Director of R&D

Company Overview: LinHR' Client is a leading global tier 1 auto parts supplier, celebrated for its innovation and excellence in the automotive industry. With two major Engineering sites in the USA—located in Moraine, OH, and Brighton, MI—and a combined team of approximately 150 employees, we are committed to driving technological progress and nurturing a vibrant, collaborative work environment.

Position Summary: We are seeking a dynamic HR Manager who blends strategic vision with hands-on execution to lead human resources initiatives across our two US Engineering centers and support key business functions including sales, marketing, program management, and corporate operations. This role requires both big-picture thinking to align HR with organizational goals and the ability to roll up sleeves to implement solutions—serving as a critical link between leadership, employees, and business needs. Reporting directly to the SVP & CHRO and supervising one HR Generalist, the HR Manager will act as a key change agent, fostering unity and enabling smooth transitions amid organizational evolution.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Execution & Operational Excellence: Translate business objectives into actionable HR plans, then drive their implementation with precision - from designing talent pipelines to launching engagement programs. Balance long-term strategy with day-to-day delivery, ensuring HR initiatives deliver measurable results (e.g., reduced turnover, improved hiring efficiency, enhanced employee satisfaction).
• Talent Management: Own the full talent lifecycle, from sourcing and interviewing candidates to onboarding new hires and managing performance cycles. Develop and execute retention strategies, including targeted development plans for high-potential employees, and troubleshoot gaps in talent pipelines with data-driven solutions.
• Policy Development & Compliance: Independently monitor federal, state, and local employment legislation, as well as market trends, to recommend and update company policies. Proactively assess risks (e.g., regulatory changes, industry shifts) and propose policy adjustments—ensuring compliance while keeping LinHR' Client's practices competitive and aligned with organizational values.
• Employee Relations: Handling employee issues from conflict resolution to performance improvement. Conduct investigations, guide managers through difficult conversations, and implement corrective actions—all while maintaining confidentiality and fostering trust across the workforce.
• Compensation & Benefits: Manage the administration of compensation and benefits programs, including salary reviews, incentive payouts, and benefits enrollment. Analyze market data to recommend adjustments to pay structures or benefits offerings, then execute changes with clear communication to employees.
• Change Management & Culture Building: Act as a key change agent during organizational shifts (e.g., process updates, team restructurings, growth initiatives). Develop communication plans, lead town halls, and design training to ensure employees understand and embrace changes. Strengthen organizational cohesion by creating opportunities for cross-functional collaboration and reinforcing a shared company culture.
• HR Operations Oversight: Supervise daily HR tasks including payroll coordination, record-keeping, HRIS maintenance etc to ensure accuracy, efficiency, and compliance. Identify bottlenecks in processes (e.g., onboarding delays, paperwork backlogs) and implement streamlined solutions.
• Cross-Functional Partnerships: Collaborate with leaders in sales, marketing, program management, and corporate functions to understand their unique HR needs. Provide tailored support—whether designing team-specific performance metrics, resolving workflow conflicts, or scaling resources for growth—and ensure people strategies are integrated with functional goals.

Qualifications & Skills:

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources Management, Business Administration, or a related field; Master's degree or SHRM-SCP/SPHR certification preferred.
• 15+ years of progressive HR experience, with 5 years in a managerial role—ideally in manufacturing, engineering, automotive, or a global organization—demonstrating a track record of both strategic planning and hands-on execution.
• Proven ability to independently research legislation and market trends, then develop policy recommendations that balance compliance, competitiveness, and organizational needs.
• Strong change management skills, with experience leading teams through transitions (e.g., process changes, restructurings) and building alignment across diverse groups.
• Expertise in US employment laws and regulations, with a history of applying this knowledge to resolve complex employee relations issues and mitigate risks.
• Demonstrated success in managing end-to-end HR operations (talent acquisition, performance management, benefits administration) with a focus on efficiency and results.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels—from frontline employees to C-suite leaders—and build trust across the organization.
• Proficiency in HRIS systems and data analysis tools, with the ability to use metrics to inform decisions and track progress.

What We Offer:

• Competitive salary and performance-based incentives.
• Comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with company match.
• Opportunities to shape HR strategy and drive meaningful change in a growing global organization.
• Professional development resources to enhance your expertise in strategic HR and change management.
• A dynamic, inclusive work environment where your ability to unite people and execute solutions will directly impact business success.

LinHR is committed to providing accommodations for people with disabilities. If you require an accommodation, we will work with you to meet your needs. Accommodation will be provided in all parts of the hiring process as required under LinHR's Employment Accommodation Policy. Applicants need to make their needs known in advance. 

LinHR is an equal opportunity employer seeking to live its values in all we do. We are committed to taking proactive steps to provide and create opportunities for historically marginalized groups. We seek applicants who will strengthen our commitment to diversity, equality, and inclusion. We strongly encourage qualified candidates from Indigenous, Black and other racialized persons, 2SLGBTQI+ people, individuals with disabilities, and other members of marginalized communities to consider working with and for LinHR. We recognize that structural barriers shape experiences and job qualifications, and therefore we seek to use employment equity to differentiate between candidates who meet the required qualifications. We encourage people to apply even if they feel that the position would be a stretch.

LinHR uses AI-assisted tools only to support screening and efficiency, never to make final decisions. All hiring decisions are made by human professionals, and candidates may request human review at any time.

Learn More About LinHR Consulting Inc.