Region HR Director

First for a reason
First Student is the largest school transportation provider in North America with more than a century of experience providing safe and reliable transportation. We work with 1,250 school districts in 39 states and 8 Canadian provinces carrying approximately five million students in 21,000 schools daily.

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. Serves as a member of the HR leadership team charged with leading the strategic direction of the organization.

Major Responsibilities:

• 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 leadership role in driving the company's mission, values, positive work culture.
• 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.

Experience & Skills 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.
• 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.

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 .