, respectful, and engaging manner.
• Occasional overnight travel to branch facilities or for training as needed.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, or related field; a Master’s degree is preferred.
• 8 to 10 years of progressive HR exempt-level experience, including leadership roles.
• At least 3 years of supervisory experience.
• Recent experience overseeing compensation, benefits, recruitment, onboarding, training, and employee relations, with solid knowledge of federal and state employment laws.
• Professional HR certification preferred (SPHR, PHR, SHRM-SCP, SHRM-CP).

Technologies

• HRIS systems and Microsoft Office applications.

Location

Corporate Office, Lynchburg, VA (onsite).

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Directly supervises the human resources team in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws. responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; reviewing performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, or related field; Master’s degree preferred. Minimum of 8 to 10 years of progressive experience in HR exempt-level roles, including HR leadership experience; 3+ years supervisory experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Recent oversight in compensation, benefits, recruitment, onboarding, training, employee relations, and a solid understanding of federal and state employment laws is a strong plus.

Certifications

• Professional Human Resources Certification preferred (i.e. SPHR, PHR, SHRM-SCP, SHRM-CP).

Skills & Abilities

• Strong knowledge of employment law, employee relations, performance management, compensation, benefits, and HR operations.
• Proven ability to build trusted relationships with leaders and employees at all levels.
• Experience handling confidential information with sound judgment and professionalism.
• Excellent communication, coaching, problem solving, and organizational skills.
• Proficiency with HR systems, reporting, and Microsoft Office applications.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Analytical mindset with solid problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and delegate when appropriate.

Physical Demands

Work is primarily performed seated, with occasional standing or walking. Vision requirements include close and distance sight and focus adjustment. Reading detailed materials and screen time may cause eye strain. Dexterity to operate keyboards and perform typical office tasks.

Travel Requirements

Occasional overnight travel to branch facilities or training; valid government driver's license and acceptable driving record required. Company vehicles must be properly registered.

Work Environment

Office-based setting with regular cross-department collaboration; typical noise level is quiet.