Vice President of Human Resources

The York Water Company; York (York County); On-site; USD 180,000 - 320,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Comprehensive benefits

Public utility stability

Job summary

The York Water Company is seeking a strategic, people-focused executive to serve as Vice President of Human Resources and Corporate Secretary. You will lead HR strategy, talent programs, and governance activities for a publicly traded utility, advising the Board and executive team.

In this role, you will shape people strategy, oversee compensation and benefits, and manage labor relations while ensuring compliance and strong governance practices across the organization.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources or related field.
• 10+ years of progressive Human Resources experience.
• 3-5 years of leadership or supervisory experience.
• Experience advising executives and leading strategic HR initiatives.
• Experience with public company governance, board administration, or Corporate Secretary responsibilities strongly preferred.
• Labor relations or union environment experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the HR strategy aligned with business goals and growth.
• Lead talent acquisition, onboarding, compensation, benefits, and performance management initiatives.
• Advise executives and the Board on workforce planning and people strategy.
• Oversee compensation and benefits programs for competitiveness and cost effectiveness.
• Lead labor relations, including support for collective bargaining and employee relations matters.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.
• Oversee HRIS, reporting, and workforce analytics.
• Prepare governance materials, board meeting logistics, and maintain corporate records.
• Maintain statutory registers and governance documentation; support fiduciary responsibilities.
• Collaborate with executive leadership and the Board to advance governance excellence.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Communication

Relationship building

Confidentiality

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources

Tools

HRIS platforms

Microsoft Office

Job description

Join Our Team as Vice President of Human Resources & Corporate Secretary!

York Water is seeking a strategic, people-focused executive to serve as our next Vice President of Human Resources & Corporate Secretary. This unique leadership role combines executive HR strategy with critical corporate governance responsibilities for a publicly traded company.

You'll lead all aspects of talent strategy, employee relations, compensation, benefits, compliance, labor relations, and culture, while also serving as a key advisor to executive leadership and the Board of Directors.

If you are an experienced leader who thrives at the intersection of people strategy, business operations, and corporate governance, this is an exceptional opportunity to make a lasting impact.

Why Join Us?

At York Water, we've proudly provided reliable water and wastewater services for over two centuries. As the oldest investor-owned utility in the nation, we are built on a legacy of service, integrity, and community commitment. Joining York Water means becoming part of a stable, mission-driven organization where leadership, innovation, and people development matter.

What You'll Do:

• Develop and execute the Company's human resources strategy aligned with business goals and long-term growth.
• Lead talent acquisition, onboarding, succession planning, retention, training, performance management, and employee engagement initiatives.
• Serve as a strategic advisor to executive leadership on workforce planning, organizational development, and people strategy.
• Oversee compensation and benefits programs to ensure competitiveness and cost effectiveness.
• Lead labor relations efforts, including support for collective bargaining and employee relations matters.
• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.
• Oversee HRIS systems, reporting, records management, and workforce analytics.
• Manage employee relations matters including investigations, coaching, disciplinary actions, and conflict resolution.
• Direct the Company's safety program structure, training initiatives, and continuous improvement efforts.
• Lead employee engagement and culture-building initiatives including recognition events and company programs.

Corporate Secretary Responsibilities

As Corporate Secretary, you will play a highly visible leadership role supporting executive governance and Board operations by:

• Serving as Corporate Secretary for a publicly traded company and ensuring strong governance practices.
• Organizing Board of Directors meetings and Compensation & Human Capital Committee meetings.
• Preparing agendas, board materials, resolutions, and maintaining official corporate records.
• Recording and maintaining accurate board and committee meeting minutes.Ensuring compliance with corporate laws, regulatory obligations, and NASDAQ listing requirements.
• Maintaining statutory registers, minute books, and governance documentation.
• Supporting Board members with resources needed to fulfill fiduciary responsibilities.
• Overseeing stock issuance administration related to York Water's Direct Purchase Program and Employee Stock Purchase Plan.

What We're Looking For:

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field required.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive Human Resources experience.
• 3-5 years of leadership or supervisory experience.
• Experience advising executives and leading strategic HR initiatives.
• Experience with public company governance, board administration, or Corporate Secretary responsibilities strongly preferred.
• Labor relations or union environment experience preferred.

Certifications & Licenses

• SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP preferred.
• Executive presence with strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• Deep knowledge of employment law, HR best practices, and corporate governance principles.
• Strong analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving abilities.
• Proven ability to lead teams and influence across all organizational levels.
• Excellent judgment, discretion, and confidentiality.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and HRIS platforms.
• Primarily office-based with regular interaction across all levels of the organization.
• Frequent collaboration with executive leadership and the Board of Directors.
• Occasional travel to Company facilities as needed.
• Fast-paced environment requiring discretion, responsiveness, and strategic leadership.

What We Offer:

• Executive leadership opportunity within a respected and stable public utility.
• Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits package.
• The opportunity to shape both people strategy and corporate governance.
• Collaborative and mission-driven workplace environment.
• A meaningful role supporting a company that has served the community for over 200 years.