Director of People and Culture (HR)

Middleby Coffee manufactures commercial espresso and bean-to-cup equipment under the Synesso and Concordia brands - two names with genuine reputations in the specialty coffee world. Synesso is celebrated for exceptional engineering and durability, empowering baristas to craft outstanding espresso. Concordia is built for speed and consistency, delivering an elevated coffee experience at scale.The RoleThis is a standalone People (HR) Director role reporting directly to the President. You will own the complete people function - from strategy and culture to recruiting, performance, payroll, benefits, and compliance. Support resources are available through corporate systems and internal stakeholders, but this position owns it all. That's intentional. We're building something, and the person in this role needs to understand every layer of it.The person we're replacing built something real - 8 years with the company, the last 18 months as a close partner to the President. She earned trust with the floor and the executive team alike, and left a foundation worth continuing and deepening. We're looking for someone who can carry that forward with the same care and raise the bar.What You'll OwnExecutive Partnership & People StrategyServe as a genuine advisor and business partner to the President - not an order-taker, but a voice that brings perspective, pushes back when needed, and translates business goals into people decisionsCollaborate with the leadership team in workforce planning and organizational design as the company continues to evolveHelp identify gaps in team effectiveness and drive structural and cultural improvements to close themUse data and insight to inform talent decisions, workforce planning, and long-term organizational healthTalent AcquisitionOwn full-cycle recruiting - from creative sourcing strategy through offer and onboardingBuild proactive pipelines, not just reactive job postings; know the Seattle talent marketPartner closely with hiring managers to define what great looks like before the search beginsDeliver a consistent, high-quality candidate experience that reflects the Middleby Coffee brandOnboarding & Employee ExperienceLead a best-in-class onboarding experience that sets employees up for success from day oneCreate early engagement strategies that reflect company values and cultureContinuously improve the employee experience across the full lifecyclePerformance Management & Leadership DevelopmentRun the performance management cycle with consistency and quality - goals, check-ins, reviews, and the hard conversations in betweenPartner with managers to elevate the quality of performance conversations, feedback, and accountabilityStrengthen leadership capability- coach managers to become confident, effective leaders who drive performance and engagementIdentify and develop high-potential talent; support succession planning for key rolesUse performance and feedback data to inform development plans and organizational decisionsCulture & Employee RelationsBe present and trusted - on the floor, in the office, across all levels of the organizationDrive employee engagement initiatives that are genuine, not performativeHandle employee relations matters with fairness, sound judgment, and careChampion continuous improvement as a cultural value (Kaizen mindset - a Gemba walker at heart)Compensation, Benefits, Payroll & HR OperationsOwn and manage compensation and benefits programs, ensuring competitiveness and complianceOversee payroll processing, ensuring accuracy and timelinessAdminister leave programs (FMLA, state-specific leaves, etc.)Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local employment laws and regulationsMaintain HR systems, employee records, and data integrity across platforms (e.g., Paylocity)Develop and deliver regular HR reporting on key metrics: headcount, turnover, hiring, and KPIs that align HR performance with business outcomesMaintain compliance across multi-state employment requirements; serve as internal subject matter expert on employment lawWho You AreHigh emotional intelligence - the kind that earns trust from the C-suite and the shop floor in equal measureA self-starter who builds process and structure where it doesn't exist, and improves it where it doesComfortable with ambiguity and energized by a turnaround environmentHands-on executor - there is no job too small or too meaningless to be done, no task beneath youStrategic thinker with strong business acumen and the ability to translate vision into actionExceptional relationship builder, communicator, and coachHighly organized, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environmentWhy This RoleThis is not a maintenance role. It's a builder's role at a company with strong brands, a capable leadership team, and real momentum. You'll have direct access to the President, the Corporate HR team, genuine influence over the culture and trajectory of the organization, and the satisfaction of knowing that what you build mattersWho We're Looking For Experience & BackgroundProven experience in a standalone or near-standalone HR role - you've built structure, not just operated within itBackground in manufacturing, industrial, or technical commercial environments strongly preferredPNW-based with deep familiarity with the Seattle talent market and employment landscapeMulti-state employment experience; comfortable navigating varying compliance requirementsBachelor's degree in a related field; equivalent experience will be consideredSHRM-CP/SCP or PHR/SPHR certification preferredExceptional empathy, communication, and interpersonal skills.Perks and Benefits:Unlimited Free Coffee on site and opportunity to work around people with passion for coffee!Generous Paid time offMedical, Dental, Vision10 Paid HolidaysExtensive 401(k) plan with company matchingMedical, Dental, Vision insurancePaid for Life insurance, Short- and Long-Term Disability