VP Human Resources (Manufacturing / Clean Energy)

Job Title: Vice President, Human Resources (Manufacturing / Clean Energy)

Location: San Jose, California (On-Site)

Company Overview
We are developing a next-generation advanced manufacturing facility in the San Jose area focused on high-growth clean energy technologies, with a preference for experience in solar module / solar panel manufacturing. We are seeking an accomplished Vice President of Human Resources to build and lead the people strategy for a greenfield manufacturing operation from the ground up.

This is a strategic and hands-on executive leadership role responsible for designing and executing the workforce strategy needed to recruit, develop, and retain the talent required to launch and scale a world-class manufacturing facility.

Position Summary

The Vice President, Human Resources will serve as a key member of the executive leadership team and will lead all aspects of HR, labor strategy, talent acquisition, workforce planning, employee relations, compensation, organizational development, and compliance for a rapidly growing manufacturing platform.

The ideal candidate brings deep HR leadership experience in manufacturing environments—ideally solar, semiconductors, batteries, electronics, or other advanced industrial operations—and has successfully staffed and scaled greenfield or high-growth facilities.

Key Responsibilities: Strategic HR Leadership

• Develop and execute a comprehensive human capital strategy aligned with manufacturing ramp-up plans and long-term business objectives
• Partner with executive leadership on workforce planning for facility launch, production scale-up, and multi-shift operations
• Build HR infrastructure, policies, systems, and scalable people processes from the ground up
• Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership on organizational design, succession planning, and culture development

Talent Acquisition & Workforce Buildout

• Lead recruiting strategy for all facility personnel, including:
• Plant leadership and operations management
• Production supervisors and manufacturing technicians
• Process, quality, automation, and maintenance engineers
• Supply chain, logistics, EHS and quality personnel
• Skilled trades and hourly production workforce
• Design high-volume recruiting programs to support rapid hiring ramps
• Develop partnerships with technical schools, community colleges, workforce boards, and industry talent pipelines
• Implement employer branding strategies to position the company as a premier manufacturing employer in the region

Manufacturing & Labor Leadership

• Support workforce planning for shift-based manufacturing operations
• Lead employee relations programs supporting engagement, retention, and productivity
• Advise leadership on labor relations strategy, wage competitiveness, and workforce risk mitigation
• Support development of safety-oriented, performance-driven plant culture

Compensation, Compliance & Organizational Development

• Design competitive compensation, incentive, and benefits programs
• Ensure compliance with federal, California, and local employment laws
• Oversee performance management, leadership development, training and workforce capability building
• Develop onboarding and training systems for large-scale manufacturing staffing

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree in HR, Business, Industrial Relations, or related field preferred
• 15 years progressive HR leadership experience, including senior leadership roles in manufacturing
• Experience supporting greenfield manufacturing startup or major facility expansion strongly preferred
• Direct experience in solar panel manufacturing highly preferred; adjacent sectors such as semiconductors, batteries, EV, or advanced manufacturing also valued
• Demonstrated success leading high-volume recruiting for hourly and technical workforces
• Strong knowledge of California employment law and multi-state labor practices
• Experience scaling organizations in fast-growth environments
• Executive presence with strong strategic, operational, and interpersonal leadership skills

Preferred Experience

Ideal candidates may have experience from:

• Solar module or clean energy manufacturing
• Semiconductor or electronics fabrication
• Battery or EV manufacturing
• High-volume industrial operations
• Union and non-union workforce environments

What Success Looks Like

In the first 12–18 months, the VP Human Resources will:

• Build the workforce required to launch and operate a new manufacturing facility
• Establish scalable HR systems and recruiting infrastructure
• Develop a strong safety, performance, and engagement culture
• Create talent pipelines to support sustained production growth
• Position the company as a destination employer in advanced manufacturing

Compensation

Competitive executive compensation package including:

• Base salary
• Performance bonus
• Equity participation (if applicable)
• Comprehensive benefits package

To Apply

Qualified candidates should submit:

• Resume / CV
• Brief cover letter highlighting manufacturing HR leadership experience
• Examples of greenfield facility staffing or large-scale recruiting initiatives led

Join us in building the workforce powering the next generation of advanced manufacturing and clean energy.

Pay: $125,000.00 - $150,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Morgan Hill, CA 95038

Salary : $125,000 - $150,000