THE POSITION: Van Dam is looking for an experienced HR professional to build and lead the human resources function for our campus in Boyne City — home to Van Dam Custom Boats and Boyne Boat Yard. We aim to be the best in the industry, and this is a dynamic opportunity for a passionate professional to contribute to our tradition of excellence by fostering a culture where employees are valued, supported, and inspired to grow with us into the future.
This is a true department of one. You will own HR end to end for 35+ employees across two companies, reporting directly to the Co-Owner and Vice President. There is real infrastructure to build here and real autonomy to build it —you will have direct access to our leadership team and ownership every day.
This role is on campus. We will work with you to set a consistent weekly schedule that fits your life, but this is a job where being present and visible on the shop floor matters.
COMPENSATION RANGE: $70,000 - $90,000 per year, depending on experience, plus profit sharing bonus, 401(k) with company contribution, and full benefits. Relocation assistance is available for qualified candidates.
WHAT YOU’LL OWN:
Talent Acquisition & Onboarding: Own the full hiring cycle in partnership with department managers and the Vice President: postings, sourcing, interviewing, offers, and reference and background checks. Deliver a new-hire orientation to provide a seamless onboarding experience with proper training, company knowledge, and employee integration.
Benefits, Compensation & Payroll: Administer full benefit program, including annual open enrollment and the employee education that goes with it. Maintain compensation structures, support our profit sharing program, and either own payroll directly or manage our payroll provider relationship.
A note on payroll: Payroll is currently handled by an outside provider, which has worked well for our campus. We are genuinely open on where it lands long term. If payroll administration is work you are good at and want to own, we will bring it in house and build it into this role; if payroll is work you would rather leave with our provider, we will keep it there and you will manage the relationship. We’re looking to you to tell us which you would prefer.
Employee Relationships and Talent Development: Run our Performance Management Program so reviews are meaningful, consistent, and happen on time. Build development paths for all employees, coordinate leadership development for our management team, and manage training and certification requirements. Coach managers through performance and accountability conversations, investigate and resolve concerns with discretion, and keep our employee handbook and policies current, clear, and genuinely useful.
Compliance and Administration: Manages all employee files, develops and maintains employee policies, researches and promotes HR best practices to foster a positive and compliant workplace. Maintain compliance with federal and Michigan employment law, I-9 and recordkeeping requirements, leave administration, and workers’ compensation claims.
Culture & Employee Experience: Steward our 37 cultural fundamentals in daily practice. Lead recognition programs, company meetings, and events that make Van Dam a place where people build a career rather than take a job. Uphold our commitment to creating a workplace where employees thrive, feel valued, and encourage others to join our team.
REQUIREMENTS & QUALIFICATIONS:
- 5+ years of progressive HR experience, including time as a generalist or a department of one
- Working knowledge of federal and Michigan employment law, benefits administration, and HR information systems
- A track record of developing and implementing HR policies, compensation structures, or performance management systems
- Sound judgment and absolute discretion with confidential information
- Clear, confident communication in writing, one-on-one, and in front of a group
- A hands-on, proactive approach with a passion for employee engagement and well-being
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
- Strong analytical and critical thinking skills
NICE TO HAVE:
- Manufacturing, fabrication, marine, or skilled-trades experience
- SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or SPHR certification
- Bachelor’s degree in HR, Business Administration, Industrial/Organizational Psychology, or related field
Equivalent experience is valued. If you meet most of the above and this sounds like an exciting position for you, we would love to hear from you.
OUR BENEFIT OFFERINGS:
Unique Benefits
- $200 crew gear allowance in the first year and $150 each year after
- Profit-sharing plan
- After-hours shop and tool access
- Paid certifications and industry training if applicable and approved
- Company-sponsored events
- Relocation assistance for qualified candidates
Standard Benefits
- 401(k) with company contribution
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- Company-paid life insurance
- Employees may purchase additional life, short-term and long-term disability insurance through company group rates
- Employee discounts
- Paid time off and holidays
MORE ABOUT US:
THE CAMPUS—Located in Boyne City, Michigan, our campus is home to both Van Dam Custom Boats and Boyne Boat Yard, two companies united by a passion for craftsmanship, innovation, and excellence in the marine industry.
Van Dam Custom Boats has been building high-performance, wood-composite boats since 1977. Known for our world-class craftsmanship and cutting-edge designs, we blend traditional techniques with modern engineering. Our skilled team works in a dynamic, state-of-the-art facility, taking on some of the most exciting and intricate builds in the industry. We build one new boat at a time, and our backlog stretches into 2028.
Boyne Boat Yard, our full-service marine yard, extends this expertise into service, repair, and restoration for a wide range of recreational boats, from Van Dam power and sailboats to 55’ sport yachts and cruisers. We are a technician’s yard, dedicated to solving highly technical challenges with precision and care. With access to Van Dam’s wood shop, machine shop, paint shop, and design office, there is no project too complex for our team.
Together, our campus fosters a strong culture of collaboration, continuous learning, and a shared commitment to excellence — anchored by the 37 cultural fundamentals that guide how we work with each other and with our customers every day.
TIMELINE:
Aug 23, 2026: Applications due
Aug 10 – 28: Stage 1 — screening calls
Sept 8 – 11: Stage 2 — on-site interviews in Boyne City
Sept 28, 2026: Desired start date
HOW TO APPLY: To apply, please visit our website at Van Dam Custom Boats | Careers and submit your letter of interest and resume. Applications are due August 23, 2026.
Van Dam Custom Boats and Boyne Boat Yard are equal opportunity employers. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, height, weight, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by federal or Michigan law. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, let us know and we will make it work.
This description reflects the general scope and nature of the role and is not an exhaustive list of duties. Employment with Van Dam is at will.
Pay: $70,000.00 - $90,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Referral program
- Relocation assistance
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
