HR Director - Agriculture Industry

What you should know

Mulberry is partnering with a multi‑generational private company to identify an experienced HR Director for a seafood specialty division. This role requires an ability to be a hands‑on leader with a strong HR Generalist skill set while offering strategic guidance. The role covers the full HR spectrum: recruiting, employee relations, compensation, training, and more. You will support 400 employees and manage a team of five across multiple states and locations, including farms, hatcheries, processing plants, and a restaurant and retail location.

This is NOT your typical desk job! You are well‑suited for this role if you are passionate about coastal and marine settings. Boat rides included!

• Travel (15‑20%) to remote farming and aquaculture sites to provide hands‑on HR support, conduct training, and ensure compliance with company policies and labor standards.
• Serve on the leadership team as the head HR professional for the division; build effective relationships, provide coaching, and drive team effectiveness with passionate performance.
• Drive operational priorities to achieve a high‑performance, high‑integrity business.
• Develop and implement strategies to create efficiencies by improving productivity while maximizing operating performance.
• Collaborate with enterprise support departments and other division HR leaders to align on company‑wide programs and initiatives that champion our vision, mission and core values.
• Develop and implement KPIs that drive performance including safety and succession planning.
• Oversee recruiting, onboarding, and employee relations ensuring all operations are effectively staffed including seasonal hiring.
• Partner with the division leadership team to administer company benefit and compensation programs, conduct job market analysis to ensure that pay practices, schedules and grades are externally competitive, internally equitable, and drive performance.
• Manage the annual performance and compensation review process, to include coordination of incentive programs, recognition, and retention programs.
• Manage onboarding and training plans matched to specific job duties to ensure all team members are trained to do their job effectively, safely, and at maximum productivity.
• Develop and implement organization structures, succession plans, gap analysis, and leadership development strategies to build bench strength for all key roles and maximize internal career progression in each operation.
• Be an expert in local, state, and federal employment laws and mitigate risks in HR operations.
• Conduct internal investigations, present findings, and assist with determining the appropriate corrective action and resolution. Assist in representing company in internal and external employment complaints and litigation.
• Ensure proper HRIS data integrity and maintenance of personnel files, workers compensation, Form I‑9 records, recruiting system and applicant records in accordance with company policies and federal, state, and local regulations.

• At least five years of HR leadership experience over multiple sites and states, including recruiting, employee relations, payroll best practices (including piecework), employment regulations, and safety.
• Experience with labor costs and budget management.
• Experience leading and managing a team of direct reports.
• Industry experience in manufacturing, food manufacturing, farming, and/or agriculture highly desired.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish is highly preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, or HR certification highly desired.

$160,000 in base compensation plus incentive. Robust health, vision, dental, life and disability benefit offering. FSA, Employee Assistance, 401k and product discount. Paid time off and holiday pay.

Our client conducts pre‑employment background checks, drug screens, and references.