What are the responsibilities and job description for the VP, Human Resources position at HECLA MINING CO.?
Company: Hecla Mining Company
Location: Coeur d'Alene, Idaho
Reports to: President & CEO
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About Hecla Mining Company
Hecla Mining Company is North America's largest primary silver producer and a growing gold producer, with a 130 year operating history. With four producing mines across North America - Greens Creek (Alaska), Lucky Friday (Idaho), Casa Berardi (Quebec), and Keno Hill (Yukon) - Hecla employs approximately 2,000 people and is committed to responsible mining practices, operational excellence, and creating value for all stakeholders.
Position Overview
Hecla is seeking a strategic and hands-on Vice President of Human Resources to lead the company's HR function during a period of significant organizational transformation. This is a unique opportunity to shape the HR infrastructure, systems, and processes of an established mining company positioned for growth. The successful candidate will partner with the executive team to build a modern, scalable HR organization that supports operational excellence, talent development, and cultural alignment across geographically dispersed mining operations.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
- Develop and execute an HR strategy aligned with Hecla's business objectives and transformation agenda
- Serve as a trusted advisor to the CEO and executive team on all people related matters
- Lead organizational design and workforce planning initiatives to support operational and growth objectives
- Champion a safety first culture that reinforces Hecla's commitment to employee wellbeing
Systems & Process Development
- Assess current HR systems and processes; design and implement a modernization roadmap
- Evaluate, select, and deploy HR technology solutions (HRIS, talent management, analytics) appropriate for a multi-site mining operation
- Establish scalable HR processes, policies, and governance frameworks
- Build HR analytics and reporting capabilities to enable data-driven decision making
Talent & Culture
- Lead talent acquisition, development, and retention strategies in competitive labor markets
- Oversee compensation, benefits, and total rewards programs to ensure market competitiveness
- Drive leadership development and succession planning across the organization
- Foster an inclusive, high performance culture that attracts and retains top talent
Labor Relations & Compliance
- Oversee labor relations in a unionized environment
- Ensure compliance with employment laws and regulations across multiple jurisdictions (US, Canada)
- Manage employee relations and workplace investigations
Team Leadership
- Build, develop, and lead a high performing HR team
- Partner effectively with site-based HR professionals across all operations
Qualifications
Required
- 15 years of progressive HR leadership experience, with at least 5 years in a senior HR leadership role
- Experience in mining, natural resources, or heavy industry with multi-site, unionized operations
- Demonstrated success implementing HR systems and process improvements
- Strong analytical capabilities with experience leveraging HR data and metrics
- Proven ability to operate both strategically and tactically in a lean organization
- Experience with labor relations and collective bargaining
- Knowledge of US and Canadian employment law and regulatory requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field
Preferred
- Experience supporting organizational transformation or turnaround initiatives
- Familiarity with HR technology platforms and implementation
- SHRM-SCP, SPHR, or CHRL designation
- Graduate degree in HR, Business, or related discipline
- Experience with due diligence engagements and acquisitions
- Experience in publicly traded companies
Personal Attributes
- Strategic thinker who can translate business objectives into HR priorities
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships at all levels
- Collaborative leadership style with executive presence
- Comfortable with ambiguity and building in an evolving environment
- Results oriented with a bias for action
- High integrity and sound judgment
Compensation
Hecla offers a competitive compensation package including base salary, annual incentive, long term equity incentives, and comprehensive benefits.