Job Description
SOUTHFIELD, MICHIGAN — HUMAN RESOURCES DIRECTOR
Southfield, MI (pop. approximately 77,000) – Located immediately north of Detroit, Southfield is one of Oakland County’s largest suburbs and a major regional business center. The City’s daytime population approaches 175,000, reflecting its concentration of major employers, international companies, and professional services.
The Human Resources Director is appointed by and reports to the City Administrator, subject to confirmation by the City Council, and serves as a member of the City’s Core Management Team. The Director leads a centralized, full-service HR Department supporting a diverse municipal workforce and the delivery of high-quality public services. The next Director will ensure the City is focused on recruiting and retaining a qualified, motivated, trained, and productive workforce, aligned with the policy goals of the City of Southfield, while maintaining fiscal sustainability in compensation and benefits.
The City has approximately 600 full-time-equivalent employees (FTEs), including 450 full-time staff and 150 FTE part-time, contract, and seasonal. In addition, the city administers benefits for approximately 700 retirees. The Human Resources Director oversees labor and employee relations, collective bargaining involving nine bargaining units, recruitment and selection, compensation and benefits, civil service support, policy development and legal compliance, training and organizational development, and retirement administration. The Director directly manages a team of approximately 10 employees including staff dedicated to recruitment, employee benefits, training and development, health and safety, and retiree administration.
Key Opportunities:
- Lead human resources for a workforce that reflects the diverse, dynamic community it serves.
- Build on a strong foundation in recruitment, retention, and compensation work.
- Shape the future of the HR Department through organizational review and team development.
- Foster internal talent, succession planning, and pride in City employment across the organization.
- Partner closely with the City Administrator and City Council to advance workforce priorities and organizational goals.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Public Administration, Business Administration, Labor Relations, or a closely related field. A master’s degree and/or professional human resources certification is preferred.
- Seven years of recent experience as a human resources director or senior manager in a government organization of similar size and scope. Direct experience in the areas of ongoing employee/labor relations, labor contract negotiations, recruitment and selection, and compensation and benefits.
- Considerable knowledge of the laws affecting public-sector employment and demonstrated leadership, problem-solving, analytical, organizational, presentation, communication, and technology skills.
Wage range of $122,967.85 to $184,524.44, with a comprehensive benefits package. Placement of the successful candidate within the wage range will be based on the candidate’s experience and qualifications. This is an unclassified, at-will position in the Management Group. Regular attendance at evening meetings is required. Applicants will be subject to a thorough background investigation.
The City of Southfield is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on any characteristic protected by law. Reasonable accommodations are available to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.
Candidates will be reviewed upon receipt of application. Apply by October 21, 2026. For questions, contact Jaymes Vettraino, jobs@vettrainoconsulting.com.