Director Human Resources, Corporate

KeHE Distributors, LLC; Naperville (IL); Remote; USD 109,000 - 161,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dynamic Human Resources Director to join their high-performing HR team. This role offers the opportunity to shape HR strategies that align with business objectives, drive organizational effectiveness, and foster a positive work environment. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills, a consultative approach, and the ability to influence at all levels. Join a forward-thinking organization committed to good living and good service, where your contributions will have a meaningful impact on the company's success. If you are passionate about driving results through people and thrive in a dynamic environment, this role is perfect for you.

Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

401(k)

Paid Time Off

Employee Stock Ownership

Flexible Spending Accounts

Short and Long Term Disability Coverage

Qualifications

• Minimum of 7 years HR Generalist experience with leadership experience.
• Professional HR Certification preferred from HRCI or SHRM.

Responsibilities

• Serve as primary HR business partner for commercial organization.
• Lead change initiatives to enhance effectiveness and engagement.

Skills

HR Generalist Experience

Leadership Skills

Communication Skills

Strategic Problem-Solving

Collaboration

Data-Driven Decision Making

Education

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources

Business Administration

Tools

HR Metrics and Analytics

HR Policies and Programs

Job description

Why Work for KeHE?

• Full-time
• Pay Range: $109,620.00/Yr. - $160,776.00/Yr.
• Shift Days: , Shift Time:
• Benefits on Day 1
  • Health/Rx
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Flexible and health spending accounts (FSA/HSA)
  • Supplemental life insurance
  • 401(k)
  • Paid time off
  • Paid sick time
  • Short term & long term disability coverage (STD/LTD)
  • Employee stock ownership (ESOP)
  • Holiday pay for company designated holidays

Overview

Good people, working with good people, for our common good.

Sound good?

KeHE-a natural, organic, specialty and fresh food distributor-is all about "good" and is growing, so there's never been a more exciting time to join our team. If you're enthusiastic about working in an environment with a people-first culture and an organization committed to good living, good food and good service, we'd love to talk to you!

Primary Responsibilities

KeHE is seeking a dynamic and strategic Human Resources Director to join our high-performing HR team. As a key business partner, this role will support our commercial sales and revenue organization, collaborating closely with senior leaders to align HR initiatives with business priorities.

In this role, you will serve as the primary HR leader for a large, remote organization, providing both strategic guidance and hands-on support. You will drive change, foster collaboration, and leverage deep HR expertise to deliver meaningful business impact. Reporting to this position is one direct report, and you will work alongside two other HR Directors within a fast-moving, people-centric environment.

We are looking for an experienced HR professional with strong business acumen, data fluency, and a consultative approach. Success in this role requires exceptional influence, relationship-building, and the ability to balance strategic initiatives with day-to-day HR support. You will partner closely with HR Centers of Excellence to drive organizational effectiveness, enhance team performance, and support KeHE’s commitment to our people, partners, and customers.

If you thrive in a dynamic and lean environment and are passionate about driving business results through people, this role may be for you.

Essential Functions

• Strategic HR Leadership – Serve as the primary HR business partner for the commercial organization, aligning HR strategies with business objectives to drive performance and growth.
• Business Partnership & Influence – Build trusted relationships with senior leaders, providing expert counsel on talent strategies, organizational design, and workforce planning.
• Change Management – Lead and support change initiatives that enhance business effectiveness, employee engagement, and cultural alignment.
• Talent Development & Succession Planning – Collaborate with leaders to identify, develop, and retain top talent, ensuring a strong pipeline for future growth.
• Employee Relations & Engagement – Foster a positive work environment by addressing employee concerns, enhancing communication, and supporting leadership in driving engagement.
• HR Operations & Compliance – Ensure HR policies, programs, and practices are effectively implemented and compliant with all applicable laws and company standards.
• Collaboration with HR Centers of Excellence – Partner with internal HR teams (e.g., Talent Acquisition, Total Rewards, Learning & Development) to deliver HR solutions that meet business needs.
• Data-Driven Decision Making – Leverage HR metrics and analytics to assess trends, identify opportunities, and inform business decisions.
• Hands-On Support – Provide both strategic guidance and tactical HR support as needed to ensure seamless execution of HR initiatives.
• Other duties and projects assigned or as necessary.

Minimum Requirements, Qualifications, Additional Skills, Aptitude

• Experience: Minimum of 7 years HR Generalist experience, including at least 2 years of leadership experience managing direct reports.
• Education: Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field required.
• Certifications: Professional HR Certification from either HRCI or SHRM preferred.

Qualifications / Additional Skills / Aptitude:

• Energetic & Purpose-Driven – Brings positive energy, a customer-centric mindset, and a passion for contributing to a greater purpose.
• Integrity & Leadership – Demonstrates courage, credibility, humility, and a commitment to inclusivity while leading with high integrity.
• Exceptional Communication & Organization – Strong verbal and written communication skills, with keen attention to detail and the ability to stay organized in a dynamic environment.
• Collaboration & Influence – Proven ability to engage, influence, and provide diverse perspectives across all leadership levels.
• Agility & Prioritization – Skilled in managing multiple projects, tasks, and competing priorities in a fast-paced setting.
• Strategic Problem-Solving – Adept at diagnosing complex business, people, and organizational challenges, offering thoughtful and legally sound recommendations.
• Curiosity & Continuous Learning – Naturally inquisitive with a powerful desire for personal and professional growth.
• Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) Experience – Preferred but not required.
• Travel Flexibility – Ability to travel quarterly within the U.S. for offsite meetings, employee events, and business support.

Requisition ID

2025-26380

Equal Employer Opportunity Statement

KeHE Distributors provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits all forms of discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, religion or faith, sex, gender, age, ancestry, national origin, mental or physical disability or medical condition, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, military or veteran status, genetic information, or any other category protected under federal, state, or local law. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training as well as the administration of all Human Resources and Talent Acquisition processes.