Sr. Director, Human Resources - USA & Canada

Perfetti Van Melle; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PTO package including vacation, well­-

13 paid holidays

401k with Company Match up to 8%

Annual Bonus potential and merit-based

Comprehensive Health Insurance

Annual well-being subsidy

Maternity & 12 weeks Paternity leave

Sam's Club or Costco membership reimb.

Tuition-Free College Program

Modest candy allotment

Job summary

Perfetti Van Melle is seeking a Senior Director, Human Resources to serve as the strategic HR leader for the country organization, translating global strategies into local execution. You will drive organizational effectiveness, talent and culture initiatives, and ensure a high-quality employee experience that supports growth and transformation.

The role requires ensuring compliance, partnering with global HR, and leading the in-country HR team to deliver innovative people solutions across

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive HR experience in a significant divisional leadership role at a company of similar scale and complexity
• Proven expertise in U.S. labor relations, HR operations, and talent management, with the ability to advise senior leaders while staying close to operational realities
• Best-in-class HR experiences with a track record of building, developing and retaining a high-performing HR function
• Proven ability to coach and advise on all matters related to the country’s HR Operations Team
• Experience across a complex employee base (Manufacturing)
• Experience operating in a global, matrixed company environment
• Experience in a consumer facing, industrial, or manufacturing led business
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate at all levels and influence peers and executives
• Proactive, self-starter with a hands-on approach; balance strategic and operational needs
• Innovative thought leader with entrepreneurial mindset and problem-solving
• Leads with courage and conviction, fostering transparency and continuous improvement

Responsibilities

• Act as trusted advisor to country and functional leadership on talent, culture, workforce planning and evolving people-related risks
• Lead the execution of company-wide people strategies, adapting global and regional HR programs to local needs
• Oversee HR operations including talent acquisition, onboarding, payroll, benefits, mobility, employee relations, compliance, and offboarding
• Develop and implement talent strategies to attract, retain and grow capabilities and strengthen employer brand
• Ensure compliance with labor laws and employment standards, proactively managing risk and audits
• Partner with Global and Regional Centers of Expertise and cross-functional leaders to deliver innovative people solutions
• Lead, coach, and develop the in-country HR team with accountability and service excellence
• Leverage data, technology, and process optimization to improve HR effectiveness and decision-making
• Collaborate with Finance, Legal, Facilities, Communications on enterprise and country priorities
• Serve as a visible ambassador for the organization in networks, industry forums, and community initiatives

Job description

Overview

Perfetti Van Melle (makers of Mentos, Airheads, Dentyne, Trident and Bubblicious!) is one of the world's largest manufacturers and distributors of confectionery and chewing gum with global brands that are being enjoyed in more than 150 countries worldwide. We’re currently seeking a passionate and enthusiastic Sr. Director, Human Resources to join our growing team.

What You Will Do

As the Senior Director, Human Resources, you will serve as the strategic HR leader for the country organization, partnering with senior business leaders to translate global and regional people strategies into impactful local execution. You will drive organizational effectiveness, talent and culture initiatives, operational excellence, and compliance while ensuring a consistent, high-quality employee experience that supports business growth and long-term transformation.

• Act as a trusted advisor to country and functional leadership, providing strategic guidance on talent, culture, workforce planning, organizational effectiveness, and evolving people-related risks.


• Lead the execution of company-wide people strategies, adapting global and regional HR programs, policies, and initiatives to meet local business needs and market realities.


• Oversee all aspects of HR operations, including talent acquisition, onboarding, payroll, benefits, mobility, employee relations, compliance, and offboarding, ensuring efficient, high-quality service delivery.


• Develop and implement talent strategies that attract, retain, and grow critical capabilities while strengthening the employer brand and building sustainable talent pipelines.


• Ensure compliance with labor laws, regulatory requirements, and employment standards, proactively managing risk and overseeing audits, investigations, and employee relations matters.


• Partner with Global and Regional Centers of Expertise, HR Business Partners, and cross-functional leaders to deliver innovative people solutions that enhance organizational performance and employee experience.


• Lead, coach, and develop the in-country HR team, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, continuous improvement, and service excellence.


• Leverage data, technology, and process optimization to improve HR effectiveness, support informed decision-making, and drive operational efficiencies.


• Collaborate closely with Finance, Legal, Facilities, Communications, and other stakeholders to execute enterprise and country-level priorities.


• Serve as a visible ambassador for the organization internally and externally, representing the company in professional networks, industry forums, and community initiatives while promoting a high-performing, inclusive, and future-ready culture.

What We Need From You

• 10+ years of progressive HR experience in a significant divisional leadership role at a company of similar scale and complexity


• Proven expertise in U.S. labor relations, HR operations, and talent management, combined with the ability to act as a strategic advisor to senior leaders while remaining close to operational realities.


• Comprehensive best-in-class HR experiences with a track record of building, developing and retaining a high-performing HR function


• Proven ability to coach and advise on all matters related to the country’s HR Operations Team


• Experience across a complex employee base (specially Manufacturing)


• Experience operating in a global, matrixed company environment


• Experience in a consumer facing, industrial, or manufacturing led business


• Possesses excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate at all levels of an organization, and influence business peers and executive teams


• Proactive, self-starter with a hands-on approach; ability to balance both the strategic and operational needs of the role


• An innovative thought leader, entrepreneurial in mindset and a problem solver


• Leads with courage and conviction, making difficult decisions, holding others accountable, and fostering a culture of transparency and continuous improvement.

What We Offer

At Perfetti Van Melle, we are committed to fostering a welcoming workplace, where all individuals, regardless of background or identity, are valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives to the sweet success of our candy-loving community. Additionally, we have a core value of Care For Our People and we are proud to offer benefit programs that support our team members' goals and well-being including:

• PTO package including vacation, wellness, personal, and pay it forward time off


• 13 paid holidays


• 401k with Company Match up to 8%, ranking in the top 1% of the country


• Annual Bonus potential and merit-based increases


• Comprehensive Health Insurance


• Annual well-being subsidy


• 20 weeks Maternity & 12 weeks Paternity leave options


• Sam's Club or Costco annual membership reimbursement


• Tuition-Free College Program or Free Continued Education (BA, Masters, etc.)


• Modest monthly candy allotment (Airheads, Airheads Xtremes, and Mentos)

Perfetti Van Melle, USA is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other applicable statutorily protected group status under local, state, or federal law.

Nearest Major Market: Cincinnati