Director Human Relations Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Calspan is the premier independent provider of testing and technology development services, solutions, and systems in the aerospace, defense, and automotive industries. Our diverse skill set and unique testing capabilities help innovators push the limits of technology to transform the future.

We're looking for a Director, Human Resources to lead a passionate team and shape the future of our workplace. This onsite opportunity at our Buffalo, NY location is a unique opportunity to positively impact every aspect of the employee experience, strengthen our culture, and ensure that our people strategy drives organizational success.

Every single thing we do with our customers and employees is based upon our goal of being selective to join and difficult to leave. We operate with a core set of values centered on inclusiveness, accountability, and innovation. Do you have what it takes to Be Calspan?

Core Responsibilities Listed Below - Compensation and position level commensurate with education and experience.

The Director, Human Resources, oversees all aspects of the HR function, including employee relations, compensation, benefits, performance management, recruitment, payroll, and compliance. This strategic leader will serve as a trusted advisor to the executive team, cultivating an environment where employees feel valued, supported, and inspired to deliver their best work.

Leadership & Culture

• Lead with integrity and in alignment with Calspan's Core Values.
• Foster a respectful, inclusive, and high-performing culture where employees thrive.
• Empower managers and teams to take ownership of results through trust, collaboration, and accountability.
• Provide clear, constructive feedback and ensure a strong focus on employee development, engagement, and recognition.

Talent Strategy & Workforce Planning

• Partner with business leaders to design and implement forward-thinking workforce plans.
• Oversee recruiting strategies to attract, develop, and retain high-performing talent.
• Champion leadership development, succession planning, and organizational effectiveness initiatives that prepare Calspan for the future.

 Employee Relations & Engagement

• Lead employee relations strategy and serve as a trusted advisor to leaders and staff on workplace issues.
• Manage investigations, conflict resolution, and performance challenges with fairness, discretion, and consistency.
• Implement proactive engagement programs that foster collaboration, promote well-being, and encourage open communication.
• Ensure employee voices are heard and valued, cultivating an environment of trust and mutual respect.

Total Rewards, Compliance & Advisory

• Oversee the administration of compensation, benefits, and HR policies to ensure competitiveness and compliance.
• Advise senior management on HR strategy, organizational design, and employment law matters.
• Partner with leaders to align HR programs with business objectives while maintaining compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations.

Preferred Education & Experience

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related discipline.
• Progressive HR experience, including prior management or leadership roles.
• Or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred Knowledge & Abilities

• Strong HR leadership with expertise in talent acquisition, retention, and employee relations.
• Proven success in designing and executing innovative HR and people strategies.
• Strong understanding of employment laws, compliance requirements, and compensation frameworks.
• Excellent interpersonal, coaching, and conflict resolution skills.
• Strategic thinker with exceptional analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Skilled in leading organizational change and developing others through mentoring, feedback, and training.
• Proficiency with HRIS systems and leveraging technology to streamline HR operations.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities under pressure.

Why join Calspan?

Be Calspan Culture

At Calspan, we promote an environment that empowers employees and encourages innovation. Our management team enables a strong sense of teamwork with each endeavor, where successes are shared and lessons are learned. The company's talent brand, "Be Calspan", incorporates our company values to Be Inclusive, Accountable, and Innovative and our commitment to drive every individual to - Be Developed, Be Balanced, Be Connected, Be Community and Be Recognized. Our culture promotes a positive atmosphere and competitive can-do method of action.

Great Benefits = Happy, Committed Employees 

Retaining great talent is as important as finding it, so at Calspan, we take our employee value proposition of Be Calspan quite seriously. To us, that means offering competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, recognition programs and promotional opportunities. Our benefits include: Health Insurance, Health Savings Accounts, Flexible Spending Accounts, Dental Insurance, Vision Insurance, Life Insurance/Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Short-Term/Long-Term Disability, 401(k), Hospital Coverage, Accident Coverage, Life Insurance Policy, Paid-Time Off, Company-paid Holidays, Bereavement Leave, Jury Duty, Military Leave, Employee Assistance Program, Educational Assistance Reimbursement , and Pet Insurance.

Calspan is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. Calspan supports safe and drug free workplace through pre-employment background checks and drug testing.

The salary range provided is a general guideline. Actual pay will depend on several factors, including, but not limited to, education, experience, training, and other applicable qualifications.  Calspan is committed to pay transparency in compliance with applicable state and local laws.

All candidates must be eligible to work in the United States.