The Opportunity
Our client is seeking an experienced Plant Human Resources Manager to lead the HR function for a manufacturing facility in the Chattanooga area.
This is a hands-on HR leadership role responsible for both the strategic and day-to-day HR needs of the plant. The HR Manager will serve as a key member of the plant leadership team, partner closely with the Plant Manager, and oversee one HR Generalist.
The facility is non-union, so prior union experience is not required.
The ideal candidate is a strong HR generalist with manufacturing experience who is comfortable moving between employee relations, talent management, recruiting, performance management, training, benefits, compliance, and plant-level HR strategy.
Key Responsibilities
HR Leadership & Employee Relations
- Serve as the primary HR leader for the facility and a key member of the plant leadership team
- Act as a trusted advisor to the Plant Manager and other leaders on employee and organizational matters
- Provide hands-on coaching and guidance regarding employee relations, performance, policy interpretation, and workplace issues
- Ensure compliance with applicable employment laws, regulations, policies, and HR practices
- Develop and implement plant-level HR policies, processes, and programs
- Track HR metrics and KPIs and develop improvement plans based on trends and business needs
- Partner with leadership to identify organizational and workforce needs and implement appropriate solutions
- Lead and develop one HR Generalist
Recruiting & Onboarding
- Manage recruiting and selection activities for plant positions in partnership with hiring managers
- Support candidate screening, interviewing, selection, and hiring
- Maintain compliant recruiting and applicant-tracking practices
- Coordinate new-hire orientation and onboarding
Training & Development
- Partner with department leaders to identify training needs and develop appropriate training plans
- Coordinate and deliver training related to HR policies, compliance, leadership, and other plant needs
- Support employee and leadership development initiatives
Performance & Talent Management
- Lead plant-level performance management processes
- Coach leaders on performance expectations, employee development, and corrective action
- Support talent reviews, succession planning, and identification and development of high-potential employees
- Partner with leaders to strengthen employee engagement and retention
Compensation & Benefits
- Maintain awareness of local compensation and labor-market trends
- Support the administration and communication of compensation and benefits programs
- Oversee benefit enrollment and related employee communications
- Partner with corporate resources and external providers as needed
Safety & Workers’ Compensation
- Partner with plant leadership to support a safe and compliant workplace
- Manage workers’ compensation and employee injury cases, including return-to-work coordination
- Maintain required records and reporting related to workplace injuries and claims
- Support regulatory visits and inspections as needed
- Provide HR guidance regarding workplace health and safety matters
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree required; HR certification/designation preferred
- 5+ years of progressive HR experience, ideally within a manufacturing environment
- Automotive manufacturing experience is highly desirable
- Previous HR leadership or supervisory experience strongly preferred
- Strong generalist knowledge across employee relations, recruiting, performance management, talent development, compensation, benefits, compliance, and HR operations
- Demonstrated ability to handle complex employee relations issues and coach managers effectively
- Strong knowledge of employment laws and HR compliance
- Experience working within a larger or matrixed organization preferred
- Working knowledge of HRIS and payroll systems
- Strong business acumen with the ability to influence leaders at multiple levels
- Comfortable working in a hands-on plant environment
- Strong communication, judgment, organizational, and problem-solving skills
What We’re Looking For
This role is best suited for someone who enjoys being in the plant and close to the business, rather than operating solely from a corporate HR perspective. The successful candidate will be equally comfortable advising plant leadership on workforce strategy and stepping into the day-to-day HR issues that come with supporting a manufacturing workforce.
This is a non-union facility. Union experience is not required.