What are the responsibilities and job description for the Human Resources Director, ESS position at Ergon Inc.?
Position Summary
The Human Resources Director, ESS serves as the strategic HR leader for the Energy and Specialty Solutions (ESS) business unit within Ergon, partnering closely with the Business Unit President and leadership team to align people strategies with operational and business objectives. This role is responsible for building organizational capability, strengthening leadership pipelines, and fostering a high-performance culture across refinery and chemical plant operations. A key focus of the role is coaching and developing an embedded HR team to deliver consistent, high-quality support in decentralized, safety-sensitive environments.
Key Responsibilities
The Human Resources Director, ESS serves as the strategic HR leader for the Energy and Specialty Solutions (ESS) business unit within Ergon, partnering closely with the Business Unit President and leadership team to align people strategies with operational and business objectives. This role is responsible for building organizational capability, strengthening leadership pipelines, and fostering a high-performance culture across refinery and chemical plant operations. A key focus of the role is coaching and developing an embedded HR team to deliver consistent, high-quality support in decentralized, safety-sensitive environments.
Key Responsibilities
- Partner with the Business Unit President and leadership team to develop and execute HR strategies that support business performance and workforce planning
- Lead, coach, and develop an embedded HR team across refinery and chemical plant locations, strengthening capability in employee relations, talent management, and HR business partnership
- Drive talent management processes, including succession planning, leadership development, and performance management, to build a strong pipeline of frontline and operational leaders
- Provide guidance and oversight on complex employee relations matters, ensuring fair, consistent, and compliant practices across all locations
- Promote and sustain a culture aligned with Ergon's values of Respectful Relationships, Empowered Service, Purposeful Growth, and Selfless Leadership
- Ensure consistent application of HR policies, procedures, and compliance standards across multiple sites
- Support organizational design, workforce planning, and compensation decisions aligned with operational and financial goals
- Lead and support change management initiatives to improve organizational effectiveness and adaptability
- Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field
- 10 years of progressive HR experience, including leadership roles supporting operations or manufacturing environments
- Demonstrated experience developing and leading HR professionals in a multi-site or decentralized structure
- Strong knowledge of employee relations practices and employment law
- Proven ability to partner with senior leaders and influence business decisions
- Experience supporting refinery, chemical, or industrial manufacturing operations
- Demonstrated success in coaching and developing HR teams to increase effectiveness and consistency
- Strong business acumen with the ability to translate strategy into actionable HR initiatives
- Experience leading organizational change and transformation efforts
- Advanced degree or HR certification (e.g., SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, SPHR)