Human Resources Director - Food & Beverage Division

About Certified Group

Certified Group partners with clients to deliver scientific expertise and innovative solutions that assure trust in food, beverage, cosmetics, dietary supplements, OTC, tobacco, cannabis, and hemp products. Its network includes over 30 laboratories in North America and Europe offering testing, auditing, regulatory consulting, and certification services across regulated industries.

Our Brands

• Certified Laboratories: Provides broad analytical and microbiological testing mainly for food, beverage, cosmetics, OTC, and dietary supplement sectors.
• Food Safety Net Services (FSNS): An accredited network across North America specializing in food safety testing and support.
• Labstat: A global leader in contract research and testing focused on nicotine, tobacco, cannabis, hemp, and next-generation products with expertise in chemistry and toxicology.
• EAS Consulting Group: Regulatory consulting offering guidance, training, and audits for FDA, USDA, and other regulated sectors via independent advisors.
• FSNS Certification & Audit: Provides accredited third-party auditing and certification for food safety, animal welfare, and GMP programs.

Position Summary

The role of Human Resources Director supports the Food & Beverage division, Certified Group's largest unit, by leading strategic HR initiatives aligned with business goals, employee engagement, organizational efficacy, and operational excellence. Reporting to the Chief People Officer and collaborating with the division President and operational leaders, this role heads a high-performing HR team that supports approximately 900 employees across multiple sites.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as the strategic HR partner to Food & Beverage’s President and senior operations leaders, aligning people strategies with business priorities.
• Translate business needs into workforce planning, leadership development, and organizational effectiveness initiatives.
• Provide executive coaching on organizational design, succession planning, and change management.
• Lead and mentor an HR Business Partner and cultivate a collaborative, accountable HR team culture.
• Guide managers and executives in performance management, employee growth, and communication.
• Collaborate with Talent Acquisition, Learning & Development, Compensation, and other HR functions to attract and retain talent.
• Drive succession planning, talent reviews, leadership development, and employee engagement efforts.
• Oversee compliance with employment laws, handle complex employee relations, investigations, and resolve conflicts.
• Use HR analytics to inform strategic decisions, improve retention, and enhance organizational health.
• Lead organizational change projects including restructurings, acquisitions, and HR program implementations.
• Promote Certified Group’s values by fostering an inclusive, respectful workplace where employees feel valued and connected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field is required; Master’s degree preferred.
• At least 10 years of progressive HR experience, including senior strategic partnership roles supporting executive leadership.
• Proven leadership experience managing HR professionals and supporting large, multi-site hourly employee populations.
• Strong background in organizational change, talent management, employee relations, and employment law compliance.
• Demonstrated ability to influence senior leaders, coach executives, and manage competing priorities in dynamic environments.
• Experience with union avoidance strategies, turnover reduction, and employee engagement planning.
• Excellent communication, coaching, facilitation, and relationship-building skills.

Leadership Competencies

• Strategic Leadership: Drives people strategies aligned with business objectives and anticipates future needs.
• People Leadership: Builds and develops high-performing HR teams focused on accountability and learning.
• Business Acumen: Understands operational and financial drivers for talent decisions that enhance performance.
• Executive Influence: Earns credibility of senior leaders through sound judgment and data-driven advice.
• Change Leadership: Effectively guides organizational transformations while maintaining performance and engagement.
• Collaboration: Works well across functions and Centers of Excellence for integrated talent solutions.
• Performance Orientation: Delivers measurable outcomes through disciplined execution and continuous improvement.
• Courageous Communication: Handles difficult conversations professionally with respectful coaching.
• Talent Development: Advances leaders and employees via coaching, succession planning, and career development.
• Culture Champion: Models company values and fosters an inclusive environment enabling employee potential.

Additional Information

Applicants consent to Certified Group's processing of personal information under the Applicant Privacy Policy and, if applicable, California Notice at Collection. Certified Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer and bases employment decisions on merit without regard to protected characteristics under the law.