What are the responsibilities and job description for the Human Resources Director - FMS position at Fairbanks Morse Defense?
Mission-Driven. Honor-Bound. Fairbanks Morse Defense. What’s your calling? For the men and women of Fairbanks Morse Defense it’s the rapid and effective support of the fleets that entrust us to design, develop, and deliver the best naval power technology on the planet. We’re one of the nation’s leading marine defense contractors because of the highly trained and dedicated teams that provide reliable power systems, parts, and aftermarket services to the U.S. Navy, Coast Guard, Military Sealift Command, and Canadian Coast Guard. When you join Fairbanks Morse Defense, you join a legacy of commitment that spans 150 years. Fairbanks Morse Defense offers competitive benefits with a wide range of training and development opportunities. Our world-class teams are dedicated to helping every individual achieve their full potential. Discover what it’s like to be a part of the Fairbanks Morse Defense team here: https://www.fairbanksmorsedefense.com/careers
Job Title: HR Director Date: January, 2026
Reports To: Division President and CHRO
Human Resources Director
Position Summary
Fairbanks Morse Systems (FMS) is seeking an experienced and strategic HR Director to lead and oversee all human resources functions for the division. This role has responsibility for supporting more than 450 employees, including 300 hourly manufacturing employees and 150 professional, technical, and administrative employees across U.S. and European operations.
The HR Director will serve as a trusted business partner to the Division President and senior leadership team, providing strategic HR guidance that supports operational excellence, workforce engagement, leadership capability, and a high-performance culture. This leader will manage and mentor a team of onsite HR professionals and play a critical role in shaping talent strategies that align with FMS business objectives and long-term growth.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities
- Serve as a strategic advisor and partner to the Division President and leadership team, aligning HR strategies with business priorities, operational goals, and workforce planning initiatives.
- Lead, develop, and mentor a team of onsite HR leaders across multiple locations, fostering consistency, accountability, and best-practice HR execution.
- Provide comprehensive oversight of all HR functions, including employee relations, talent acquisition, performance management, compensation, benefits, compliance, and policy administration.
- Act as a trusted resource to leaders and employees at all levels, offering coaching and guidance to enhance leadership effectiveness, employee engagement, and organizational performance.
- Proactively manage and resolve complex employee relations matters, conducting investigations and recommending appropriate actions in compliance with employment laws and company policies.
- Design and deliver leadership development, compliance, and employee training programs that strengthen capability, reduce risk, and support succession planning.
- Champion and reinforce FMS corporate culture initiatives, actively promoting the core values of Integrity, Velocity, and Teamwork throughout the organization.
- Oversee salaried compensation programs, ensuring alignment with market benchmarks, internal equity, and corporate guidelines; conduct audits and make data-driven recommendations as needed.
- Partner with corporate HR and legal teams to ensure compliance with U.S. and international labor laws, employment regulations, and internal governance standards.
- Drive and implement HR initiatives and process improvements that enhance operational efficiency, talent retention, and organizational effectiveness.
- Communicate clearly and effectively across the organization through strong written, verbal, and presentation skills, influencing stakeholders at all levels.
Qualifications and Educational Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field required; MBA and/or HR certifications (SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP, PHR/SPHR) strongly preferred.
- 5–10 years of progressive HR leadership experience, ideally within a manufacturing or industrial environment; experience supporting European operations is a plus.
- Broad and deep knowledge of HR disciplines, including compensation, benefits, employee relations, employment law, talent acquisition, compliance, and organizational development.
- Demonstrated ability to operate as a strategic business partner while maintaining hands-on leadership.
- Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally as business needs require.
- Continuous Improvement Leadership skills
Candidate Characteristics
- Strong work ethic with the ability to perform effectively in a fast-paced, results-driven environment.
- Proven ability to build trust and credibility, developing strong relationships across all levels of the organization.
- Exceptional leadership, coaching, and mentoring skills with a collaborative, servant-leader mindset.
- Highly organized with strong problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making capabilities.
- Advanced communication, facilitation, and presentation skills.
- Flexible, adaptable, and team-oriented, with the confidence to lead change and influence outcomes.
Fairbanks Morse Defense offers a competitive benefits package including but not limited to, medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurances, and 401k retirement plan with employer match. In addition, we offer paid time off, paid holidays, paid parental leave, and tuition reimbursement.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled