UPPCO seeks a Vice President of Human Resources to join their team in Marquette, Michigan. The VP serves as a key member of our executive leadership team—providing strategic direction, fostering an engaged workplace culture, and helping shape the future of a company deeply rooted in its community.

In this role, you report to and align as a strategic partner to the CEO. You’ll work with and guide senior leaders across the organization to ensure that our people practices align with our Mission, Vision, and Values. You’ll steer all aspects of human resource management, from workforce planning and organizational development to labor relations and compliance. This is a hands-on leadership role that combines strategy, collaboration, and heart.

WHAT WE OFFER.

• Very competitive salary based on your knowledge and experience.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) retirement plan with up to a 5% company match.
• Additional insurances at no cost to you: short and long-term disability, medical emergency transport, basic life, accidental death & dismemberment, and employee assistance.
• Generous paid time off and nine paid holidays.
• The opportunity to make a lasting impact in a respected, community-minded utility organization.
• Relocation assistance, if needed.

WHAT YOU WILL DO.

• Lead HR strategy in partnership with the CEO and executive team to support operational excellence and employee well-being.
• Oversee all facets of HR including talent management, workforce development, compensation, benefits, compliance, and culture.
• Serve as the company’s Ethics Officer, ensuring fairness, transparency, and adherence to federal, state, and local laws (including FLSA, FMLA, ADA, ADEA, Title VII, NLRA, OSHA, and ERISA).
• Partner closely with the Director of Safety and Employee Relations to build trust and collaboration across the organization.
• Champion employee engagement, recognition, and wellness programs that foster belonging and pride.
• Lead collective bargaining activities, negotiations, administration of contracts, and maintain positive labor relations within a respectful, solutions-focused environment.
• Develop and oversee competitive compensation and benefit programs that attract and retain top talent.
• Drive continuous improvement through HR analytics, workforce metrics, and strategic insights.
• Lead HR aspects of change management—including mergers, acquisitions, and organizational transitions—with empathy and foresight.
• Manage departmental budgets, ensuring responsible use of resources and measurable results.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR.

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Behavioral Science, Business, or related field required (Master’s preferred).
• 10+ years of hands-on experience across core HR functions with increasing levels of responsibility.
• Experience in a unionized environment and familiarity with collective bargaining agreements preferred.
• Demonstrated success as a contributing member of a leadership team supporting both white-collar and blue-collar workforces.
• Strong understanding of compliance, ethics, and governance in a regulated industry—utility experience a bonus.
• SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP certification strongly preferred.
• Excellent communicator and relationship-builder who can inspire confidence, trust, and accountability at every level.

ARE YOU READY to join an organization that powers Michigan’s Upper Peninsula with integrity, innovation, and care for the people who make it all possible? Apply today at uppco.hirescore.com

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While we are seeking a qualified Vice President of Human Resources, the Company may consider appointing a Director of Human Resources for candidates whose experience, knowledge, and skills align more closely with that level of responsibility.