Head of HR, Region US/Brazil

AAM - American Axle & Manufacturing•Detroit, MI

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Head of HR, Region US/Brazil is responsible for leading and executing the human resources strategy across all Driveline operations in the United States and Brazil. This role provides end to end HR leadership for manufacturing plants and regional functions, partnering closely with senior business leaders to drive organizational, operational, and workforce priorities. The position oversees HR activities in union and non union environments, ensures compliance with all applicable labor laws and employment regulations, and delivers consistent and effective HR solutions across the region.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field
Minimum of 15 years of progressive HR leadership experience, preferably in manufacturing or industrial environments
Demonstrated experience supporting both unionized and non‑union plants
Proven multi‑site, plant‑focused HR leadership experience
Strong working knowledge of U.S. and Brazilian labor laws, employment regulations, and labor relations practices
Experience operating effectively in a matrixed organizational environment
English required

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree preferred
International or multi‑country HR leadership experience
Experience leading organizational transformation, restructuring, or change initiatives

Responsibilities

Partner with the Driveline US/Brazil senior leadership team to drive business strategy through effective human capital planning and execution.
Lead and direct regional human resources strategies by establishing accountabilities; communicating and enforcing organizational values, policies, and procedures; and ensuring consistent application across all locations.
Provide end‑to‑end HR leadership across all manufacturing plants and regional functions in the US and Brazil, including operations in union and non‑union environments.
Direct workforce strategies staffing, onboarding, coaching, performance management, disciplinary action, succession planning, employee relations, and retention in collaboration with CoE`s.
Develop and lead employee relations strategies to support leaders at all levels in addressing employee issues, promoting engagement, and mitigating organizational risk.
Support labor relations activities, including union engagement, collective bargaining strategy, contract administration, and resolution of labor and employee disputes.
Ensure compliance with US and Brazilian labor laws, employment regulations, and collective bargaining agreements by monitoring legislation and advising leadership on required actions.
Maintain strong, collaborative relationships with plant managers and operations leaders to promote positive employee relations, workforce stability, and retention.
Direct organizational and operational HR strategies through analysis of workforce trends and critical HR metrics related to productivity, quality, safety, engagement, and turnover.
Lead HR financial strategies by anticipating workforce requirements, managing HR budgets, analyzing variances, and developing action plans to address gaps.
Ensure effective regional execution of enterprise HR programs while maintaining accountability for outcomes and business impact.
Ensure region meets HR Operating System and HRIS requirements.
Support the SpeakUp Program, monitor regional themes, and support investigations as required.
Lead site proposed compensation and benefit initiatives and guide approvals.
Lead change management, organizational design, and workforce transition initiatives in support of growth, restructuring, or operational transformation.
Direct special HR projects aligned with regional and business unit priorities.
Implement automation enhancements for HR.
Champion management development and leadership succession planning across the region.
Contribute to the overall success of the organization by responding proactively to emerging business and people needs.
Perform other duties as required to support regional and organizational objectives.