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Associate Director, HR

WABASH NATIONAL

Lafayette, IN · Posted October 8, 2026

More in Indiana job market · Manufacturing & Industrial · Human Resources jobs

About the job

About the Role:

The Associate Director, Human Resources acts as a strategic business partner, supporting multiple regions, while providing support and expertise on all human resources and employment related issues including recruitment, investigation, disciplinary action, employee development, communications, performance management, succession planning, and policies and procedures. This position is viewed as a full business partner tied to business initiatives and directives within the One Wabash organization.

Your Responsibilities:

Develops strong relationships and partners with key stakeholders including senior manufacturing leaders, regional directors, managers, business leaders and HR team

Tracks and reports KPIs designed to measure and predict HR outcomes

Serves as a strategic business partner to the Regional Manufacturing leadership team to translate business goals and objectives into well aligned HR initiatives

Leads and/or manages courageously during organizational change; takes appropriate risks, energizes, and encourages others to do so to achieve company goals and priorities

Utilizes Lean Enterprise principles within HR function by evaluating the efficiency, effectiveness and value add of various HR tools and programs

Provides direction and counsel to Regional Manufacturing Director(s), and manufacturing site leaders regarding policies & procedures to include day-to-day issues, professional development, employee morale, discipline, and performance management

Engages and influences senior leaders in strategic discussions, challenges current thinking, influences outcomes and leads change in behaviors

Identifies, creates, and implements change management initiatives to proactively support key business initiatives

Manages the communication of HR initiatives, removing barriers and participating in continuous improvement activities as needed to raise the bar

Supports HR teams to develop community involvement strategies to promote good corporate citizenship

Strong understanding of employment law and compliance requirements

Leads Human Resources team across multiple manufacturing facilities

Development and implementation of Human Resources policies, procedures, and programs

Other duties as assigned

Let's Talk About Your Qualifications:

Bachelor's Degree (Preferred Major: Human Resources or Business Administration) Master's Degree highly preferred

At least 10 years of general HR experience, including 7+ as a site-wide functional HR leader and 5+ years with multi-site responsibility.

5+ years of direct supervisory/management experience of a large team, including employee coaching, mentoring, and developing

Manufacturing experience

Proven track record of successfully implementing large scale/systemic change efforts across an organization

PHR/SPHR or SHRM-CP/SCP preferred

A clear and contemporary understanding of all HR functions: recruitment, compensation and benefits, leadership and management development, organizational effectiveness, and employee relations

Must be highly proficient in the Microsoft Office suite of products, specifically Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

Demonstrated experience utilizing database management tools

Knowledge of State and Federal regulations

Demonstrated learning agility; should demonstrate the ability to proactively identify and implement innovative recruitment/process solutions

Demonstrated excellent verbal and written communication skills

Demonstrated clear understanding of the recruitment lifecycle processes

Demonstrated proficiency in strategy development, policy, plan and/or program design and implementation skills that attract, retain, and motivate employees, appropriately manage risk, and maximize the profitability of the business

Analytical skills

Leadership Attributes:

At Wabash, we pride ourselves on being empowering, and there are some things we feel very strongly about:

Embrace Diversity and Inclusion -- Solicit and respect the input of others, celebrate differences, and strive for transparency and inclusiveness

Seek to Listen -- Actively listen to reach the best solution and make the strongest decisions

Always Learn -- Strive to improve; do not quit or settle for the status quo

Be Authentic -- Demonstrate honesty, incredible energy, and grit in everything you do

Win Together -- Collaborate, seek alignment, and excel at cross-group communication to success as one team and One Wabash

Join us in turning ideas into world-changing realities. Curate and build your high-impact professional career at Wabash!

Affirmative Action/EEO Statement:

Wabash is committed to providing equal employment opportunity for its associates and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, or other protected class or activity under federal, state, or local law. All employment decisions must be based on neutral, legitimate criteria. All employment policies and rules shall be applied equally to similarly situated associates.

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