Summary

The Vice President, Human Resources is a seasoned professional who will help drive the company’s ambitious growth plans and shape its organizational culture as part of the senior HR leadership team. Working closely with the Senior Vice President, this role is integral to implementing top-tier people strategies and may be considered for succession to the SVP, HR position in the future.

Description

SALTCHUK OVERVIEW

Saltchuk companies do more than just move goods – we connect and empower communities through essential freight transportation, marine services, and energy distribution networks that form the backbone of regional commerce and daily life. From remote Alaskan villages to Caribbean ports, our companies ensure communities have reliable access to the resources they need to thrive. We don't simply transport cargo; we create vital links that sustain local economies, support families, and strengthen the fabric of the communities we serve.

As a privately-owned family of transportation and distribution companies headquartered in Seattle, with combined revenues of $6B and nearly 9,000 employees, we are organized into six business units that oversee the operation and growth of our diverse portfolio of operating companies. Behind every journey we undertake and every delivery we make is a promise of safety, reliability, and dedication—to our employees, our customers, and the regions we serve.

Our commitment extends far beyond business operations. We are dedicated to giving back to the communities we serve, whether through mentoring future leaders or responding when disaster strikes. Environmental stewardship is core to our mission, with a steadfast commitment to a cleaner, greener tomorrow that includes protecting our oceans and air and safeguarding the world we share.

At Saltchuk, we seek people who share our values and take pride in being professional, collaborative, and team oriented. We are dedicated to fostering a culture where we would all be proud for our children to work, making it an extraordinary place to build a long-term career.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Has oversight of benefits, 401(k), ACA reporting, LMS systems and compliance related activities across the Saltchuk family of companies. Reviews contracts carefully, negotiates with brokers and vendors, advises on RFP’s and seeks savings opportunities.
  • Significant M&A support including due diligence, communication, and integration efforts as needed.
  • Oversees leadership development programs, including recommending, developing, and delivering various programs across four regions in PNW, Florida, Alaska and Hawaii.
  • Serves as a partner and back up to the Senior Vice President, Human Resources. Supports the SVP day to day on a variety of HR work, initiatives and special projects.
  • In partnership with business unit HR and the Senior Vice President of Human Resources, actively engaged in succession planning.
  • Key member of the leadership team supporting Saltchuk's Ethics program, addressing hotline trends and assisting with investigations and employee relations as needed.
  • Oversees the effective administration and communication of day-to-day HR operations for the corporate home office, including benefits, compensation, performance reviews, and leave programs.
  • Manages the Saltchuk-wide employee survey process, driving engagement as we strive to ensure that all of our companies are great places to work.
  • Recruits for corporate home and other significant leadership roles.
  • Helps plan and deliver bi-annual HR Retreats for 25+ HR leaders who come together from our various business units and operating companies.
  • Streamlines processes and drives automation to improve efficiencies.
  • Other duties as needed in support of HR and Saltchuk strategies.
  • Travels to visit subsidiary companies, and attends meetings & conferences as needed.

PIVOTAL EXPERIENCE AND EXPERTISE

  • Human Resources Leadership Experience: A highly strategic HR business leader (who also is able to be very hands-on with a variety of HR tasks, with at least 10 years of experience in human resources leadership with increasing responsibility, including managing teams. The successful candidate will have significant and broad-based HR knowledge, including best practices related to M&A, compensation, benefits, recruiting, leadership development, succession planning, employee relations, and HR compliance.
  • Business and Operational Acumen: The leader will bring strong project and process management skills, alongside solid analytical capabilities and attention to detail, with a proven track record of delivering results. They will demonstrate strong business acumen, consulting expertise, and problem-solving skills, while being equally adept at thinking strategically and rolling up their sleeves to execute.
  • Stakeholder Influence and Collaborative Style: The leader will excel at working collaboratively with senior leaders and demonstrate a teams-oriented and kind approach. They will possess excellent written and verbal communication skills, including strong presentation capabilities. They will serve as a sounding board and advisor to senior management.

EDUCATION

  • Undergraduate degree in business, human resources or another applicable field.
  • MBA and SPHR strongly desired.

EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

  • 10-15 years of related experience, including at least 7 years of experience with mergers and acquisitions at a larger company.
  • Strong business acumen and high level of intellectual curiosity.
  • Highly proficient in application of spreadsheets and presentation tools.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to work independently and at a fast pace with cross-functional teams
  • History of working collaboratively, building relationships with a variety of stakeholders.
  • Capable of balancing the big picture with strong attention to detail.
  • Able to travel approximately 25% of the time.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

We’re committed to taking care of you and your family, today and in the future.
Here’s what you can look forward to:

  • Compensation
    • Competitive base annual salary range: $230,000 – $300,000, depending on experience and qualifications
    • Eligibility for annual target bonus of 40% of base salary
    • Total Cash Compensation at target bonus ranges from $322,000 – $420,000
  • Health & Wellness
    • Employer‑subsidized medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your family/dependents
    • Employer‑paid life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D), and short‑term and long-term disability coverage
  • Retirement
    • Generous 401(k) plan with a 4% company match, plus an additional 3% discretionary company contribution to help you save for your future
  • Paid Time Off
    • 3 weeks’ vacation annually
    • 9 company holidays + 2 personal holidays each year
    • 12 days of sick leave annually
  • Flexibility & Balance
    • Work‑from‑home on Fridays, for foreseeable future
    • Currently offering 2 weeks of remote work each year, plus the option to work from home around Thanksgiving and Christmas, giving you more time with loved ones during the holidays
  • Extras that Make a Difference
    • Free ORCA transportation card plus $50 monthly parking/transportation subsidy
    • Up to $10,000 per year in charitable matched giving program to support causes and organizations you care about
    • Up to $5,250 per year in tax-free educational assistance to assist with career development and growth

Qualified applicants should respond by sending their resume to:
Careers@saltchuk.com

Saltchuk is a family of diversified transportation and distribution companies with a vision to serve our customers by being the best in North America, and we are proud to be Equal Opportunity Employers. We celebrate diversity and are committed to ensuring that all qualified individuals have an equal chance to thrive with us, regardless of race, color, national origin, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, genetic information, political affiliation, or any other status protected by law. We value safety, reliability, and commitment to our organization in a work environment where anyone would be proud for their children to work.
Check out more of what we do at www.saltchuk.com.