Director of HR Operations

Hitachi Vantara Corporation; Holland (MI); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits from day one

Paid parental leave

Unique automation projects

Collaborative environment

Career growth opportunities

Job summary

JR Automation, A Hitachi Group Company, is seeking a Director of HR Operations to lead HR business partnering and people operations across our divisions. This executive role shapes culture, leadership development, and compliance in a fast‑paced engineering environment.

You will partner with COEs, manage HR programs, and drive change management, performance processes, and employee relations to enable growth. This onsite role is based in Holland, MI, with travel up to 20%.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in HR, Business Administration, Organizational Development, or related field.
• Minimum of 10 years in Human Resources including employee relations, talent management, OD, and HR operations.
• At least 3–5 years in an HR leadership capacity.
• HR certifications such as SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or SPHR are highly desirable.
• Strong knowledge of federal, state, and local employment laws and HR best practices.
• Experience leading cross-functional change initiatives and partnering with COEs.

Responsibilities

• Lead HR Managers and HR Partners across multiple divisions.
• Ensure consistent HR programs, policies, and processes organization-wide.
• Oversee employee relations, performance management, OD, and leadership support.
• Drive operational excellence and service delivery through standardized practices.
• Collaborate with COEs (Compensation, Benefits, Talent Acquisition, Talent Development, Compliance, HRIS).
• Lead change management initiatives and drive organizational transformation.

Skills

HR Leadership

Employee Relations

Talent Management

Organizational Development

Change Management

HR Operations

Analytical Thinking

Cross-functional Collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in HR / Business

Tools

Workday

HRIS

Job description

Job Description:

JR Automation, a Hitachi Group Company, is driven to deliver customer success worldwide. We provide intelligent automated manufacturing and distribution technology solutions that transform how the world's leading manufacturers make and distribute products. Our strength is our people and we’re always looking to strengthen our team across the globe.

Join us as a Director of HR Operations to lead HR business partnering and people operations across our divisions.

Why Join Us?

• Competitive wages, medical benefits starting your first day, and paid parental leave
• Opportunity to work on unique, custom automation projects
• A collaborative, engineering-driven environment
• Career growth and skill development opportunities
• A role where craftsmanship and quality truly matter

Location Type: This position is onsite in Holland, MI

Travel Requirements: 20%. Travel may include domestic and/or international customer, supplier, and JR Automation locations.

Role Overview: The Director of HR Operations provides leadership to a team of HR Managers and HR Partners while partnering closely with HR Centers of Excellence (COEs) to deliver consistent, high-quality HR services across the organization. This position plays a critical role in shaping culture, developing leaders, managing organizational change, and ensuring compliance with employment laws and company policies.

How You’ll Make an Impact:

Strategic Business Partnership

• Serve as an HR advisor to the Chief Human Resources Officer, aligning human resources strategies with business objectives, growth initiatives, and operational priorities.
• Partner with executive and divisional leaders to provide strategic guidance on organizational design, workforce planning, leadership effectiveness, talent development, and culture initiatives.
• Support organizational transformation efforts by identifying workforce opportunities, risks, and long-term talent needs.

HR Operations Leadership

• Lead and develop a team of HR Managers and HR Partners supporting multiple divisions and functions.
• Ensure consistency in the application of HR programs, policies, and processes across the organization.
• Oversee employee relations, performance management, organizational development, and leadership support activities.
• Drive operational excellence through standardized practices, continuous improvement, and effective service delivery.

Employee Relations & Culture

• Provide oversight and direction for complex or escalated employee relations matters.
• Ensure thorough and timely investigations while maintaining compliance with company policies and employment regulations.
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and high-performing workplace culture.
• Serve as a trusted resource for employees and leaders, supporting engagement, collaboration, and organizational alignment.

COE Partnership & Change Management

• Collaborate closely with HR Centers of Excellence, including Compensation, Benefits, Talent Acquisition, Talent Development, Compliance, and HRIS.
• Lead the deployment and adoption of enterprise HR programs, initiatives, and policy changes.
• Drive effective change management strategies to support business transformation and organizational growth.
• Ensure a consistent employee experience across divisions and functions.

Performance Management

• Lead execution of the organization's performance management strategy across divisions.
• Coach HR Managers and HR Partners to effectively support leaders throughout the performance cycle.
• Reinforce accountability, talent calibration, employee development, and succession planning.
• Promote effective utilization of talent management systems and tools.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure adherence to federal, state, and local employment regulations.
• Partner with the Compliance COE to maintain audit readiness, documentation standards, and policy compliance.
• Proactively identify organizational risks and implement mitigation strategies.
• Promote ethical decision-making and a culture of accountability.

HR Leadership & Coaching

• Develop and mentor a high-performing HR Operations team.
• Coach senior leaders on leadership effectiveness, change management, team development, workforce planning, and employee relations strategies.
• Build organizational capability through strong leadership partnerships and talent development initiatives.

Administrative Leadership

• Provide leadership oversight to the Administrative Services Manager and the broader administrative support function.
• Support the development of administrative team capabilities and service excellence.
• Ensure efficient, consistent, and customer-focused administrative support across the organization.

Note: This list of responsibilities is inclusive; however, it is intended to be a guideline for activities.

What You’ll Bring:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Organizational Development, or a related discipline is required.
• Minimum of 10 years’ experience in Human Resources, encompassing employee relations, talent management, organizational development, and HR operations.
• At least 3–5 years in an HR leadership capacity.
• HR certifications such as SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or SPHR are highly desirable.
• Comprehensive knowledge of federal, state, and local employment laws, regulations, and HR best practices.
• Significant HR leadership experience supporting senior leaders and executive teams.
• Proven ability to lead company-wide, cross-functional change initiatives and drive organizational transformation.
• Demonstrated effectiveness in matrixed organizations and collaboration across HR Centers of Excellence (COEs).
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to establish trusted partnerships and influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Proficient in utilizing HR technology, systems, and data to inform business and workforce decision. Workday preferred.
• Dedicated to fostering an inclusive, high-performance workplace culture.
• Experience with JR Automation or within the automation industry is strongly preferred.

Disclaimer: JR Automation requires candidates to successfully complete a 10-panel drug screen, physical examination, and background check.

Company Overview:

At JR Automation, A Hitachi Group Company, we discover potential, reimagine limits, and advance industry. When faced with a problem, we find a solution. Together, we push what’s possible to automate for tomorrow.

Join our team of 2,000+ at one of our 20+ facilities around the world and be a part of the most experienced team of advanced automation integrators.

Fueled by Possible.

Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE)-Females/Minorities/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

If you need a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job at JR Automation, please send the nature of request and contact information to [e-mail]. Queries other than accommodation requests will not be responded to.