HR Manager - Phoenix Distribution Center

POSITION TITLE: Manager – Human Resources

Location: AEO Phoenix Distribution Center (New Site Opening)

As the Human Resources Manager for AEO’s brand-new Phoenix Distribution Center, you will play a critical leadership role in launching and supporting a high-performing, people-first operation. While this is a new facility, you’ll be building upon AEO’s established HR best practices, tools and processes - bringing consistency, structure and innovation together to create an exceptional workplace.

You’ll be responsible for implementing and managing core HR programs across the talent lifecycle including recruitment, onboarding, development, performance management, employee relations, workers’ compensation, benefits administration and campus culture. In partnership with DC leadership and AEO’s corporate HR teams, you’ll help ensure our people strategies align with business goals while fostering a safe, inclusive and engaging work environment.

Your Responsibilities Include

• Talent Acquisition & Onboarding – Lead recruiting, hiring and onboarding in partnership with AEO Recruiting. Apply proven strategies, track metrics and implement site-specific retention and engagement initiatives.
• HR Leadership & Team Development – Coach and manage the HR team across core functions (talent management, employee relations, benefits, leave and compliance). Deliver enterprise learning and development programs while building internal pipelines and succession plans.
• Performance & Workforce Management – Support leadership in setting goals, conducting reviews and executing AEO’s performance processes. Drive workforce and succession planning to ensure readiness and progression.
• Employee Relations & Culture – Champion AEO’s open-door culture, guide policy application and resolve employee concerns through investigations and corrective actions. Promote inclusion, engagement and proactive labor relations through communications and campus events.
• Programs & Compliance – Oversee benefits, leave, workers’ compensation and safety programs in partnership with corporate teams. Ensure compliance with policies, legal requirements and regulatory standards.
• Strategic Projects & Leadership – Lead cross-DC initiatives, share best practices and build strong partnerships across the Phoenix DC and broader AEO organization. Model values of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.

Qualifications:

• 10+ years of progressive HR experience, with at least 1-5 years in a leadership role within a large distribution center or similar high-volume operational environment.
• Proven ability to build relationships, influence change and lead by example.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with experience presenting to diverse audiences.
• Results-driven mindset with the ability to act on both qualitative and quantitative data.
• High integrity, excellent project management skills, and proficiency with Google Workspace.
• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred.
• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.

Preferred Experience:

• Proven ability to build and execute strategic labor and talent plans.
• Strong working knowledge of OSHA and workers’ compensation regulatory compliance.
• Hands-on experience managing local benefits and leave programs.

Leadership Competencies:

• Resourceful: Identifies and removes barriers to achieve results.
• Collaborative: Builds cross-functional relationships to drive alignment.
• Servant Leader: Inspires others and leads by example.

Why Join Us?

This is more than an HR role - it’s an opportunity to launch a new facility with the support of a well-established, people-first company. You’ll help shape the foundation of a new team and workplace culture, all while guided by AEO’s proven HR strategies and support network.

If you’re ready to lead, build and make a lasting impact from day one, we’d love to hear from you.

Pay/Benefits Information:

• Actual starting pay is determined by various factors, including but not limited to relevant experience and location.
• Subject to eligibility requirements, associates may receive health care benefits (including medical, vision, and dental); wellness benefits; 401(k) retirement benefits; life and disability insurance; employee stock purchase program; paid time off; paid sick leave; and parental leave and benefits.
• Paid Time Off, paid sick leave, and holiday pay vary by job level and type, job location, employment classification (part-time or full-time / exempt or non-exempt), and years of service. For additional information, please click here.
• AEO may also provide discretionary bonuses and other incentives at its discretion.

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American Eagle Outfitters (NYSE: AEO) is a portfolio of unique, loved and enduring brands with merchandise assortments that consist of high-quality, on-trend apparel, intimates, activewear, accessories, and personal care products. AEO operates stores in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Hong Kong, and ships to approximately 80 countries worldwide through its websites. American Eagle and Aerie merchandise also is available at more than 300 international locations operated by licensees in approximately 30 countries. AEO is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to complying with all federal, state and local equal employment opportunity ("EEO") laws. AEO prohibits discrimination against associates and applicants for employment because of the individual's race or color, religion or creed, alienage or citizenship status, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability, gender identity or expression, marital or partnership status, domestic violence or stalking victim status, genetic information or predisposing genetic characteristics, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. This applies to all AEO activities, including, but not limited to, recruitment, hiring, compensation, assignment, training, promotion, performance evaluation, discipline and discharge. AEO also provides reasonable accommodation of religion and disability in accordance with applicable law. Applications will be accepted until the Apply Before date (if applicable), but may be extended based on applicant volume.