HR Director - Global Operations

Rite-Hite is the global leader in the manufacture and distribution of industrial loading dock and door equipment. Our innovative products and world class sales organization ensure solid, consistent growth, both for our company and our staff. We are always looking ahead to develop innovative new products and services to improve our customers' safety, security, and productivity.

Rite-Hite provides competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package with medical, dental, and vision coverage along with life and paid medical leave. We also provide a retirement savings plan that combines 401(K) with company match and profit sharing. Paid holidays, vacation, and up to five paid personal/sick days per year round out the package.

Rite-Hite is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer offering a drug free workplace for our customers and employees.

PURPOSE AND SCOPE

The Director of Human Resources - Operations is a key HR leadership role responsible for driving the people strategy across our global Operations organization. Reporting directly to the Senior Director of Human Resources and with a dotted-line relationship to the President of International Business & Global Operations, this role serves as a strategic business partner to Operations leadership, ensuring alignment of HR initiatives with business goals. This individual will support a global workforce of approximately 1,000 employees across six manufacturing sites (three in the U.S., one in China, and two in Europe). The role is based in our Milwaukee, WI headquarters and will require approximately 40% travel, including international travel.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.

Strategic Business Partnership:

• Act as the primary HR partner to the Operations leadership team, driving strategies that enhance organizational effectiveness, talent outcomes, and workforce engagement.
• Translate business strategy into talent priorities and build integrated HR plans to support manufacturing, supply chain, and global operations.
• Provide strategic guidance to senior leaders on workforce planning, organizational design, talent development, and employee engagement.

Global HR Leadership:

• Lead and align HR support across our global operations footprint, partnering with regional HR teams to ensure consistency of execution and adherence to local requirements.
• Serve as a liaison between global operations leaders and corporate HR functions to ensure effective execution of HR programs and policies.
• Leverage data and analytics to assess workforce trends and identify opportunities to enhance performance, efficiency, and retention globally.

Talent Development and Succession:

• Partner with Talent Management to drive initiatives that identify and develop high-potential talent across the operations organization.
• Lead efforts around succession planning for key leadership and technical roles within operations.
• Support leadership development, coaching, and capability-building efforts aligned to operational excellence and business growth.

Organizational Effectiveness and Change Management:

• Drive organizational design and change management efforts to optimize structure, enhance agility, and support global standardization where appropriate.
• Lead or support strategic initiatives including site expansions, acquisitions, and integration efforts.

Employee Engagement and Culture:

• Champion initiatives that build and sustain a strong, inclusive, high-performance culture across all sites and teams.
• Partner with site leaders and local HR to drive employee engagement efforts and action planning.

Employee Relations and Compliance:

• Provide guidance on employee relations matters, ensuring consistent practices and adherence to company policies and employment law across global locations.
• Partner with legal and compliance to manage HR risk, including labor relations, investigations, and regulatory requirements.

HR Operations and Continuous Improvement:

• Collaborate with HR Centers of Excellence (e.g., Total Rewards, Talent Acquisition, Talent Development) to deliver efficient and employee-centric HR services.
• Support continuous improvement efforts in HR systems, processes, and service delivery to meet the needs of a dynamic global operation.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field required; Master's degree preferred.
• 8-10+ years of progressive HR experience, with at least 3 years in a strategic HR business partner or HR leadership role supporting operations or manufacturing environments.
• Experience working in a global environment, with exposure to international labor practices and cultural dynamics.
• Demonstrated success in supporting senior business leaders and influencing change in complex, matrixed organizations.
• Strong business acumen, organizational agility, and operational understanding.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and relationship-building skills.
• Willingness and ability to travel up to 40%, including international travel.

KNOWLEDGE / SKILL REQUIREMENTS:

The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• Strategic HR Leadership: Proven ability to develop and execute HR strategies that align with global operations and drive business performance, particularly in manufacturing environments.
• Global & Cultural Agility: Experience supporting international teams and navigating regional employment practices, with cultural sensitivity and adaptability across our global locations.
• Change Management & Organizational Effectiveness: Demonstrated success leading complex change initiatives-such as reorganizations, integrations, or workforce transformation-while sustaining engagement and performance.
• HR Systems & Analytics: Proficiency in Workday or comparable HRIS platforms, with the ability to leverage data and systems to drive insights, process improvement, and scalable HR solutions.
• Influence & Relationship Building: Strong interpersonal and communication skills with a proven track record of building trusted partnerships with senior leaders and cross-functional teams.

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