Director, People and Organizational Strategy

The Director of People and Organizational Strategy (DPOS) is responsible for leading the entire HR department, aligning policies with the Company’s values and culture. The DPOS develops and executes human resource strategies in line with the overall business plan and strategic direction of the organization.  Additionally, they will scale talent recruitment, development, and performance initiatives to support the Company’s strategic goals. As a key member of Gowan’s Leadership team, this critical role will drive strategic Company-wide initiatives that have a true impact on Gowan Company’s growth and success by fostering a highly skilled, motivated, and collaborative work force. The DPOS will oversee the global HR staff in our Headquarters locations (Yuma, AZ, U.S.A. and Harpenden, UK) as well as provide leadership and guidance with dotted line supervision to HR managers in various global offices. This position is located in Yuma, AZ. Applicants outside of Yuma must be willing and able to relocate.

•  HR Budget Management & Planning:
• Manage the global HR budget and collaborate with managers to ensure appropriate allocation for compensation, new hires, development, and relocation.
• Evaluate and develop the company's compensation benchmarking and benefits program to ensure cost-effectiveness.

• Employee Relations & Performance Management:
• Oversee workers' compensation, risk management, and health insurance issues.
• Work with the Strategic Development Director to provide a framework for succession planning, employee development, and performance optimization to improve retention and satisfaction.
• Support global manufacturing plant managers on training initiatives and safety compliance.
• Create a culture of accountability through performance management processes.

•  Talent Recruitment & Onboarding:
• Collaborate with country and department managers, along with the Global Recruitment Manager,  to identify strategic talent needs and improve the immediate and long term recruitment strategy.
• Streamline and improve onboarding programs for new hires at all levels.
• Implement a systemized plan for rewarding top-performing employees

• Leadership Development & Culture Building:
• Work with Organizational Development Manager and Strategic Development Director to create a toolbox and training program for Gowan managers to ensure optimum leadership effectiveness including recruitment/interviewing/vetting best practices, new employee experience, performance accountability (via PIPs, performance management, terminations), recognition, and training and development of staff.
• Implement initiatives to scale the culture of Gowan Company among employees across all geographies and levels.

• Communication & Reporting:
• Coordinate with various leaders on communication to global staff regarding HR policies and organizational announcements, including crisis communication.
• Provide analytics and updates on HR strategy, iniatatives, and challenges to the CEO and Board of Directors.

• Bachelor’s Degree or higher from an accredited college/university
• Minimum 10 years’ experience in Human Resources
• Minimum 10 years’ experience in Management/Leadership roles

• Master’s Degree in HR or HR related field
• SHRM-SCP certification

• Very strong interpersonal and leadership skills – experience in effectively managing people and ability to provide solid leadership guidance to managers and global leaders
• Active listening skills
• Highly ethical
• Excellent oral and verbal communication skills
• Exemplary business acumen and problem solving skills
• Ability to drive medium/long term strategic initiatives, while remaining flexible to the current state and needs of the business.
• Global and cultural awareness 

• When required, overtime and weekend work may be necessary.
• Travel – Travel as appropriate to implement strategic HR initiatives appx. 15% to 25%. Some travel will be international.  

Gowan Company is a global, agricultural solutions business headquartered in Yuma, AZ. There are many perks and benefits to working at Gowan, including monthly company luncheons, weekly happy half hour celebrations, global meetings, competitive compensation and benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401K, and paid time off as well as an annual company bonus contingent upon individual performance and profitability of the company. Gowan's employees are part of a shared mission to help farmers improve the health and productivity of their crops to contribute to the food security of a growing global population.