Job Description: Human Resources Manager
Position: Human Resources Manager
Department: Human Resources
Location: Ft. Wayne, IN
Reports To: Sr. HR Manager
About the Role
Central Garden & Pet is a market leader in the Garden and Pet industries. For over 40 years, Central has proudly nurtured happy and healthy homes by bringing innovative and trusted solutions to its consumers and customers. We have an exciting opportunity in our Ft. Wayne, Indiana location for a Human Resources Manager.
To succeed in this HR Manager role, you should bring a solid background in human resources, ideally within a manufacturing or warehouse setting. A strong grasp of labor laws, compliance standards, and HR best practices are essential. We're looking for someone with excellent leadership, communication, and critical thinking skills who can perform well in a fast-paced and multilingual environment. If you're passionate about supporting employees and building a positive workplace culture, we encourage you to apply for this opportunity.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the site through ownership of HR activities, including staffing, employee relations, performance management, and talent development.
- Coordinate orientation and provide a positive onboarding experience for all new hires.
- Guide and coach leadership on employee relations matters, help to resolve conflicts, promote open communication, and support a positive and collaborative work environment.
- In collaboration with health and safety, support early return to work through successful management of workers' compensation claims.
- Support employee engagement such as company events and employee recognition programs.
- Coordinate and facilitate training to enhance the skill level of the workforce and ensure compliance.
- Analyze site HR metrics, such as turnover rates, absenteeism, and retention to identify opportunities for improvement.
- Collaborate with employees and managers to ensure clarity of roles and responsibilities, effective performance appraisals, and career development.
- Ensure policies and processes are applied fairly and consistently.
- Ensure compliance with various governmental laws and regulations, including OSHA, DOT, EEOC, Safety and Health, Environmental, Employment and Hours, Sarbanes-Oxley, Staffing, Workers' Compensation, and Workplace Harassment and Violence Prevention.
- Provide instruction and tools for employees to learn about company benefits, policies, and programs.
- Represent the company in unemployment matters, including responding to correspondence and attending hearings as needed.
- Develop a strong understanding of the manufacturing processes to understand critical skills and personnel needed to optimize plant performance.
- Develop and maintain strong working relationships with individuals and organizations outside the company to ensure a positive company image and community involvement. (e.g. educational institutions, local employers, civic organizations, employment agencies, social groups, etc.).
- Projects and initiatives as needed by the business.
Qualifications
- Thorough knowledge of employment compliance requirements and labor laws.
- Experience in recruiting, interviewing, and onboarding is required.
- Bilingual (Spanish) is preferred.
- Experience in ADP Workforce Now is an asset.
- The ideal candidate has strong problem-solving, organizational skills, and is self-motivated.
- Knowledge of OSHA and DOT Regulations preferred.
- Excellent written and verbal communications skills.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite with ability to quickly learn other computer software as needed.
Minimum Experience and Education
- Bachelor’s degree, preferably in the field of Human Resources, is required.
- Minimum of five years of experience in HR at a plant level required, experience in distribution or manufacturing environments strongly preferred.
- PHR or SPHR certification preferred.
Working Conditions
- The position is within a manufacturing and warehouse environment in our Ft. Wayne, Indiana.
- The role is primarily based in an office environment, with meetings and walk-throughs required in manufacturing and warehouse settings. Must be able to be present in all areas as needed.
- This is a salaried-exempt position; hours will generally be regular business hours and may require hours outside of regular business hours. There may be some variation in work hours due to training schedules, overtime, special projects, deadlines, and other concerns.
Benefits and Employee Programs
- Enjoy paid vacation days, holidays, and a floating holiday!
- Comprehensive health insurance benefits include medical, dental, vision, accident, disability, dependent life, and other voluntary options. Our Health Savings Accounts (HSA) are available with a company-funded stipend.
- Employer-paid Life Insurance
- A competitive 401(k) plan with employer match to help you plan ahead.
- Paid Parental Leave so you can focus on what matters most.
- Education Assistance for college degrees and professional certifications.
- Opportunities for career advancement and internal mobility.
- Access to thousands of free online courses through our Learning & Development platform.
- Our Employee Recognition Programs spotlight your achievements and contributions.
- Confidential Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for personal and professional support.
Central Garden & Pet Company (NASDAQ: CENT) (NASDAQ: CENTA) is a leading consumer goods company in the pet and garden industries. Guided by the belief that home is central to life, the Company's purpose is to proudly nurture happy and healthy homes. For over 45 years, its innovative and trusted solutions have helped lawns grow greener, gardens bloom bigger, pets live healthier, and communities grow stronger. Central is home to a diversified portfolio of market-leading brands including Amdro®, Aqueon®, Best Bully Sticks®, Cadet®, C&S®, Farnam®, Ferry-Morse®, Kaytee®, Nylabone®, Pennington®, Sevin® and Zoёcon®. With fiscal 2025 net sales of $3.1 billion, Central has strong manufacturing and logistics capabilities supported by a passionate, entrepreneurial growth culture. The Company is headquartered in Walnut Creek, California, and employs over 6,000 people, primarily across North America. Visit
www.central.com to learn more.
We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law.