Role Purpose:

The Director of People helps Hampton Lumber attract talent, develop future leaders, strengthen culture and employee retention , and build the systems needed to become an Employer of Choice.

 

Key Outcomes of Role:

• Stronger leadership and succession planning.
• Improved retention, recruiting, onboarding, and engagement.
• A sustainable, companywide talent pipeline.
• Helping leadership build bench strength throughout the organization.
• Becoming an Employer of Choice in our communities.
• Recruiting and retaining high-performing employees.
• Developing key HR metrics and leading improvement against those metrics
• Understanding Hampton Lumber’s business, not just HR processes

 

Scope and Support:

This role supports Hampton’s U.S. and Canadian workforce by implementing HR strategies, policies, and practices across multiple states and provinces. The Director of People balances local requirements with Hampton’s culture and employee experience, with primary support for sawmill operations.

 

Team Leadership and Travel

The Director leads the Learning and Development Manager, HRIS Manager, Benefits Manager, Corporate Recruiter, and Corporate Office HR Manager. The position is based in Portland, Oregon, and requires frequent travel to sawmill locations in Washington, Oregon, South Carolina, and Canada.  This position will have a strong dotted line to local HR managers that oversee sawmills and/or operations.  The position will report to CEO and work closely with senior leadership team.

Benefits Highlights

• Substantial company-paid assistance for Medical and Dental insurance premiums; mental health coverage; cost effective co-pays and deductibles
• 401(k) with 5% annual company contribution and generous company matching contributions vested over three years
• Paid time off, including 8 paid holidays
• Participation in employee bonus program
• Employee wellness program that includes free counseling sessions, financial and legal guidance, and more
• Opportunities for paid training to support career advancement and personal development

Responsibilities

Employee Experience and HR Systems

• Develop best practices that support Employer of Choice and employee experience goals.
• Drive improvement in HR data systems to better track results and drive change.
• Oversee HR systems, methods, and practices companywide.
• Oversee development and distribute policies and handbooks.
• Lead initiatives that standardize HR policies and practices across businesses making the business and/or compliance more efficient and effective.

 

Recruitment and Onboarding

• Partner with business leaders to identify workforce needs and develop recruitment strategies.
• Develop and deliver compelling onboarding experience.
• Collaborate with managers to ensure new employees have needed met day one to be productive and engaged.

 

HR Legal and Compliance

• Advise managers on legal matters and best practices.
• Engage counsel when needed.
• Support HR legal proceedings, as appropriate.
• Align HR practices with legal requirements.
• Deploy and track required training.

 

HRIS and Data Systems

• Oversee HRIS systems for payroll, timekeeping, and applicant tracking.
• Ensure applicant system supports recruiting goals.
• Develop plans with HRIS team that supports the business and employees along with improving employee experience.

 

Payroll Operations

• Provide strategic oversight of U.S. and Canadian payroll operations, aligned with business priorities.
• Ensure strong payroll controls, and compliance with applicable U.S. and Canadian requirements.
• Set priorities and improve payroll processes and systems that support being Employer of Choice.
• Sponsor payroll initiatives, including system implementations, and strategic projects.

 

Benefits Administration

• Guide benefits programs that balance employee needs with company costs, including retirement, medical, vision, dental, disability, vacation, and sick pay.
• Ensure benefits processes operate effectively, efficiently, and in compliance with applicable requirements

Qualifications

• Experience in forest products or manufacturing industry, a plus.
• Experience collaborating with people in rural communities, preferred.
• Experience leading and developing direct reports.
• Knowledge of employment law and when to seek outside guidance.
• Strong written and verbal communication.
• Strong Office 365 skills.
• Familiarity with HR systems.
• Project and change management experience in complex organizations preferred.
• Union experience a plus
• Experience with Canadian operations a plus
• Bachelor’s degree in related field preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive related leadership experience preferred.

Required Traits

• Energetic, empathetic team builder.
• Ability to break down silos between organizations.
• Continuous improvement mindset.
• Promotes healthy conflict and positive change.
• Action oriented and results driven.
• Highly organized and deadline focused.
• Deep interest in the business and its people.
• Curious and committed to improving HR and employee experience.
• Leads by example with high ethical standards.
• Build strong relationships and trust across teams.
• Aligns teams and builds buy-in for action.