Human Resources Manager

Van Dam Custom Boats is building an HR function for its Boyne City campus (Van Dam Custom Boats and Boyne Boat Yard), and you will own the work end to end as a “department of one.” This onsite role supports a team of 35+ employees and reports directly to the Co-Owner and Vice President. The compensation range is USD 70,000 to 90,000 per year.

What you’ll do

• Own the full hiring cycle in partnership with department managers and the Vice President, including postings, sourcing, interviewing, offers, and reference and background checks.
• Deliver new-hire orientation that supports a smooth onboarding experience, including training, company knowledge, and employee integration.
• Administer the full benefits program, including annual open enrollment and the employee education that goes with it.
• Maintain compensation structures, support the profit sharing program, and either manage payroll directly or oversee the payroll provider relationship.
• Run the Performance Management Program, ensuring reviews are meaningful, consistent, and completed on time.
• Build employee development paths, coordinate leadership development for the management team, and manage training and certification requirements.
• Coach managers on performance and accountability conversations, investigate and resolve concerns with discretion, and keep the employee handbook and policies current, clear, and practical.
• Manage employee files and develop, maintain, and promote HR policies while researching and sharing HR best practices for a positive, compliant workplace.
• Maintain compliance with federal and Michigan employment law, including I-9 and recordkeeping requirements, leave administration, and workers’ compensation claims.
• Steward the company’s 37 cultural fundamentals in day-to-day practice, and support recognition programs, company meetings, and events.
• Uphold a workplace where employees thrive, feel valued, and can build a career.

What you bring

• 5+ years of progressive HR experience, including time as a generalist or a department of one.
• Working knowledge of federal and Michigan employment law, benefits administration, and HR information systems.
• Proven experience developing and implementing HR policies, compensation structures, or performance management systems.
• Sound judgment and absolute discretion with confidential information.
• Clear, confident communication in writing, one-on-one, and in front of a group.
• A hands-on, proactive approach with a focus on employee engagement and well-being.
• Strong organization, attention to detail, and analytical and critical thinking skills.

Benefits

• Profit-sharing plan
• 401(k) with company contribution and 401(k) matching
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Health savings account
• Company-paid life insurance
• Employees may purchase additional life, short-term and long-term disability insurance through company group rates
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discounts and employee discount
• Paid time off and paid holidays
• $200 crew gear allowance in the first year and $150 each year after
• After-hours shop and tool access
• Paid certifications and industry training if applicable and approved
• Company-sponsored events
• Relocation assistance for qualified candidates, plus relocation assistance
• Professional development assistance
• Referral program
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Life insurance
• Vision insurance

Nice to have

• Manufacturing, fabrication, marine, or skilled-trades experience
• SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or SPHR certification
• Bachelor’s degree in HR, Business Administration, Industrial/Organizational Psychology, or related field

Hiring timeline

• Aug 23, 2026: Applications due
• Aug 10 – 28: Stage 1 screening calls
• Sept 8 – 11: Stage 2 on-site interviews in Boyne City
• Sept 28, 2026: Desired start date

How to apply

Submit your letter of interest and resume at Van Dam Custom Boats | Careers. Applications are due August 23, 2026.