Director Human Resources

We believe power is a promise - a shared commitment to be there for others when it matters most.
For more than 65 years, we've turned big ideas into solutions that help protect homes, strengthen businesses and build a more resilient, efficient, sustainable energy future.
Ready to Power a Smarter World with us?
The Director, Human Resources is a key leader responsible for operationalizing HR strategy, ensuring high-quality HR services, and partnering with business leaders to develop a high-performing culture. This role manages a HR team that supports regional or functional business groups and provides guidance on employee relations, leadership development, talent acquisition, performance management, and workforce planning.
Major Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Business Partnership
Leads HR business partners supporting designed functions, locations, or plants
Provides strategic HR consultation to leaders on organizational effectiveness, employee relations, performance management and workforce planning
Partners with business leadership to improve engagement, retention and productivity
Talent Management & Leadership Development
Develops and coaches leadership teams to strengthen managerial capability
Leads or supports major HR initiatives including compensation cycles, talent reviews, and succession planning
Employee & Labor Relations
Ensures HR policy compliance and risk mitigations
Union sites – Manages labor relations, contract administration, grievance processes, and union partnership activities
Mergers, Acquisitions & Organizational Integration
Supports M&A activities, including onboarding, culture integration, and organizational alignment
Leadership
Selects, trains, coaches and develops staff, setting clear expectations to inspire, motivate, and engage the team
Manages performance, recognizes achievement, provides feedback, and administers progressive discipline when necessary
Minimum Job Requirements
Education
Bachelors degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, related discipline, or equivalent work experience
Work Experience
8 years of progressive HR experience, including 5 years in a leadership role
Knowledge / Skills / Abilities
Strong working knowledge of HR operations, employee relations, and talent processes
Understanding of compensation cycles, performance management, and talent reviews
Working knowledge of HRIS systems
Knowledge of change management practices at team or functional level
Understanding of compliance, employment law, and policy interpretation
Strong consultation skills with leaders
Skilled in employee relations investigations and resolution
Ability to coach leaders on performance, engagement, and team development
Strong communication and facilitation skills
Skilled in applying analytics to site- or function-level workforce trends
Process management and HR program execution
Strong conflict resolution and mediation skills
Cross-functional collaboration
Preferred Job Requirements
Education
Master’s degree in Human Resources, MBA, or related discipline
Certification / License
SPHR or SHRM-SCP
Work Experience
Experience supporting manufacturing operations
Exposure to union environments
Mergers and acquisitions experience, particularly integration support
Knowledge / Skills / Abilities
Working knowledge of HR systems and AI‑enhanced HR tools
Knowledge of change management practices at team or functional level
Project management skills
Understanding of compliance, employment law, and policy interpretation
Demonstrated ability to leverage AI-enabled HR tools – such as talent analytics or automation platforms – to enhance workforce planning and operational efficiency
Generac is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. The salary range for this role is based in Belvidere, IL is $156,000 - $249,000 USD. This compensation will ultimately be in line with the location in which the position is filled. Final compensation for this role will be determined by various factors such as a candidate's relevant work experience, skills, certifications and geographic location. This role is eligible for variable compensation including short-term and long-term incentives.Generac is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices.
“We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.”