Director, Human Resources

You may not know our name, but you know our products.  What we make is part the places where we live, work and play – all day, everyday.

Zekelman is a family of companies — 100% domestic manufacturers — with a legacy dating back to 1877. We’re proud to be the largest independent steel pipe and tube manufacturer in North America and the leading innovator in multi-family housing development.

We believe in what we build and what we build, builds the world around us.  Hospitals, hotels, schools, bridges, airports and more.

Come build a career you believe in.

About the Role

As Director, Human Resources at Zekelman Industries, you will be the senior HR leader and lead labor relations strategist for your Business Unit. This role calls for deep, hands-on labor relations experience. You'll lead collective bargaining, handle the union relationship day to day, oversee grievances and arbitration, and keep labor relations stable and productive in our manufacturing operations.

You'll also partner with Business Unit leadership on HR strategy, including workforce planning, employee engagement, talent development and organizational growth. You'll work with Talent Acquisition, Talent Management, Learning & Development and the HR team to connect people initiatives to business results. This role can be based at any of our Wheatland Tube locations.

This role is a great fit for an experienced labor relations leader who has sat at the bargaining table, built trust with union leadership and plant management, and does well in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

What You'll Do:

Labor Relations & Collective Bargaining

• Lead or co-lead collective bargaining: preparing for negotiations, costing proposals, setting bargaining strategy, negotiating at the table and putting new agreements into practice.
• Act as the main contact with union leadership and build relationships based on trust, open communication and fair contract administration.
• Administer collective bargaining agreements and advise leaders on applying contract language consistently.
• Manage the grievance process from first-step meetings through settlement, and prepare cases for arbitration with outside counsel.
• Advise leadership on National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) compliance, unfair labor practice risk, union organizing activity and labor-management committees.
• Coach supervisors and plant leaders on working in a union environment, including contract interpretation, discipline, investigations and good labor relations practices.
• Develop long-term labor strategies that support productivity, flexibility and the Business Unit's operational goals.
  

Employee Relations

• Build a positive employee relations environment that promotes engagement, accountability and high performance in both union and non-union workforces.
• Lead or guide workplace investigations, corrective action and conflict resolution.
• Track employee relations trends and address root causes before they become bigger problems.
  

Strategic HR Leadership

• Partner with Business Unit leadership to build and carry out HR strategies tied to business objectives.
• Advise on workforce planning, organizational design, talent management and succession planning.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to leaders on people-related initiatives and challenges.
  

Talent Acquisition & Development

• Partner with Talent Acquisition on recruiting strategies to attract top talent.
• Coach leaders through performance management and employee development.
• Work with Talent Management and Learning & Development on career paths and succession.
• Lead training and development programs that build employee skills and create growth opportunities.
  

HR Compliance & Risk Management

• Lead HR compliance across the Business Unit and make sure it follows federal, state and local employment and labor laws.
• Develop policies, procedures and practices that reduce organizational and labor-related risk.
• Keep accurate HR, contract and grievance records.
  

HR Operations & Technology

• Oversee HR systems and ensure data integrity and effective processes.
• Use workforce analytics and HR metrics, including grievance and labor relations data, to support business decisions.
• Drive process improvements and technology adoption that improve the employee experience and HR service delivery.
  

Who You Are

• 10+ years of progressive HR leadership experience in manufacturing, industrial or other unionized settings.
• Significant direct labor relations experience is required. That includes leading or taking an active role in contract negotiations, administering collective bargaining agreements, and handling grievances and arbitrations.
• A proven record of building productive relationships with union leadership while protecting business needs.
• Strong working knowledge of the NLRA, employment law and labor compliance.
• Experience in workforce planning, succession planning, performance management and employee development.
• Strong analytical and technology skills, including HRIS platforms and using workforce data to make decisions.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, conflict resolution and leadership skills, with the ability to stay calm and credible under pressure.
• A strategic mindset and the ability to influence leaders at every level, from the plant floor to the executive team.
• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Industrial/Labor Relations or a related field; Master's degree preferred.
• SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, SPHR or an equivalent certification preferred.

What You'll Get

Zekelman Industries offers competitive compensation and excellent benefits, including low-cost, high-quality medical and dental benefits. In addition, we have an amazing tuition assistance program, a bonus plan, a 401(k) plan with a generous company match, loyalty awards, and much more:

• Competitive Compensation
• Bonus Plan & Profit-Sharing Opportunities
• 401(k) with Company Match
• Comprehensive Health, Dental & Vision Insurance
• Tuition Assistance Program
• Paid Vacation & Holidays
• Employee Loyalty Awards

Zekelman Industries offers competitive compensation and excellent benefits, including low-cost, high-quality medical and dental benefits.  In addition, we have an amazing tuition assistance program, a bonus plan, a 401(k) plan with a generous company match, immediate vesting, and much more.

M/F/D/V

We are Zekelman Industries.

We manufacture superior quality tubular and related products, and provide outstanding service for our valued customers.

We seek to continuously advance the skills and opportunities of our employees, utilizing the latest technology and management tools available to consistently increase profitability and the enterprise value of Zekelman Industries and of our customers.