HR Director

We are looking for a hands-on and operationally grounded HR Director to join our leadership team. This is a role with real scope, real autonomy, and real impact. You will serve as the senior HR leader at a company that is investing in its people function for the long term, and you will have the team, the support, and the leadership access to make it happen.

Reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer, the HR Director will provide both strategic direction and operational support across all locations. This role leads a small but dedicated HR team and is a mix of strategic and hands-on operational responsibilities.

National Lift Truck is a third-generation, family-owned forklift and aerial lift equipment rental, sales, and service company with over 70 years of experience and a team of 225+ professionals across seven locations in Illinois, Tennessee, Arkansas, and New York. From warehouses and distribution centers to construction sites and commercial businesses, our customers depend on us to deliver reliable equipment, expert service, and responsive support.

We are a team built on relationships, accountability, and integrity. We believe in showing up for our customers and for each other by being responsive, solutions-oriented, and dependable. Whether in the field, in the shop, or supporting the business behind the scenes, we take pride in solving problems, moving quickly when it matters, and following through every time.

We are a team that values: ownership, teamwork, integrity, growth, customer commitment

We are seeking an experienced HR Leader who brings:

• Leadership presence and the ability to lead with credibility and confidence
• Strong influencing skills and the ability to build alignment and trust across leadership and operations teams
• A self-directed and proactive work style with the ability to take initiative and drive progress independently
• A builder mentality, comfortable creating and strengthening structure in a growing organization
• Adaptability and resilience in a fast-paced, multi-location environment
• A pragmatic and solutions-oriented approach to people challenges
• High integrity and sound judgment, especially in sensitive situations
• A collaborative and approachable leadership style that earns trust at all levels of the organization

• Serve as the senior HR leader across all National Lift Truck locations, including Illinois, Tennessee, Arkansas, and New York
• Lead, develop, and support the HR team, fostering a collaborative and high-performing culture
• Oversee employee relations matters, investigations, and complex workplace situations
• Partner with leadership on organizational design, workforce planning, and people strategy
• Drive talent acquisition efforts across the organization
• Support managers with employee development, coaching, and performance management
• Oversee HR Operations, including policies, compliance practices, HRIS optimization, benefits administration and payroll processing
• Ensure alignment with federal, state, and local employment laws across all operating locations
• Champion a positive, productive, and inclusive workplace culture across all locations
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field
• SHRM or HRCI certification strongly preferred
• 5+ years of progressive HR leadership experience
• Experience leading employee relations, investigations, and complex HR situations
• Strong working knowledge of employment law and multi-state HR compliance
• Experience leading and developing HR teams
• Experience working with HRIS systems
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills
• Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, multi-location environment
• Experience with operational, industrial, manufacturing, service, or family-owned environments is a plus
• Health, dental, and life insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Profit sharing
• Paid time off
• Referral program

• Salary: $130,000 – $165,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications

National Lift Truck is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.