Site Director HR- MBTA

SMS Holdings•Nashville, TN

10d

About The Position

The Site Director of Human Resources is the senior HR leader for the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) account, supporting approximately 400 union and non-union employees. This hands-on leadership role partners closely with operations to execute HR strategy, promote workforce stability, ensure compliance in a complex labor environment, and support successful recruiting in a high-volume, service-oriented setting. The role works with Talent Acquisition to ensure appropriate staffing levels and manages an HR Employee Relations Specialist and an HR Assistant. The Site Director provides HR leadership and day-to-day guidance to operations leaders and managers; leads labor relations, employee investigations, compliance, and risk management; and advances onboarding, engagement, and retention initiatives. The role also supports company-wide HR programs and partners with corporate HR and legal on high-risk matters.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and at least 7 years of relevant HR leadership experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
At least 7 years of progressive HR experience.
Significant employee relations experience in a complex service or hospitality business.
Direct experience supporting unionized workforces.
Proven success in high-volume recruiting and staffing environments.
SHRM or HRCI certification required.
Strong working knowledge of labor relations and grievance processes, wage and hour compliance, employment law, and investigations.
Ability to operate strategically and tactically in a fast-paced environment.
Strong influencing and coaching skills with frontline and mid-level leaders.
Data-driven mindset and ability to translate metrics into action.
Highly responsive and hands-on, with strong judgment and decision-making in ambiguous situations.
Ability to operate independently in a site-based role and build credibility quickly with operations leaders and the workforce.

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting field-based or service-oriented operations.

Responsibilities

Act as the primary HR partner to site and regional operations leadership, aligning HR strategies with operational goals such as staffing, retention, and performance.
Guide managers on employee relations, discipline, and workforce management; serve as the escalation point for complex HR issues.
Lead HR support for unionized employees, including grievance handling and resolution, interpretation and administration of collective bargaining agreements, and preparation for and participation in arbitrations as needed.
Advise operations leaders on contract compliance and risk mitigation, and build constructive relationships with union representatives.
Work with Talent Acquisition to ensure appropriate staffing levels; support high-volume recruiting strategies and partner with operations to forecast workforce needs and address gaps.
Lead investigations into employee concerns, complaints, and policy violations, including concerns arising from internal or customer sources.
Ensure consistent and compliant application of company policies and practices; coach managers on performance management, documentation, and corrective action.
Drive proactive engagement strategies to improve retention and reduce early turnover.
Ensure compliance with federal, Massachusetts state, and local labor laws and oversee administration of policies, procedures, and HR programs, including EAP, unemployment administration, attendance, and leave of absence with support from the Corporate Support Center.
Partner with corporate HR and legal on high-risk issues, including litigation and agency claims, and maintain accurate employee records and documentation.
Lead initiatives to improve onboarding, engagement, and retention, especially during employees’ first 90 days.
Support company-wide HR programs, including surveys, training, and SMS University; identify turnover drivers and recommend targeted interventions.
Manage the HR Employee Relations Specialist and HR Assistant.