Deputy Director of Human Resources
By Kaity Asta (https://www.blackriversystems.com/author/kaitya/) / November 6, 2026
Location - Utica NY
Salary - $80,000 - $120,000
Black River Systems Company, Inc. is an established, employee-owned engineering firm headquartered in Utica, NY. We specialize in advanced research and development for the U.S. Department of Defense, Intelligence Community, and commercial customers. We are seeking an experienced Human Resources professional to join our growing HR team. Depending on the selected candidate's experience, qualifications, and demonstrated leadership capability, this position may be filled at the Human Resources Manager or Deputy Director of Human Resources level. Reporting to the Director of Human Resources, this position will lead day-to-day HR operations, translate HR strategy into consistent company-wide programs and processes, provide guidance to employees and managers, and direct the work of HR support staff. At the Deputy Director level, the position will also serve as the Director's primary operational deputy, assume greater responsibility for complex employee relations and organizational initiatives, and represent the HR function with executive leadership as appropriate. The successful candidate will be comfortable working independently, exercising sound judgment, improving processes, and adapting to the changing needs of a growing, multi-state organization.
Position Responsibilities:
Partner with the Director of Human Resources and executive leadership to implement company-wide HR priorities, workforce initiatives, and organizational programs.
Serve as the operational lead for day-to-day HR activities and provide work direction, prioritization, and quality review for HR Coordinator responsibilities.
Manage the employee lifecycle, including recruiting, interviewing, hiring, onboarding, employee development, performance management, employment changes, and offboarding.
Lead routine and moderately complex employee relations matters, coach managers on performance and policy issues, and escalate investigations, significant corrective actions, terminations, and other high-risk matters to the Director. At the Deputy Director level, independently handle a broader range of complex employee relations matters in coordination with the Director.
Administer and continuously improve the company's performance management and employee evaluation processes, including schedules, manager guidance, completion tracking, and process consistency.
Collaborate with the company's benefits broker to evaluate and administer employee benefit programs, including health and welfare benefits, retirement plans, disability programs, and workers' compensation; partner with Finance on cost, payment, and reconciliation activities.
Administer and coordinate employee leave programs, including FMLA, applicable state paid family and medical leave programs, ADA accommodations, and related company policies, ensuring timely documentation and appropriate escalation of complex cases.
Serve as a trusted resource to employees and managers regarding HR policies, employee relations, compensation, benefits, leave administration, and workplace concerns.
Monitor changes to federal, state, and local employment laws and recommend policy, handbook, and process updates to the Director to maintain compliance across company locations.
Draft, interpret, administer, and maintain HR policies, procedures, standard operating practices, and Employee Handbook content in coordination with the Director.
Support compensation planning, salary administration, market benchmarking, internal equity reviews, and annual performance and compensation cycles; prepare analyses and recommendations for Director and executive review.
Ensure employee and applicant records, HRIS information, and related documentation are complete, accurate, confidential, and compliant with applicable employment laws and government requirements.
Ensure compliance with applicable federal contractor HR requirements, including EEO, affirmative action, required reporting, and audit documentation.
Support security clearance onboarding and coordination with the Facility Security Officer while maintaining clear separation between HR responsibilities and Security ownership.
Support DCAA and other audit-related personnel documentation requests in coordination with Finance, Contracts, and other functional areas.
Develop and maintain structured recruiting and interview processes that provide a professional, consistent candidate and hiring-manager experience.
Identify opportunities to streamline HR workflows, improve employee service, strengthen internal controls, and automate recurring administrative activities.
At the Deputy Director level, act as the Director of Human Resources' primary operational deputy and act on behalf of the Director for designated matters when requested, while preserving Director ownership of HR strategy, major policy decisions, executive-level employee matters, and significant organizational risk.
Position Requirements:
Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field; an equivalent combination of education and progressively responsible HR experience will be considered.
Human Resources Manager level: generally, 5-7 or more years of progressive Human Resources experience with demonstrated independent ownership of multiple HR functional areas. Deputy Director level: generally, 7-10 or more years of progressive Human Resources experience with demonstrated leadership, independent judgment, and broad organizational responsibility.
Strong working knowledge of federal and state employment laws, including FMLA, ADA, FLSA, EEO, and other applicable regulations.
Experience administering employee benefits, leave programs, recruiting, employee relations, compensation support, and performance management processes. Deputy Director candidates should demonstrate the ability to independently lead several of these areas and provide guidance to other HR staff.
Demonstrated ability to handle employee relations matters with sound judgment, appropriate discretion, and recognition of when escalation is required.
Experience supporting a multi-state workforce or operating in a compliance-intensive environment is preferred.
Experience with federal contractor HR requirements, affirmative action, EEO reporting, or government audits is strongly preferred.
Strong analytical, organizational, interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities independently while providing responsive service to employees, managers, and leadership.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and Word, and experience with HRIS or comparable enterprise systems; Deltek Costpoint experience is a plus.
Professional HR certification such as SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or SPHR is preferred.
Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and exercise sound judgment with sensitive employee and company information.
U.S. citizenship is required to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance.
Black River Systems is a growing, employee-owned company committed to delivering innovative solutions to our customers while investing in the success of our employees. We offer a competitive salary, an excellent benefits package, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact within a collaborative small business. Final title and level will be based on the selected candidate's experience, qualifications, and demonstrated leadership capability. If you are interested in joining our HR team, please send your resume to:hr@brsc.com.
Black River Systems is an EEO/AA employer. We are an equal opportunity employer to all protected groups, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities or any other basis protected by federal law. In addition, Black River Systems Company complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which we have facilities and employees.
