Director of People Operations

Westby Cooperative Crea • Westby, WI

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About The Position

The Director of People Operations is the senior Human Resources leader for Westby Cooperative Creamery, responsible for the strategic planning, direction, and implementation of HR policies, programs, and initiatives. The role leads the daily operations of the Human Resources team and supports organizational objectives across employment practices, recruitment, onboarding, employee learning and development, compensation, and performance management.

As a member of the senior leadership team, the Director serves as a strategic partner in business strategy, production improvement, communication, and change management. The role works collaboratively with employees at all levels to foster a culture focused on safety, quality, productivity, and employee engagement. The position generally works during business office hours, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with flexibility to support employees across 24/7 operations and to work extended hours as business needs demand.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources management or a related field, plus ten or more years of progressive HR experience supporting manufacturing or operations environments, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated leadership experience and ability to develop employees, build high-performing teams, and collaborate across departments.
• Strong knowledge of employment laws, labor regulations, compliance requirements, and HR best practices, with sound judgment to support organizational objectives and minimize risk.
• Proven record as a transparent and authentic leader who values diverse perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Strong leadership skills, integrity, and success collaborating across teams to achieve organizational goals.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, including prioritizing competing demands, managing multiple projects, and meeting deadlines.
• Exceptional attention to detail, analytical thinking, problem-solving ability, and sound judgment.
• Ability to build effective working relationships at all organizational levels and handle sensitive, confidential information discreetly.
• Effective presentation, facilitation, and training skills.
• Flexibility to support 24/7 operations and work extended hours as business needs demand.
• Must successfully complete an administrative job screen.

Nice To Haves

• Professional Human Resources (PHR) or Senior Professional Human Resources (SPHR) certification.
• Experience succeeding in a fast-paced, results-driven work environment.
• Experience with HRIS, such as UKG Ready.

Responsibilities

• Advise the senior leadership team on business decisions and HR matters while supporting employee engagement, retention, productivity, and organizational performance.
• Develop workforce plans with senior leadership, assess talent and skills needs, forecast staffing requirements, identify workforce gaps, and implement recruitment, succession planning, employee development, and cross-training plans.
• Prepare and deliver presentations to the Board of Directors on HR goals, strategic initiatives, workforce metrics, compliance, and departmental performance.
• Develop, implement, analyze, and manage HR strategies aligned with organizational goals, and establish and monitor metrics for continuous improvement.
• Lead all aspects of the employee lifecycle and provide strategic and hands-on HR leadership.
• Manage recruitment, candidate screening and interviews, offers, background checks, pre-employment screenings, new-hire orientation, and onboarding; continually assess and improve these processes.
• Oversee the administration, security, confidentiality, and controlled access of HR records and documentation.
• Ensure compliance with applicable employment laws and regulations; monitor HR practices, maintain required records and postings, investigate employee concerns, and implement corrective actions.
• Manage employee benefit programs, including renewals, benefit selection, enrollment, communications, claims administration, and ongoing program management.
• Manage compensation through market-based wage analyses and equitable pay structures and salary ranges; oversee the bonus program.
• Oversee workers’ compensation reporting, case management, recordkeeping, and regulatory compliance.
• Develop, review, update, and communicate HR policies, procedures, and guidelines.
• Manage the drug- and alcohol-free workplace program, including policy administration, employee education, testing coordination, compliance, and return-to-work processes.
• Oversee performance management, evaluations, coaching, corrective actions, investigations, disciplinary proceedings, and employment separations; advise on employee relations matters.
• Serve as an advisory member of the Workplace Culture Committee and as a community liaison, supporting engagement and the company’s reputation as an employer of choice.
• Develop employee development strategies with senior leadership and the HR team, manage succession planning, and coach leaders in leadership, management, and employee development.
• Manage employee engagement and exit interview programs to gather feedback and identify organizational improvements.
• Provide strategic oversight of HRIS and payroll functions, including employee data management, system effectiveness, data integrity, and compliance.
• Manage and develop HR staff through training, coaching, performance management, corrective action, and support.
• Ensure HR Standard Operating Procedures are developed, maintained, and updated.
• Maintain professional and technical expertise through continuing education, professional development, industry research, networking, and professional organizations.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Benefits

• The role oversees an employer-sponsored benefits package that includes health and welfare plans, paid time off, holiday benefits, leave programs, and other benefits.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director