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# VP, Human Resources with a Manufacturing Group – Detroit, MI



Role Overview for VP, Human Resources with a Manufacturing Group – Detroit, MI
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a premier, high-growth manufacturing organization in the heart of American industry, Detroit, MI, in their search for a visionary and strategic Vice President of Human Resources. This is a pivotal executive leadership role reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer and serving as a key member of the senior leadership team. The successful candidate will be an architect of culture, a driver of organizational effectiveness, and a strategic business partner responsible for shaping and executing a comprehensive human resources strategy that aligns with and accelerates the company’s ambitious growth objectives.
This is not merely an administrative or operational HR role; it is a strategic imperative. You will be the steward of our client’s most valuable asset—its people. In a dynamic and competitive manufacturing landscape, your leadership will be critical in fostering a high-performance, safety-first culture that attracts, retains, and develops top-tier talent at every level, from the plant floor to the executive suite.
You will oversee all facets of the HR function, including talent acquisition, talent management, organizational development, employee and labor relations, compensation and benefits, and HR systems and compliance. Based in Detroit, you will be deeply integrated into the operational fabric of the business, providing counsel and leadership on all human capital matters to drive business results, operational excellence, and sustained profitability.
We are seeking a transformative leader who can balance strategic thinking with hands-on execution. You must be comfortable and credible in both the boardroom, presenting human capital strategy to executives, and on the production floor, engaging with the workforce to understand their needs and challenges. Your expertise will be crucial in navigating the complexities of a multi-site manufacturing environment, including managing union relationships, implementing robust safety programs, and developing a talent pipeline that supports future growth and innovation. If you are a results-oriented HR executive with a passion for manufacturing and a proven track record of building world-class HR functions, we invite you to explore this exceptional opportunity to make a lasting impact.
Key Responsibilities of VP, Human Resources with a Manufacturing Group – Detroit, MI
The VP of Human Resources will have a broad and impactful scope of responsibilities, encompassing strategic leadership, operational excellence, and cultural stewardship. Key duties include:
Strategic Leadership & Business Partnership

Serve as a strategic advisor and coach to the CEO and executive team on all human capital issues, translating business strategy into actionable HR initiatives.
Develop and implement a comprehensive, long-range HR strategy that supports the company’s vision, mission, and overall business plan.
Lead organizational design and development efforts to ensure the company structure supports strategic goals and enhances operational efficiency.
Champion and lead change management initiatives, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and adaptability across the organization.
Utilize HR analytics and metrics to provide insights into workforce trends, guide decision-making, and measure the effectiveness of HR programs against business outcomes.

Talent Management & Acquisition

Design and execute a forward-thinking talent acquisition strategy to attract and hire top talent in a competitive market, with a focus on critical roles in engineering, operations, and skilled trades.
Oversee the entire employee lifecycle, from onboarding and performance management to succession planning and offboarding, ensuring a positive and engaging employee experience.
Implement robust performance management systems that drive accountability, recognize and reward high performance, and facilitate constructive feedback and development.
Develop and lead comprehensive leadership development and succession planning programs to build a strong leadership pipeline and ensure business continuity.

Employee & Labor Relations

Cultivate a positive and productive work environment by developing and implementing effective employee relations strategies and programs.
Serve as the chief spokesperson and lead negotiator in collective bargaining agreement negotiations; manage all aspects of labor relations, including grievance procedures and contract administration.
Proactively address and resolve complex employee relations issues, conducting thorough and objective investigations as needed.
Ensure fair and consistent application of company policies and practices, fostering a culture of respect, diversity, and inclusion.

Total Rewards, HR Operations & Compliance

Oversee the design and administration of all compensation and benefits programs, ensuring they are competitive, equitable, and aligned with the company’s total rewards philosophy.
Lead the HR operations team to ensure the efficient and accurate delivery of HR services, including payroll, benefits administration, and HRIS management.
Ensure absolute compliance with all federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations, including EEO, FMLA, ADA, and OSHA standards. Mitigate organizational risk by staying current on changing legislation.
Champion a ‘Safety First’ culture in partnership with the Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) department, promoting policies and training that ensure a safe working environment for all employees.

Requirements for the VP, Human Resources with a Manufacturing Group – Detroit, MI
The ideal candidate will be a seasoned and strategic HR leader with deep experience in the manufacturing sector. Qualifications include:
Required Qualifications:
Education
Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Industrial Relations, or a related field.
Experience
A minimum of 15 years of progressive human resources experience, with at least 7 years in a senior HR leadership role (Director, VP, or CHRO).
Industry Experience
Significant and recent experience within a manufacturing, industrial, or distribution environment is absolutely required.
Labor Relations
Proven, first-chair experience in collective bargaining, union contract negotiation, and managing labor relations in a unionized environment.
Strategic Acumen
Demonstrated ability to function as a strategic business partner, with a track record of developing and executing successful HR strategies that drive business results.
Leadership Skills
Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence and build credibility at all levels of the organization, from the shop floor to the C-suite.
Preferred Qualifications:

Master’s degree (MBA, MA in Human Resources, etc.) is highly preferred.
Professional certifications such as SHRM-SCP or SPHR are strongly desired.
Experience in a multi-site or multi-plant manufacturing environment.
Proven experience leading HR through periods of significant growth, merger, or acquisition.
Deep knowledge of best practices in human resource management, organizational development, and change management.
Strong financial acumen and experience managing departmental budgets and linking HR metrics to financial performance.

Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client offers a highly competitive executive compensation and benefits package designed to attract and retain top talent. This includes:
Competitive Base Salary
An attractive base salary commensurate with experience and market standards.
Executive Bonus Program
A significant annual performance-based bonus potential tied to individual and company performance.
Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP)
Equity or other long-term incentives to reward commitment to the company’s long-term success.
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
A full suite of benefits including medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your eligible dependents.
Retirement Savings
A robust 401(k) plan with a generous company match.
Paid Time Off
A generous vacation, holiday, and sick leave policy.
Relocation Assistance
A comprehensive relocation package is available for the right candidate.
Professional Development
Support for ongoing education, executive coaching, and professional association memberships.
How to Apply
This is an exclusive search being conducted by JRG Partners. To be considered for this career-defining opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience and qualifications. We are committed to a confidential and respectful recruitment process. JRG Partners is a leader in executive search, and you can learn more about our expertise in the Industrial & Manufacturing sector on our website. We look forward to reviewing your application and discussing how your background aligns with this critical leadership role.