HR Director

Rocket EMS•Carson City, NV

About The Position

Rocket is seeking an experienced, hands-on Director of Human Resources to lead and modernize the HR function across a growing organization. Based in San Jose, California, or Carson City, Nevada, this leader will assess the current organization, establish clear ownership and accountability, strengthen processes and controls, and build an HR function that can support a fast-paced, rapidly growing manufacturing business. The role combines HR strategy with direct execution and requires the judgment and confidence to challenge existing practices, address organizational inefficiencies, and drive meaningful change while building strong relationships with executives, managers, and employees. The Director will provide strategic direction across multiple locations and oversee HR programs including onboarding, benefits, employee relations, performance management, training and development, compensation, and HRIS administration. The role partners with executive leadership and operational leaders on organizational structure, workforce planning, succession planning, talent strategy, and other people-related initiatives. It also leads the development of scalable policies, procedures, systems, controls, job architecture, compensation structures, and HR metrics, while ensuring employment-law compliance and supporting organizational changes and strategic initiatives. The successful candidate is a confident, pragmatic leader who can operate effectively in a fast-moving, entrepreneurial manufacturing environment. Manufacturing experience and demonstrated success leading HR transformation or organizational change are strongly preferred.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Organizational Development, or a related field.
At least 10 years of progressive Human Resources experience, including significant HR leadership responsibility.
At least 5 years of experience leading HR teams and/or a substantial HR function.
Experience supporting both hourly manufacturing populations and professional or executive employees.
Strong knowledge of compensation, organizational design, performance management, employee relations, and employment compliance.
Experience developing job architecture, compensation structures, policies, procedures, and HR controls.
Strong analytical skills and the ability to use HR data and metrics to drive decisions.
Eligibility to access export-controlled technical data or technology under applicable U.S. export-control laws, or eligibility for required government authorization, if access is required.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree.
Experience supporting manufacturing, electronics, semiconductor, aerospace, medical device, automotive, or another complex operational environment.
Demonstrated experience improving, restructuring, or modernizing an HR organization or function.
Experience supporting multiple locations and rapidly growing organizations.
Strong working knowledge of California employment law.
Experience with Nevada employment practices.
SHRM-SCP, SPHR, or comparable professional certification.

Responsibilities

Provide leadership and strategic direction for the Human Resources function across multiple locations.
Assess the existing HR organization, processes, and responsibilities, and implement improvements to effectiveness, accountability, and service to the business.
Establish clear roles and responsibilities within HR and eliminate unnecessary duplication or inefficiencies.
Develop and implement scalable HR policies, procedures, systems, and controls to support company growth.
Partner with executive leadership on organizational structure, workforce planning, succession planning, talent strategy, and other people-related initiatives.
Establish consistent job architecture, job descriptions, leveling, compensation ranges, promotion practices, and compensation controls.
Ensure compensation decisions are competitive, internally equitable, and aligned with business needs.
Strengthen performance management and establish clear expectations and accountability for managers and employees.
Coach leaders and managers on employee relations, performance issues, organizational effectiveness, and leadership practices.
Provide oversight and guidance on complex employee relations matters, investigations, corrective actions, and terminations.
Ensure compliance with applicable federal, California, Nevada, and local employment laws and regulations.
Oversee onboarding, benefits, employee relations, performance management, training and development, compensation, and HRIS administration.
Develop HR metrics and reporting to identify trends, risks, and opportunities and support executive decision-making.
Evaluate HR technology and processes and identify opportunities for automation, standardization, and improved data integrity.
Build, develop, and lead a high-performing HR team capable of supporting a growing multi-site organization.
Partner with Talent Acquisition and operational leadership to anticipate workforce needs and ensure positions are appropriately structured, leveled, and compensated.
Support organizational changes, facility expansions, integrations, restructuring, and other strategic initiatives as required.
Foster a culture of accountability, consistency, responsiveness, and continuous improvement.