Director, Human Resources

Akima is seeking an experienced HR Director to join its team of professionals. This position will serve as a strategic consultant and partner to senior leaders and management teams across various business groups and Shared Services. The HR Director will provide guidance on human resources matters and align human resources best practices with business strategies.

Reporting to the Vice President of Human Resources, the HR Director will lead a team of HR professionals and collaborate with Shared Services departments to deliver solutions that address the needs of assigned businesses. The HR Director will oversee Employee Relations, including management of the case management tool and the establishment of clear processes and guidance for handling cases to mitigate risk to the company.

The successful candidate will also partner with the Vice President of Human Resources and HR Managers on projects and initiatives as needed.

Akima is experiencing a period of growth, and the HR Director will help support that growth while advancing process improvement and change management initiatives across the HR organization. The successful candidate will demonstrate a positive, solutions-oriented mindset and the ability to adapt to a variety of work environments. Additional duties may be assigned, and responsibilities may be modified based on business needs.

Unless otherwise specified, all assigned duties and tasks are considered essential functions of the position.

Hybrid requirements:
Candidate must reside within commuting distance of Akima's HQ in Herndon, VA. 3 days / week onsite requirements.

• Strategically plan, organize, direct, implement, evaluate, and manage human resources activities for assigned businesses in partnership with internal clients.
• Provide direct support to assigned business areas while leading, mentoring, and coaching a team of HR professionals who support those areas.
• Provide timely guidance and expertise on employee relations matters while minimizing risk to the business.
• Take ownership of projects and initiatives, setting clear expectations and priorities for stakeholders, and proactively drive process improvements as a change agent.
• Manage and audit senior level employee relations cases, provide feedback to ensure data integrity and accountability, and deliver regular training when updates are implemented.
• Serve as a change agent by supporting and promoting process improvements and other company initiatives.
• Partner with senior leaders and managers to provide expertise and hands‑on support in areas including workforce planning, onboarding, phase‑ins and phase‑outs, employee retention, employee relations, management coaching, performance management, terminations, and change management.
• Manage, recommend, and implement resolutions to employee‑relations matters in collaboration with the Vice President of Human Resources, Legal, and Labor Relations.
• Respond to employee and customer questions regarding the interpretation and application of company policies and procedures.
• Conduct thorough due diligence reviews for adverse employment actions; prepare documentation supporting involuntary terminations; and proactively consult with the Vice President of Human
• Resources and Legal regarding potential areas of exposure.
• Facilitate onboarding, orientation, and employee‑training programs as needed.
• Prepare reports and presentations and interpret workforce metrics to support business objectives.
• Collaborate with Shared Services teams, including Compensation, Benefits, HRIS, Recruiting,
• Payroll, Compliance, HR Operations, Talent Development, Legal, and Labor Relations, to address employee and project needs.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Travel occasionally, as needed, generally less than…