Vice President of Human Resources - Lanham - Safeware, Inc.

Description

Vice President of Human Resources

VP Position Overview

The Vice President of Human Resources serves as the senior HR executive for Safeware, reporting directly to the President. This individual is responsible for developing and executing the overall people strategy, ensuring that talent, culture, and organizational effectiveness enable the company to achieve its business goals.

This position oversees all HR functional areas including talent development, employee engagement, total rewards, benefits strategy, compliance, workforce planning, and HR operations. The VP HR will serve as a strategic business partner to the executive team and will actively contribute to organizational strategy, culture, and performance. The ideal candidate is both a strategic thinker and a hands‑on leader with a passion for developing people and fostering a culture of excellence.

About Safeware

Founded in 1979, Safeware, Inc. is a trusted distributor and service provider of safety products before, during and after emergencies and in mission‑critical operations. Headquartered in Lanham, MD, with locations nationwide, Safeware is built on a foundation of dedicated professionals committed to protecting those who protect others.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Partner with the President, executive team, and Board of Directors (as required) to design and implement the company's people strategy aligned with business goals.
• Serve as a trusted advisor on all people‑related matters, providing insight and recommendations that strengthen organizational performance.
• Represent HR priorities and perspectives during executive and company‑wide planning discussions.
• Lead the HR team, which currently includes a Director of HR and an HR Coordinator, fostering professional growth, collaboration, and capability within the function.
• Identify future leadership and critical skill needs to ensure the organization is positioned for long‑term success.

Talent, Leadership, and People Development

• Design and execute programs that support employee development, career growth, and leadership readiness across all levels of the organization.
• Build frameworks for leadership development, career pathing, coaching, and succession planning.
• Model Safeware's core values of Wisdom, Accountability, Relationships, and Excellence through personal leadership.
• Promote and reinforce the Safeware Leadership Model as the foundation for developing people and shaping company culture.
• Equip managers with tools and training to lead, coach, and develop their teams effectively.
• Champion a culture of continuous learning, feedback, and accountability.

Culture, Diversity, and Engagement

• Champion and sustain Safeware's already strong culture by ensuring our core values of Wisdom, Accountability, Relationships, and Excellence are lived every day and embedded in how we lead, develop, and engage our people.
• Strengthen Safeware's culture of collaboration, inclusion, and innovation.
• Develop initiatives that enhance engagement, recognition, and overall employee experience.
• Lead efforts to ensure Safeware remains an employer of choice grounded in its mission and values.
• Advance diversity, equity, and inclusion by building programs and practices that foster belonging and equal opportunity across the organization.

HR Operations, Benefits, and Compliance

• Provide strategic leadership and oversight for all HR operations, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and efficiency in daily processes.
• Lead the design, evaluation, and administration of all employee benefits including health, dental, vision, life, disability, 401(k), HSA, and wellness programs.
• Partner with brokers and vendors to analyze plan performance, negotiate renewals, and make data‑driven recommendations that balance cost management with competitive employee offerings.
• Oversee benefits communication and enrollment processes to ensure clarity and employee understanding.
• Manage the HR budget and ensure financial soundness of all people‑related initiatives.
• Partner with Finance and business leaders on workforce planning, budgeting, and forecasting.
• Partner with executive leadership to develop and oversee a comprehensive compensation strategy that aligns pay practices with Safeware's business objectives, market competitiveness, and performance‑based culture.
• Maintain compliance with all applicable employment laws and regulations while ensuring HR policies and practices reflect best‑in‑class standards.
• Lead the evolution of HR technology and data strategy to enhance automation, analytics, and employee self‑service.

Organizational Effectiveness and Change Leadership

• Lead change management efforts to support business transformation and growth.
• Drive organizational effectiveness through structure, process, and workforce design.
• Utilize workforce analytics and metrics to evaluate HR initiatives, guide decision‑making, and measure organizational health.
• Stay informed on market trends, emerging HR practices, and industry innovations to continually strengthen HR strategy and operations.

Leadership and Team Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop HR leaders and team members across all functions.
• Build a high‑performing HR organization that embodies accountability, collaboration, and service excellence.
• Motivate and empower direct reports to effectively lead their teams, ensuring communication, responsiveness, and trust across the organization.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business, or related field required, advanced degree or HR certification a plus.
• Twelve to fifteen years of progressive HR experience, with at least five years in a leadership role.
• Proven success in developing and executing HR strategies aligned with business needs.
• Demonstrated success in leadership development, succession planning, and employee growth programs.
• Strong expertise in organizational design, total rewards, and HR compliance.
• Experience managing benefit programs including health, 401(k), and HSA administration.
• Excellent communication skills, executive presence, and ability to influence across all levels.
• Strong financial acumen with experience managing departmental budgets and HR cost control.
• Proficiency in leveraging data and analytics to inform decision‑making.
• A hands‑on, collaborative style suited to a lean HR structure.

Why Join Safeware

This is a unique opportunity to shape the next chapter of Safeware's growth and culture. The Vice President of Human Resources will play a vital role in how we develop, engage, and empower our people while ensuring strong leadership, sound benefits programs, and a workplace culture that reflects our core values and commitment to excellence.