Human Resources Manager

Position Summary:
The Human Resources Manager serves as a strategic business partner to the Plant Manager, aligning HR initiatives with the organization's overall objectives and driving a high-performance, people-focused culture. This role is responsible for leading and administering all HR programs, policies, and services for the Lawrence, KS and Shawnee, KS manufacturing plants including employee relations, talent acquisition, policy interpretation, and Team Member services.

Acting as a trusted advisor to plant leadership, the HR Manager provides guidance on a wide range of human resources issues while championing best practices and fostering a positive, compliant, and inclusive work environment. The position also advocates for Team Members and manufacturing staff, supports organizational effectiveness, and leads a team of HR professionals to ensure the delivery of consistent, high-quality HR support across the operation.

Key Responsibilities:

• Serve as a strategic partner to the Plant Manager and manufacturing leadership, providing expert guidance, coaching, and support on all talent and employee-related matters.
• Lead, coach, and develop team of HR professionals, ensuring effective delivery of HR services while fostering a collaborative, high-performing, and service-oriented team environment.

• Oversee all aspects of HR within the plant and partner with the WSSC support staff for assistance and on special projects and initiatives
• Manage all aspects of local HR operations, including employee relations, recruitment, onboarding, benefits administration, performance management, and compliance.
• Provide guidance and interpretation of policies, procedures, and employment laws.
• Adhere to HR policies and procedures to ensure effective, fair and consistent workforce management throughout the organization, advising on changes when needed to meet the needs of the business and drive results

• Champion a positive workplace culture that promotes teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to leaders and Team Members, offering proactive solutions to workforce challenges.
• Collaborate with WSSC support staff to align plant HR strategies with organizational goals.

• Responsible for the preparation and maintenance of required HR reports including compliance and KPIs on a monthly and quarterly basis or as company needs dictate.

• Drive key HR processes and programs, including performance management engagement and retention strategies.
• Act as an employee advocate, meeting with Team Members at the location to address concerns, identify issues, and recommend solutions.
• Lead investigations, recommend resolutions, and support corrective action processes, including drafting and assisting management with the delivery of documentation.
• Ensure consistent application of HR policies and procedures, advising on updates to meet evolving business needs.
• Oversee communication strategies to ensure employees are informed on key initiatives and company updates.
• Promote strong employee engagement, morale, and retention through proactive initiatives and events.
• Identify training needs and partner with the training team to design and deliver impactful learning programs; develop and facilitate local training courses including regulatory compliance training.
• Monitor and recommend competitive pay strategies based on local market trends.
• Identify and ensure compliance with applicable federal and state employment laws.
• Identify and implement process improvements to increase efficiency and accuracy in HR operations.
• Organize, oversee and actively participate in employee events to strengthen workplace culture.

• Perform all assigned duties safely.
• Other reasonably related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive Human Resources leadership experience.
• Proven experience managing HR functions such as employee relations, talent acquisition, performance management and compliance
• Background in manufacturing, distribution or similar fast-paced environments preferred
• Strong knowledge of federal, state and local employment laws, regulations and HR best practices (e.g., FLSA, FMLA, ADA, EEO)
• Demonstrated experience in Lean Six Sigma methodologies and continuous improvement practices highly preferred.
• Proficiency with HRIS systems, payroll platforms and MS Office Suite.
• Advanced proficiency in MS Excel and SharePoint
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.
• Proven ability to build relationships and influence at all organizational levels.
• Demonstrated integrity, confidentiality and professionalism.
• Sound judgment and decision-making in sensitive situations.
• Detail oriented with strong organizational and time management skills

Other Job Responsibilities and Physical Requirements:

1. Light office activities and duties.
2. Occasional travel.