VP of Human Resources

Our client is a privately held, industry-leading food and beverage manufacturing organization with a long-standing reputation for quality, innovation, and operational excellence. The company produces a diverse portfolio of branded and private label products distributed through a broad network of retail, wholesale, and food service channels across North America. Known for its commitment to product quality and customer service, the organization has established itself as a trusted partner to many of the industry's leading retailers and consumer brands.

The company operates highly advanced manufacturing facilities and leverages modern processing technologies, rigorous food safety standards, and continuous improvement practices to support growth and meet evolving customer needs. With a strong culture focused on innovation, operational excellence, and investing in its people, the organization continues to expand its market presence while maintaining the highest standards of quality, safety, and service. This opportunity offers the chance to join a financially stable, growth-oriented manufacturer with a significant footprint in the consumer-packaged goods and food production industries.

Confidential Position Overview

Position: Vice President, Human Resources

Location: Central NJ Area U.S.

The Opportunity

Our client, a privately held and growing manufacturing organization, is seeking a Vice President of Human Resources to serve as a strategic and operational leader for the business. Reporting directly to the CEO/President, this executive will be responsible for developing and executing the company's people strategy while ensuring the effective delivery of all core HR functions.

This role oversees talent acquisition, talent management, succession planning, labor and employee relations, collective bargaining, compensation and benefits, payroll, safety, workers' compensation, compliance, and learning and development. The Vice President of Human Resources will partner closely with senior leadership to drive organizational effectiveness, support business growth, and foster a high-performance culture built on engagement, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

• Partner with executive leadership and operational teams to align HR strategies with business objectives.
• Lead talent acquisition, succession planning, leadership development, performance management, and employee engagement initiatives.
• Provide oversight of labor relations activities, including collective bargaining agreements, grievance administration, and employee relations matters.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.
• Direct compensation, benefits, payroll, and total rewards programs to support attraction and retention efforts.
• Drive organizational development, workforce planning, and change management initiatives.
• Advise leaders on employee relations issues, conflict resolution, investigations, performance management, and workforce matters.
• Identify and implement process improvements that enhance HR effectiveness and operational efficiency.
• Oversee training and development programs that support employee growth and business performance.
• Promote a culture of safety, accountability, inclusion, and continuous improvement.

Candidate Profile

Experience & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field required; advanced degree preferred.
• Progressive Human Resources leadership experience, including experience leading HR in a complex, operations-driven environment.
• Demonstrated labor relations and collective bargaining experience required.
• Strong understanding of employment law, compliance, compensation, benefits, organizational development, and talent management.
• Experience supporting manufacturing, distribution, consumer products, food production, or similarly complex operational environments preferred.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to translate business objectives into actionable HR initiatives.
• Strong business acumen and executive presence.
• Proven ability to influence and build credibility across all levels of an organization.
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and conflict-resolution skills.
• Skilled at leading change, managing multiple priorities, and delivering measurable results.
• Hands-on leader who enjoys partnering closely with operations and business leaders.
• Trusted advisor with strong employee relations and leadership coaching capabilities.

Personal Characteristics

• High integrity and sound judgment.
• Collaborative, approachable, and relationship-oriented leadership style.
• Results-driven with a strong sense of ownership and accountability.
• Comfortable in a fast-paced, dynamic environment where both strategic thinking and hands-on execution are required.
• Passion for developing talent, strengthening culture, and supporting organizational growth.