Area Human Resources Manager - East

Guardian Fire Services•Kingston, MA

About The Position

Guardian Fire Services is seeking an experienced, hands-on Area Human Resources Manager to support growing operations throughout the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions, initially covering locations in Lester, Pennsylvania; Kingston, Massachusetts; and Williamsport, Maryland. This is a visible, field-facing HR leadership role working directly with branch managers, operational leaders, and employees in an industrial services environment. The role requires balancing employee advocacy with operational accountability and business performance, while supporting a skilled field workforce across multiple locations. Approximately 50% travel throughout the assigned region is expected. The manager will partner with branch leadership on workforce planning and recruiting; provide guidance on employee concerns, investigations, corrective action, and employment practices; coach managers and supervisors; and develop practical approaches to retention, engagement, performance management, and succession planning. The role also supports safety initiatives, HR compliance and best practices, onboarding, change management, and HR integration activities as the company grows through acquisitions. The position is suited to a proactive, approachable HR leader who builds relationships, takes ownership, solves problems, and works directly with operating businesses. Guardian Fire Services offers competitive pay based on experience, a 20% bonus, comprehensive benefits, a 401(k) with employer match, professional growth opportunities, generous PTO, and paid holidays.

Requirements

At least 7 years of progressive HR generalist, HR business partner, or HR management experience.
Demonstrated success partnering directly with branch managers and field operations leadership.
Strong experience in recruiting, employee relations, workplace investigations, performance management, retention, and leadership development.
Working knowledge of federal and multi-state employment laws and HR practices.
Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and manage competing priorities across multiple locations.
Strong interpersonal, communication, coaching, and problem-solving skills.
Willingness and ability to travel approximately 50% throughout the assigned region.

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting industrial field services, construction, skilled trades, mechanical services, facilities services, or similar operational environments.
Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, or a related discipline.
SHRM or HRCI certification.

Responsibilities

Partner with branch leadership to identify staffing needs, recruit skilled field technicians and operational talent, and develop sustainable talent pipelines.
Guide managers and employees on employee concerns, workplace issues, conflict resolution, investigations, corrective action, and employment practices.
Coach, counsel, mentor, and train branch managers and supervisors to strengthen their people-management capabilities.
Identify turnover trends and retention challenges, and implement practical strategies to improve employee engagement and workforce stability.
Support performance evaluations, accountability, employee development plans, and management of performance issues.
Identify high-potential employees, support internal advancement, and develop future branch and operational leaders.
Partner with operational and safety leadership to reinforce a strong safety culture, promote accountability, and support incident investigations and corrective actions.
Ensure consistent application of HR policies, employment laws, and sound people-management practices across assigned locations.
Support onboarding, change management, and HR integration activities related to company growth and acquisitions.
Travel approximately 50% throughout the assigned region.