Human Resources Director

High Light Electric•Colton, CA

26d

About The Position

This is an extraordinary opportunity to join a movement—not just a company. At Mendoza Companies, we’re on a mission to build a $1 billion enterprise by 2040, connecting 1,000 families and communities through business. We’re not a construction business acting like a family—we’re a family doing construction, driven by purpose, discipline, and an unrelenting pursuit of more: more impact, more growth, and more legacy. If you’re an experienced professional who thrives under pressure, leads with integrity, and wants to help shape a billion-dollar future, your next chapter starts here. IMPORTANT NOTE: This HR Director position is a build-first, operate-second leadership role. In the initial months, the HR Director will act as the architect of Mendoza’s people systems—designing, implementing, and stabilizing the structures, processes, and tools required for a high-growth, multi-site organization. This is not a department ready to be driven; it is a vehicle that must be built, aligned, and tested before scaling. The ideal leader is hands-on, resourceful, and energized by creating systems from the ground up—and then leading them with discipline and excellence. Role Purpose: With a current workforce of approximately 100 employees and a projected doubling over the next two to three years, the HR Director provides strategic leadership for Mendoza Companies’ people systems, ensuring culture, compliance, and workforce execution remain aligned with Mission 2040. This role serves as a critical integrator—translating executive vision into operational reality across a growing, multi-state construction and public works organization. The HR Director partners closely with the CEO, Executive Leadership Team, and Executive Manager to drive workforce initiatives, leadership development, organizational cadence, and accountability systems that support sustained growth. This position requires a hands-on leader who can build while moving, pivot as conditions change, and execute without waiting for perfect plans. This role also supports Mendoza’s planned growth into Nevada and Arizona by ensuring people systems, leadership readiness, and cultural alignment scale effectively across new regions. Mendoza Way The HR Director is a cultural architect and protector of Mendoza’s legacy. This seat embodies the Mendoza Way by balancing family-centered values with the discipline required to scale a high-performing construction and public works organization. This leader serves as a stabilizing force—building trust with employees, coaching leaders, and safeguarding culture while navigating growth across states, job sites, and operating conditions. They carry both empathy and conviction, ensuring people feel supported while the company remains protected through strong systems, compliance, and accountability. By modeling resilience, discretion, urgency, and adaptability, the HR Director helps catapult Mendoza toward Mission 2040 while preserving the integrity, grit, and humanity that define who we are.

Requirements

Dual-track education strongly preferred, including:
At least one Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Human Resources, Organizational Development, Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, or Economics; with
Additional education or certification demonstrating dual-discipline capability strongly preferred
10+ years of progressive HR leadership in multi-site or field-based organizations.
Proven experience translating executive vision into operational workforce execution.
Experience with payroll, benefits, union environments, and safety-adjacent governance.
Strategic thinker with financial discipline.
Exceptional communication in English (verbal and written); bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.
Collaborative leader able to coach and influence across departments.
Hands-on approach with strong delegation and follow-through.
High accountability, confidentiality, and resilience under pressure.
Flexible availability to meet executive needs.
Proven ability to translate executive vision into operational results.
Expertise in payroll systems, benefits administration, and union negotiations.
Proficiency with HRIS, workforce analytics, and AI/AR integration.
Knowledge of U.S. labor law; resourceful in navigating Mexico compliance with external partners.

Nice To Haves

Construction, infrastructure, or public works experience strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead, Manage, and Hold Accountable (LMA): Lead and develop a consolidated HR function through ML10 and DML10 rhythms, setting clear expectations, accountability standards, and execution cadence across the organization
Strategic Leadership & Vision Execution: Collaborate with all departments and executive leadership to translate the CEO’s vision into actionable workforce strategies, initiatives, and systems. Track progress, surface risks, and execute final decisions with discipline and urgency
Culture, Compliance & Confidentiality: Carry the flag of the Mendoza Way by embedding values into HR systems while ensuring compliance across labor, employment, and regulatory environments with the highest level of discretion and trust
Talent, Development & Succession: Oversee recruitment, onboarding, leadership development, and succession planning to ensure the organization is prepared for growth, expansion, and continuity
Payroll, Benefits, Safety & Union Oversight: Own payroll accuracy, cadence, and controls through the HR team and systems; oversee benefits and union programs; and provide governance of workforce safety systems in partnership with Operations and Safety leadership
Performance Systems & Accountability: Own HR scorecards, Rocks, and evaluation tools to drive clarity, alignment, and accountability across teams and leadership
Innovation, Integration & Growth: Champion HR technology, AI/AR-enabled tools, Mendoza University initiatives, regional expansion readiness, and people integration for future acquisitions while maintaining consistency across all operating locations
Enterprise HR Ownership: Accountable for the full scope of Human Resources functions across Mendoza Companies, ensuring all core HR disciplines operate cohesively, consistently, and in alignment with Mission 2040
Lead, develop, and stabilize a consolidated HR function, establishing clear structure, expectations, cadence, and accountability across all HR disciplines.
Facilitate HR ML10 and DML10 (Entrepreneurial Operating System) meetings; own HR Rocks, scorecards, and execution rhythms to ensure alignment, transparency, and follow-through.
Partner with the CEO, Executive Team, and Executive Manager to operationalize workforce, culture, and leadership initiatives tied to Mission 2040.
Design, establish, and continuously improve management and workforce training programs—including Mendoza University—ensuring leaders and staff are equipped to execute the company’s vision.
Present HR strategies, risks, and recommendations clearly, then execute approved decisions with precision and urgency.
Maintain strict discretion and confidentiality in all sensitive people, legal, and organizational matters.
Oversee payroll operations, benefits administration, union coordination, and workforce safety governance to ensure compliance, financial alignment, and operational continuity in partnership with Operations.
Drive recruitment, onboarding, and succession planning to support growth, continuity, and leadership readiness.
Translate strategic concepts into executable initiatives, ensuring ideas move from vision to reality across teams and locations.
Support workforce, leadership, and cultural readiness for expansion into new regions, including Nevada and Arizona.
Maintain availability to support a 24/7 construction and public works environment, including off-hours executive calls, urgent workforce matters, and periodic site visits.
Operate effectively in a high-growth phase requiring an average commitment of approximately 60 hours per week.