SkyWater Search Partners has been engaged with an industry-leading vehicle manufacturing client in the North Metro. The client is searching for their next Director of HR to lead people strategy across multiple locations. The role partners with senior leadership to align HR efforts with business goals and oversees key HR functions including talent development, employee relations, performance managment and policy implementaiton.
Job Category: Human Resources (HR)
Talent Acquisition Manager
SkyWater Search Partners has been retained by a well-established, Midwest-based organization to lead the search for a Talent Acquisition Manager. This role sits within a respected, mission-driven company operating across multiple states with a large footprint in rural and agricultural communities. This individual will be responsible for developing and executing talent acquisition strategies that align with business needs while championing a culture of excellence, inclusion, and continuous improvement. This role oversees both strategic programs and hands-on recruiting efforts and will lead a small, dedicated team. It offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on workforce development, process improvement, and hiring practices across the organization. This position is based in Sleepy Eye, MN and follows a hybrid schedule (3 days/week onsite). Occasional travel to other facilities and career events may be required.
Sr. Recruiter
We’re looking for a strategic, experienced Senior Recruiter to lead hiring efforts across a range of corporate and manufacturing roles in the U.S. In this role, you’ll work closely with business leaders to develop talent strategies to bring in top talent to support the organization’s healthy growth trajectory. This position has the flexibility to work remotely up to 2 days/week.
Human Resources Business Partner
We’re partnering with a longstanding manufacturing client on their search for a strategic Human Resources Business Partner. This role will partner with business leadership on all talent priorities across the employee lifecycle, including performance, development, engagement, succession, retention, and employee relations. This role will also partner closely with the HR Centers of Excellence to design, deliver, and optimize people programs and practices.
This role is ideal for an experienced HR Business Partner who has expertise in organizational effectiveness and talent management strategies and is energized by the opportunity to build, enhance, and drive strategic people initiatives.
Compensation: $135K
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in HR or related field
- 7+ years of progressive HRBP experience
- Data analysis and HRIS (Workday) experience
- Ability to communicate effectively and influence team members at all levels
HRIS & Payroll Manager
Are you a strategic payroll and HRIS leader looking to make an impact in a high-growth, family-first environment? We’re partnering with a well-established specialty contractor in the construction and industrial services space to hire an experienced HRIS & Payroll Manager. This hybrid role offers the opportunity to lead both systems and payroll strategy for a multi-state, union/non-union workforce of 800+ employees.This is a high-impact position with visibility across HR, Finance, and Operations. The company recently implemented Workday (full suite) and is looking for a forward-thinking leader to optimize functionality, manage a tenured team, and drive continuous improvement.
Why You’ll Love This Role:
• Strategic ownership of both payroll and Workday HRIS platforms
• Established team with long tenure and deep expertise
• Industry stability and growth – the organization has its longest project backlog in history
• Collaborative, values-driven culture that emphasizes integrity, safety, and teamwork
• Hybrid flexibility and strong benefits
• Industry stability and growth – the organization has its longest project backlog in history
• Collaborative, values-driven culture that emphasizes integrity, safety, and teamwork
• Hybrid flexibility and strong benefits
Human Resources Manager
SkyWater Search Partners has been engaged by a client in beautiful central Minnesota. The client is a 70-year old food and beverage distribution company serving MN, WI and ND. They are looking for an experienced Human Resources Manager who is eager to jump into the full-scope of HR responsibilities. The ideal candidate will be a strong communicator, have a high level of personal integrity, be collaborative and have high attention to detail.
Senior Director Human Resources
SkyWater Search Partners has been retained by a long-standing client to lead the search for a Senior Director of Human Resources. Reporting directly to the Head of Human Resources and Safety, this individual will play a pivotal role in shaping and executing strategic HR initiatives that align with and support organizational goals. The Senior Director will oversee key HR functions, including business partnership, talent acquisition, onboarding, employee engagement, performance management, and total rewards. As a strategic advisor to senior leadership, this role ensures that HR strategies are effectively integrated across the organization to enhance the employee experience and drive operational excellence.
The ideal candidate will possess a deep knowledge of HR best practices, a genuine passion for people, and the strategic insight to drive transformative initiatives across the organization. This role calls for a forward-thinking, collaborative leader with a proven ability to influence, innovate, and execute effectively. Given the diversity of our workforce, bilingual proficiency is highly preferred, along with demonstrated experience leading HR initiatives within a manufacturing environment.
Executive Assistant
SkyWater Search is partnering with a successful, mid-size, family-owned company to conduct a search for a talented Executive Assistant to provide high-level support to the Executive and HR leadership teams. This full-time, in-office role is ideal for a highly organized, proactive EA with at least 10 years of experience supporting executives in a privately-held environment.
The Executive Assistant will manage calendars, facilitate internal and external communications, coordinate meetings and events, oversee administrative staff, and ensure efficient day-to-day operations across departments.
This position requires discretion, strong communication skills, the ability to handle confidential information, and advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office and Concur.
The target salary for this position is between $85,000 – $100,000 depending on experience.
VP of People and Culture
Our client is at a pivotal stage of growth and is seeking a strategic, people-first, and business-savvy leader to serve as the Vice President of People and Culture. As a key member of the executive leadership team, this role is responsible for architecting and executing an integrated people strategy that aligns with business objectives, enhances organizational culture, scales talent, and strengthens employee experience across the company.
This individual will lead all facets of HR, including organizational development, talent acquisition, compensation, compliance, performance management, and employee engagement. The successful candidate will bring a proactive, data-driven approach and be passionate about developing people, building strong teams, and driving culture as a strategic asset.
Key Responsibilities:
Strategic HR & Talent Leadership
- Partner with senior leadership to develop and execute a comprehensive people strategy aligned with business growth.
- Lead organizational design, succession planning, and talent management to build future-ready teams and leadership pipelines.
- Serve as a cultural champion, reinforcing values such as integrity, accountability, collaboration, and humility.
- Leverage HR analytics and KPIs to inform decisions and assess effectiveness of programs and initiatives.
Talent Acquisition & Employer Brand
- Develop and execute a long-term talent acquisition strategy that aligns with business growth objectives, workforce planning, and the company’s value proposition.
- Act as a trusted advisor to senior executives and business leaders, translating talent needs into actionable hiring strategies.
- Enhance the employer brand and ensure a seamless and compelling candidate experience from application through onboarding.
- Partner with external vendors and internal stakeholders to build scalable, effective hiring processes.
- Enhance the employer brand and ensure a seamless and compelling candidate experience from application through onboarding.
- Partner with external vendors and internal stakeholders to build scalable, effective hiring processes.
People Operations & Compliance
- Oversee HR operations including HRIS, payroll, benefits administration, employee relations, and legal compliance.
- Ensure consistent application of HR policies and legal compliance across multi-state operations.
- Stay current on labor laws, regulatory changes, and HR best practices to mitigate risk and maintain operational excellence.
- Manage audits, investigations, and compliance training programs.
Culture, Engagement & Communication
- Drive employee engagement initiatives that reinforce purpose, increase retention, and promote a thriving workplace culture.
- Embed organizational values throughout the employee lifecycle, from onboarding to career development.
- Lead internal communication efforts to support change management, transparency, and alignment.
- Act as a trusted advisor to leadership and a visible, approachable leader for all employees.
Learning & Performance Development
- Build a culture of performance accountability and continuous improvement.
- Design leadership development and high-potential training programs that support business growth and succession planning.
- Hold leaders accountable for coaching, developing talent, and fostering team performance.
- Establish recognition and feedback programs that reinforce desired behaviors and outcomes.
Compensation & Total Rewards
- Lead the design and execution of compensation strategies that are market-competitive and performance-driven.
- Conduct benchmarking, salary reviews, and incentives planning to attract and retain top talent.
- Ensure pay equity, internal fairness, and compliance with applicable wage and hour laws.
Team Leadership
- Lead and develop a high-performing HR team, setting clear expectations and fostering growth opportunities.
- Promote a culture of collaboration, inclusivity, and accountability across the department and company.
- Align HR team goals with broader business strategies and ensure HR excellence in execution.
Qualifications:
- 10+ years of progressive HR experience with at least 5 years in a senior or executive leadership role.
- Proven experience in high-growth, entrepreneurial environments; experience in construction, energy, or manufacturing sectors strongly preferred.
- Expertise across key HR disciplines: organizational development, HR operations, talent acquisition, L&D, compensation, and compliance.
- Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree (MBA, Master’s in HR) or certification (SPHR, SHRM-SCP) preferred.
- Multi-state HR experience and familiarity with the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) are desirable.
- Demonstrated success in building high-performing, values-aligned teams and influencing at all levels of the organization.
Personal Attributes:
- High emotional intelligence with outstanding communication, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills.
- Strategic thinker with operational savvy and a strong bias for execution.
- Inspirational, approachable leader with the ability to influence and foster trust across a diverse workforce.
- Deeply committed to people development, organizational integrity, and continuous improvement.
Human Resources Manager
SkyWater Search Partners is partnering with a privately held food manufacturing company located in Fosston, MN to find their next HR Manager. This is a unique opportunity for a well-rounded HR professional to step into a stand-alone, broad-based generalist position. This HR Manager will serve as the go-to people leader, driving consistency, compliance, and culture across the business. This is an on-site position requiring 4 days/week in office and the ideal candidate is someone who can operate independently and serve as a compassionate, approachable partner to the entire team.
