Vice President of Human Resources

About the Company

We are a proud, family-owned beverage distributor headquartered in Saratoga Springs, New York, with a long-standing reputation for quality, integrity, and strong community relationships. With approximately 600 employees across New York State, our success has been built on hard work, loyalty, and a commitment to doing things the right way.

Our team includes professionals in sales, distribution, warehouse operations, fleet, and corporate functions who take pride in delivering exceptional service to our customers and brand partners. As we continue to grow, we remain deeply committed to maintaining the values and culture that have defined our company for generations.

Position Overview

Vice President of Human Resources is a key member of the executive leadership team responsible for leading the company’s people strategy while preserving and strengthening the culture that defines our organization. This leader will ensure that our workforce strategies support operational excellence, employee engagement, and long-term business success.

The VP of HR will oversee all aspects of human resources including talent acquisition, employee relations, labor relations, leadership development, compensation and benefits, compliance, and organizational development. This role requires a hands-on leader who understands both the strategic and day-to-day realities of a distribution and operations-driven business.

The ideal candidate will appreciate the unique dynamics of a family-owned company and bring the experience and leadership necessary to support a hardworking, team-oriented workforce.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Serve as a trusted advisor to the CEO and leadership team on organizational, cultural, and people-related matters.
• Develop and execute a comprehensive HR strategy that supports company growth, operational performance, and workforce stability.
• Help strengthen and preserve a culture built on respect, accountability, teamwork, and pride in our work.

Human Resources Leadership

• Lead all HR functions including recruitment, onboarding, compensation and benefits, performance management, training, and HR operations.
• Build and lead a strong HR team capable of supporting employees across multiple locations.
• Ensure HR programs and policies align with the company’s values and operational needs.

Labor & Employee Relations

• Provide leadership and expertise in labor relations, including union engagement, contract administration, and collective bargaining where applicable.
• Foster strong relationships with employees and frontline leaders across sales, warehouse, and distribution teams.
• Promote a fair, consistent, and respectful workplace environment.

Talent Development

• Support leadership development at all levels of the organization.
• Implement succession planning and career development programs to strengthen internal talent pipelines.
• Champion a positive, values-driven culture by enhancing employee engagement and recognition programs that foster pride, connection, and a strong sense of belonging.
• Partner with operational leaders to support workforce planning and staffing strategies.

Compliance & Best Practices

• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local employment laws and workplace regulations.
• Develop and maintain HR policies and practices that support a safe, productive, and inclusive work environment.

Experience

• 10–15 years of progressively responsible human resources leadership experience.
• Experience supporting multi-site operations, ideally within distribution, manufacturing, logistics, or a similar operational environment.
• Strong background in labor relations and union environments preferred.
• Prior experience working in a family-owned or closely held company is highly desirable.
• Technical proficiency in MS Office products as well as experience with HR systems
• Ability to travel 20% - 40% of the time.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree required in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.

Leadership Attributes

• Collaborative, approachable leadership style with the ability to connect with employees at all levels of the organization.
• Strong understanding of operational work environments and frontline workforce needs.
• High integrity, accountability, sound judgment, and the ability to balance business priorities with people-focused leadership.
• Strong communication, problem-solving, and relationship-building skills.

What This Role Offers

This is a rare opportunity to join the leadership team of a respected, family-owned beverage company with deep roots in the communities we serve. The Vice President of Human Resources will play a critical role in shaping the future of our workforce while preserving the culture, pride, and sense of family that define our company — always striving to deliver “Our Best… Every Day!”

We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package, which includes the opportunity to participate in profit sharing, company bonus, and many other benefits including: 

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Employee discount

Medical, dental, & vision insurance

Health savings account

Paid life insurance

Disability insurance

Paid training

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). 

Salary : $180,000 - $200,000