Director of People & Culture

Description

Allied Maker is a growing American manufacturer of handcrafted lighting. We are seeking an experienced Director of People and Culture to lead our HR function and support our next stage of organizational growth. This role is responsible for building structure, improving communication, and strengthening leadership across the company.

The ideal candidate brings strong HR expertise, experience in manufacturing environments, mature judgment, and the ability to operate independently while partnering closely with the company’s founders. This is an executive position suited for someone who is organized, calm, professional, and capable of translating company goals into effective people systems.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Partner with founders to align people strategy with company goals.
• Develop organizational structure, workforce planning, and leadership pathways.
• Implement systems that support accountability, communication, and performance.
• Lead all HR processes including onboarding, performance management, employee relations, and documentation.
• Build and maintain clear SOPs for HR, safety, and communication workflows.
• Manage compensation review processes and job architecture across departments.
• Strengthen a culture centered on craftsmanship, teamwork, and professionalism.
• Support department heads in developing leadership skills and improving team communication.
• Build programs that enhance engagement, retention, and employee development.
• Lead hiring for skilled trades, production roles, and office roles.
• Build strategic recruitment pipelines with trade schools and vocational programs.
• Develop structured interview processes, role scorecards, and hiring timelines.
• Maintain full compliance with OSHA, NY labor law, ADA, FMLA, and wage and hour regulations.
• Oversee safety communication, training, and best practices across the facility.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

Required Experience

Benefits

Allied Maker is a Long Island-based design and manufacturing studio run by designers, Ryden & Lanette Rizzo. Allied Maker is committed to manufacturing luxury crafted lighting made in the USA. Inspired by raw materials that grow more beautiful with time, Allied Maker utilizes a hand-applied blackening process and brass that will develop a beautiful patina with use. Allied Maker’s lighting fixtures can be seen in boutique hotels, residential and commercial projects worldwide and has been featured in publications such as Elle Decor, Dwell, Architectural Digest, NY Magazine and Domaine Home.