Director, Human Resources

Duck River Electric Membership Corporation•Shelbyville, TN

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

Partial Remote Work Opportunities! DREMC is seeking a Director, Human Resources. BE A PART OF POWERING SOUTHERN MIDDLE TENNESSEE! Duck River Electric Membership Corporation (DREMC) is a member-owned electric cooperative, serving an area of approximately 2,500 square miles across 17 counties in southern middle Tennessee. Our amazing team at DREMC distributes safe and reliable electricity at the lowest possible cost, promotes and facilitates economic development , and enhances the quality of life over 85,000 members across 6,500 miles of line. LOCATION: Shelbyville, TN (partial remote work opportunities) REPORTS TO: Chief Administrative Officer JOB DESCRIPTION The Director of Human Resources (HR) plays a key role in supporting the CAO and the obtainment of the cooperative’s operational and strategic goals. The position provides strategic leadership and direction for all HR functions at Duck River Electric Membership Corporation (DREMC). This position is responsible for creating, implementing, and administering programs and services that support DREMC employees and fosters and protects a positive, collaborative, and supportive work culture where employees feel valued, engaged, and rewarded. To ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations and align with the cooperative’s mission to serve its members with excellence. The Director of HR oversees a team of HR professionals and serves as a trusted advisor and change agent—building strong relationships, championing employee growth and development, and driving organizational performance. This leader sets a standard of excellence in program administration, employee engagement, and cooperative culture. The Successful Director, Human Resources will: Lead the design, implementation, and administration of HR programs, including recruitment, benefits, compensation, employee relations, training, education, performance management, and compliance. Administer existing programs with excellence in all aspects of project management, including timeliness, accuracy, and measurable outcomes. Monitor industry trends, identify opportunities, and recommend program enhancements that better serve DREMC Members and employees. Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local labor and employment laws as well as cooperative policies, bylaws, rules, and regulations. Direct and mentor HR team members to promote professional growth, accountability, and high performance. Develop and manage training programs for employees and supervisors, supporting professional development and organizational effectiveness. Partner with Executive and Senior leadership to align HR initiatives with cooperative goals and to support strategic decision-making. Serve as a representative on committees, teams, and community activities, both internally and externally. Maintain awareness of and actively promote the cooperative’s values, business goals, and culture. Safeguard sensitive information by exercising the highest levels of confidentiality, tact, and diplomacy. Emergency response coverage as needed.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field required.
Minimum of 6 years of progressive HR leadership experience in the capacity of a manager or director; a strong preference for candidates in an electric utility cooperative or related industries.
Must possess or be able to obtain a valid Tennessee Driver’s License.
Must be eligible and remain insured as a driver by the Cooperative’s group liability policy for the automotive fleet.
In-depth, working knowledge of employment and labor law, regulatory requirements, and HR best practices for electric utilities.
Strong background in labor and employee relations, benefits administration, workforce planning, and training program development.
Exceptional leadership skills with the ability to inspire, coach, and develop team members.
Highly skilled in problem-solving, negotiation, and relationship building to achieve successful outcomes in complex situations.
Excellent public speaking, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills.
Outstanding organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines with precision.
Demonstrated ability to listen deeply, observe carefully, and translate insights into effective actions.
Strong commitment to cooperative principles, member service, and organizational excellence.
Must be able to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods throughout the workday.
Manual dexterity and visual acuity required for frequent computer use, reviewing documents, and handling detailed records.
Occasionally required to lift or carry materials up to 25 pounds (e.g., training materials, supplies for employee programs).
Must be able to travel between district offices, training locations, and external meetings using a company or personal vehicle.
Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously and perform in a high-paced environment while maintaining attention to detail.
May occasionally work extended or irregular hours during special projects, trainings, or organizational events.
Must maintain a high level of confidentiality when handling personnel matters, strategic initiatives, or sensitive documentation.
Will represent the organization on internal and external committees or initiatives, requiring adaptability and collaboration.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree preferred.
Prior experience working in a union environment is strongly desired.
Professional HR credentials (SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, SPHR) preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

Lead the design, implementation, and administration of HR programs, including recruitment, benefits, compensation, employee relations, training, education, performance management, and compliance.
Administer existing programs with excellence in all aspects of project management, including timeliness, accuracy, and measurable outcomes.
Monitor industry trends, identify opportunities, and recommend program enhancements that better serve DREMC Members and employees.
Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local labor and employment laws as well as cooperative policies, bylaws, rules, and regulations.
Direct and mentor HR team members to promote professional growth, accountability, and high performance.
Develop and manage training programs for employees and supervisors, supporting professional development and organizational effectiveness.
Partner with Executive and Senior leadership to align HR initiatives with cooperative goals and to support strategic decision-making.
Serve as a representative on committees, teams, and community activities, both internally and externally.
Maintain awareness of and actively promote the cooperative’s values, business goals, and culture.
Safeguard sensitive information by exercising the highest levels of confidentiality, tact, and diplomacy.
Emergency response coverage as needed.