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Director, Human Resources

Zekelman Industries · Chicago, IL · $140,000–$200,000 a year · Full time

Posted Sep 4, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

This role calls for labor relations expertise. Tell me about your experience with union environments, such as grievances or contract negotiations.

What they are checking: Whether they have real labor relations experience and can work constructively with represented workforces.

Tell me about a difficult employee relations investigation you led. How did you keep it fair?

What they are checking: Whether they run investigations objectively and document well, protecting both employees and the company.

Tell me about an HR team member you developed into a stronger leader.

What they are checking: Whether they invest in their own team's growth, which a director role depends on.

What would you do

How would you partner with a business unit leader at an Atlas Tube plant who sees HR as paperwork?

What they are checking: Whether they can earn a seat at the table by solving operational problems, not just enforcing policy.

Turnover among new hourly hires is high in the first 90 days. How would you find out why and fix it?

What they are checking: Whether they use data and floor conversations to find causes like onboarding, supervisors or shift schedules.

How do you work with Talent Acquisition, Talent Management and Learning and Development so they support the plant together?

What they are checking: Whether they coordinate HR functions toward one plan instead of each running separate programs.

A supervisor wants to fire someone immediately after a safety incident. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they insist on facts and consistency with past discipline while still taking safety seriously.

About the work

Walk me through how you'd build a workforce plan for a plant that's adding a shift.

What they are checking: Whether they connect hiring, training and staffing to production goals with realistic timing.

How do you measure employee engagement in a manufacturing environment where many people aren't at a desk?

What they are checking: Whether they adapt engagement methods to the shop floor rather than relying on email surveys.

What people metrics would you share with plant leadership each month?

What they are checking: Whether they report measures that matter to operations, like turnover, absenteeism and open roles.

Practice this interview out loud.

Offer builds a real interview for this exact role at Zekelman Industries from your resume and this job description, asks the questions one at a time, and tells you what landed. The first one is free.

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The full job description

As published by Zekelman Industries.

You may not know our name, but you know our products. What we make is part the places where we live, work and play – all day, everyday. Zekelman is a family of companies — 100% domestic manufacturers — with a legacy dating back to 1877. We’re proud to be the largest independent steel pipe and tube manufacturer in North America and the leading innovator in multi-family housing development. We believe in what we build and what we build, builds the world around us. Hospitals, hotels, schools, bridges, airports and more. Come build a career you believe in. About the Role As a Director, Human Resources at Zekelman Industries, you will serve as a strategic partner to Business Unit leadership, driving people strategies that support operational success, workforce planning, employee engagement, and organizational growth. This position requires strong business acumen, labor relations expertise, and leadership capabilities, while offering the opportunity to directly influence talent strategies, workforce effectiveness, and overall business performance. You will collaborate with Business Unit leadership, Talent Acquisition, Talent Management, Learning & Development, and HR team members to ensure alignment between business objectives and people initiatives. This role can be based out of any of our Atlas Tube locations. This role is perfect for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment, enjoys solving complex organizational challenges, and is passionate about developing talent while fostering a positive and compliant workplace culture. What You'll Do • Strategic HR Leadership • Partner with Business Unit leadership to develop and execute HR strategies aligned with business objectives. • Provide guidance on workforce planning, organizational design, talent management, and succession planning. • Serve as a strategic advisor to leaders on people-related initiatives and challenges. Talent Acquisition & Development • Partner with Talent Acquisition to develop effective recruiting strategies and attract top talent. • Support and coach leaders through performance management and employee development processes. • Collaborate with Talent Management and Learning & Development teams on career pathing and succession initiatives. • Lead training and professional development programs that enhance employee capabilities and support growth opportunities. Employee Relations & Labor Strategy • Foster a positive employee relations environment that promotes engagement, accountability, and high performance. • Provide guidance on conflict resolution, corrective action, investigations, and employee relations matters. • Partner with business leaders to develop workforce and labor strategies that support operational goals. HR Compliance & Risk Management • Lead and support HR compliance efforts across the business unit. • Ensure adherence to federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations. • Develop and implement policies, procedures, and practices that minimize organizational risk. • Maintain accurate HR records and documentation. HR Operations & Technology • Oversee HR systems and ensure data integrity and process effectiveness. • Utilize workforce analytics and HR metrics to support informed business decisions. • Drive process improvements and technology adoption to enhance the employee experience and HR service delivery. Who You Are • 10+ years of progressive Human Resources leadership experience, preferably supporting manufacturing, industrial, or unionized environments. • Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field; Master's degree preferred. • SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, SPHR, or equivalent HR certification preferred. • Strong knowledge of labor relations, labor negotiations, collective bargaining, and employment law compliance. • Experience with workforce planning, succession planning, performance management, and employee development programs. • Strong analytical and technology skills with experience utilizing HRIS platforms and workforce data to drive decision-making. • Excellent communication, leadership, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills. • Strategic mindset with the ability to align HR initiatives to business objectives and influence leaders at all levels of the organization. What You'll Get Zekelman Industries offers competitive compensation and excellent benefits, including low-cost, high-quality medical and dental benefits. In addition, we have an amazing tuition assistance program, a bonus plan, a 401(k) plan with a generous company match, loyalty awards, and much more: • Competitive Compensation • Bonus Plan & Profit-Sharing Opportunities • 401(k) with Company Match • Comprehensive Health, Dental & Vision Insurance • Tuition Assistance Program • Paid Vacation & Holidays • Employee Loyalty Awards Compensation & Benefits Below is the expected base salary range for this position. This is a good-faith estimate, and offers will be determined based on experience, education, skill set, and interview performance. Base Salary Range: [$140K-$200K USD] Additional compensation may include: ✔ Yearly merit-increase ✔ Profit-sharing bonus opportunities Zekelman Industries offers competitive compensation and excellent benefits, including low-cost, high-quality medical and dental benefits.  In addition, we have an amazing tuition assistance program, a bonus plan, a 401(k) plan with a generous company match, immediate vesting, and much more. M/F/D/V We are Zekelman Industries. We manufacture superior quality tubular and related products, and provide outstanding service for our valued customers. We seek to continuously advance the skills and opportunities of our employees, utilizing the latest technology and management tools available to consistently increase profitability and the enterprise value of Zekelman Industries and of our customers.

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