Director of HR Operations

JR Automation, a Hitachi Group Company, delivers intelligent automated manufacturing and distribution technology solutions that transform how leading manufacturers make and distribute products. Our strength is our people, and we’re looking to strengthen our team globally.

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 craftsmhip and quality truly matter

About the Role

This onsite position in Holland, MI requires approximately 20% travel, which may include domestic and/or international customer, supplier, and JR Automation locations.

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 role plays a critical part in shaping culture, developing leaders, managing organizational change, and ensuring compliance with employment laws and company policies.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Requirements

• 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 decisions. Workday experience preferred.
• Dedicated to fostering an inclusive, high-performance workplace culture.
• Experience with JR Automation or within the automation industry is strongly preferred.

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