Region Human Resources Director - Military Veterans

First for a reason:

At First Student, we are a family of 60,000+ employees who take pride in safely transporting more than 5 million students and passengers to and from their destinations each day! Our family of brands include Transco, Total Transportation, Maggies Paratransit, and GVC II. Our employees are at the forefront of safety and innovation; they create and implement the most advanced training and technology the transportation industry has to offer.

Serves as a member of the HR leadership team responsible for leading the strategic direction of the organization. Provides support and direction to the operating locations throughout the region and to the region management team for all HR (Human Resources) related matters and provides additional leadership in special projects and assignments that require a higher level of HR competency and discretion. Responsible for organizational development, performance management, employee relations, retention, and compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws within the region.

Major Responsibilities
 

• Report to the VP of Labor and Employee Relations.
• Support the field operations team.
• Take a leadership role in driving the company's mission, values, positive work culture.
• Participates in developing the company and regional HR strategy and programs as a strategic partner to the Region SVP, RVP, AGMs, and other key leaders within the region.
• Establishes credibility and trust throughout the organization with leadership and employees to be an effective source for listening and problem solving.
• Partner with leadership to develop succession plans, career pathing, and learning and development initiatives, including individualized development plans for key talent.
• Identifies and/or conducts investigations on high level or complex employee relations issues in an appropriate and timely manner. Provide appropriate recommendations and disciplinary action, where necessary.
• Partner with regional leadership to proactively identify opportunities in employee engagement, recognition, and retention, to support our goal of reducing turnover 5% each year.
• Maintains and applies current knowledge and understanding of regulations, industry trends, current best practices, new developments, and applicable laws regarding human resources.
• Provides leadership and oversight of the work activities of HR Managers, advises on assignments and projects.
• Works with the region’s labor counsel and local operations leaders on various union matters including grievances, negotiation strategy, and strikes.
• Acts as an internal consultant and business partner to the regions regarding the planning of new business startups and helping coordinate with HR functional teams to ensure proper support.
• Partner with Corporate HR functions in developing strategies to address talent needs within the region and across the company.
• Take a lead role in the region in advancing our diversity and inclusion strategy.
• Explore and bring forth innovative ideas to further expand our employee experience and company strategy.
• Participate in the interview and selection process for various manager roles and other key positions.
• As needed, lead and participate in various special projects and other duties as assigned.

Minimum Education or Certifications Required
 

• BA/BS degree from a 4-year accredited college or University
• SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management), HRCI (HR Certification Institute), and/or Canadian HR certifications (CHRE, CHRL or CHRP) preferred.

Minimum Experience or Skills Required
 

• Must have at least 10+ years of Human Resource experience, including 5 or more years management experience, in a large company with a unionized workforce.
• Strong leader with demonstrated ability to interact with and influence others effectively at the executive level, location level and cross-functionally.
• Demonstrated ability to research and identify problems, develop proposals, conduct analysis independently and in collaboration with others, and build support for new programs and plans.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, manage multiple tasks, set priorities, and successfully deliver on commitments.
• Strong working knowledge of HR, benefits, legal, regulatory environment, and HR systems.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills at all levels.
• Strong presentation skills.
• Strategic thinker who can manage long term and short-term projects.
• Strong results orientation with a high sense of urgency that can quickly establish priorities and manage expectations.
• Highest standards of ethical behavior and role model of our company values.
• Proven ability to drive process efficiency and effectiveness improvement.
• Exhibits organizational collaboration and supports key decisions, promoting a spirit of teamwork to demonstrate a unified commitment to the customer.
• Strong leadership skills that focus on developing, engaging, and empowering talent.
• Motivates and encourages staff to achieve success, serving as a role model for team members in both actions and words.
• Experience managing remote teams.

Salary ranges from $160,000 - $180,000. Depending on experience.

In the state of Washington, all technician and driving positions, including but not limited to van drivers and any other position requiring employees to drive a company-owned vehicle, are considered safety-sensitive and are therefore subject to drug and alcohol testing, including cannabis.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status. First is also committed to providing a drug-free workplace. First will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with the requirements of the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, Los Angeles Fair Chance Ordinance, and any other fair chance law. Philadelphia’s Fair Criminal Record Screening Standards Ordinance Poster is at this link or upon request https://www.phila.gov/media/20210423160847/Fair-Chance-Hiring-law-poster.pdf.