HR Director - Tucson, Arizona, , United States

Summary · The HR Director is a key member of our Senior Leadership Team, responsible for shaping and executing Universal Avionics' people strategy. This role is about more than managing HR operations, it's about driving culture transformation, strengthening employee engagement, a ...

Job description

Summary

The HR Director is a key member of our Senior Leadership Team, responsible for shaping and executing Universal Avionics' people strategy. This role is about more than managing HR operations, it's about driving culture transformation, strengthening employee engagement, and aligning talent initiatives with our long-term business goals. As a strategic partner to the CEO, you'll help build an environment where innovation, collaboration, and growth thrive.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following. 

Talent Strategy & Leadership

• Lead the HR team in delivering recruitment, onboarding, and talent development programs that attract and grow top talent.
• Partner with senior leaders to align people initiatives with business strategy.
• Champion diversity, equity, and inclusion across the organization.
• Oversee and direct the development and administration of the Human Resources Department annual budget.
• Prepare and deliver presentations to corporate officers or government officials regarding HR policies and practices.

Culture & Engagement

• Define and execute a culture transformation plan that fosters collaboration, innovation, and employee well-being.
• Drive initiatives that strengthen engagement, recognition, and career growth opportunities.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to leadership and employees, ensuring a positive and supportive workplace.

Compensation & Benefits

• Analyze market data to maintain competitive compensation and benefits programs.
• Recommend enhancements that support employee satisfaction and retention.
• Oversee administration of health, retirement, and wellness programs, including group insurance, flexible spending, COBRA, HIPAA, and FMLA.
• Evaluate existing benefit policies and industry practices to recommend modifications that keep programs competitive. 

Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure HR policies and practices comply with federal and state laws.
• Consult internal and external legal counsel to ensure compliance.
• Oversee employee relations, investigations, and litigation management with professionalism and integrity.
• Prepare Affirmative Action Plans and maintain records required for government reporting.
• Serve as HIPAA Privacy Manager and ADA Coordinator.
• Monitor legislation and arbitration decisions to assess industry trends.
• Manage employment litigation, including coordination with outside attorneys and responses to EEOC charges.
• Maintain confidentiality and uphold ethical standards in all HR matters.

Organizational Development & Process Improvement

• Lead training, leadership development, and succession planning initiatives.
• Support change management efforts to build resilience and adaptability across the company.
• Provide insights and data-driven recommendations to guide executive decision-making.
• Oversee HRIS systems to ensure accurate data, reporting, and integration with business needs.
• Identify and implement HR process improvements that enhance efficiency, employee experience, and scalability.

Competencies

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

 Analytical & Problem Solving - Collects and researches data, identifies issues quickly, develops solutions, and uses sound judgment even in complex or emotional situations.

Technical & Continuous Learning – Builds and shares expertise, leverages HRIS and technology, and stays current with industry trends.

Communication & Interpersonal Skills – Speaks and writes clearly, listens actively, presents effectively, and maintains confidentiality while fostering trust and collaboration.

Leadership & People Management – Inspires and motivates others, delegates effectively, includes staff in decision-making, and provides regular performance feedback.

 Change Management & Adaptability – Communicates change clearly, builds commitment, supports those affected, and adapts to shifting priorities and demands.

Diversity, Ethics & Professionalism – Promotes inclusion and a harassment-free environment, acts with integrity, and treats others with respect regardless of role or status.

Dependability & Motivation – Demonstrates accountability, persistence, and resilience; consistently meets commitments and strives for excellence.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below represent the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

 Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced HR or business education preferred.
• 7+ years of progressive HR leadership experience, with a track record of driving culture, engagement, and organizational growth.
• Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered.

Professional Certification

• PHR or SPHR certification preferred.

What We Offer:

• Benefits eligibility starts on your first day as a full-time employee at Universal Avionics.
• Medical insurance (multiple plan options, including low-deductible PPO)
• Preventive care covered at 100%
• Affordable copays for doctor visits, urgent care, and prescriptions
• Teladoc virtual care access
• Vision coverage through VSP (includes exams, frames, and lenses)
• Dental insurance (covers preventive, basic, and major services)
• 401(k) with immediate safe harbor match (100% match on up to 4% of pay after 60 days)
• Vacation, sick time, and 14 paid holidays (including a week in December)
• Tuition reimbursement
• Gym reimbursement
  • One Pass Select (discounted access to gyms, fitness apps, and more)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and emotional wellness support:
  • Up to 3 free counseling visits per issue/year through Reliance Matrix
  • Up to 6 free counseling sessions per issue/year through Health Advocate
  • Includes mental health, financial, legal, work-life, medical navigation, and life coaching support
• And more

 Why You'll Love Working Here:

• Universal Avionics offers the best of both worlds: the close-knit, agile culture of a mid-sized company, with the resources and global impact of our parent company, Elbit Systems.
• Our team is driven by purpose, innovation, and a shared passion for aviation safety.
• Here's what makes our work environment thrive:
• A collaborative, supportive team of skilled professionals and mentors
• Groundbreaking projects that shape the future of avionics technology
• A company culture that promotes innovation, career growth, and continuous learning
• Meaningful work that impacts air travel safety around the world

 To learn more about Universal Avionics, visit:

 Universal Avionics' products and technology are subject to U.S. export laws and regulations, including but not limited to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR). As part of our compliance process, we inquire about work authorization and citizenship status to ensure alignment with these regulations.