Plant HR Manager – Automotive Manufacturing

$105,000–$120,000 + 10% Bonus

Chattanooga, Tennessee

The Opportunity

This is a newly built plant with a single, dedicated customer: BMW. You'd be the HR Manager for a brand-new site inside a global Tier 1/2 automotive supplier network of 60 plants and 7,000+ employees — with the growth trajectory and visibility that comes with standing up a facility from the ground floor.

The plant is non-union, so union-specific HR experience isn't required. You'll sit on the Plant Management Team as advisor to the Plant Manager, with one direct report (HR Generalist), and own the full HR function on-site: recruitment, training, performance management, total rewards administration, and HS&E.

Why You'll Love This Role

You'll have real seat-at-the-table influence — this role is a core member of the site leadership team, not a back-office function. The company's track record backs that up: the last person in this role was promoted internally to Sr. Employee Relations Manager at the corporate level.

This is a hands-on, plant-floor HR role, not a purely strategic desk job — ideal if you want to be close to operations while still shaping policy, talent strategy, and site culture. Relocation is paid, and the company recruits nationwide for this position.

What Your Week Looks Like

• Advise the Plant Manager and leadership team on employee relations, engagement, and HR strategy
• Manage recruitment, screening, interviewing, and onboarding for open plant positions
• Oversee training and development plans aligned to TS16949 requirements and TWI methodology
• Administer performance management, including the talent model and development planning
• Oversee total rewards administration, HRIS record-keeping, and benefits enrollment
• Manage HS&E compliance: injury claims, workers' comp records, regulatory reporting, and safety advocacy
• Coach your HR Generalist and partner with department heads on workforce needs

What We're Looking For

• Bachelor's degree; professional HR certification a plus
• 5+ years of HR management experience in manufacturing (automotive industry experience desirable)
• Prior supervisory experience strongly preferred
• Experience working within a matrix, global organization
• Working knowledge of payroll and HRIS systems
• Solid grasp of HR fundamentals with the ability to influence decision-makers at multiple levels
• Willingness and ability to learn technical, plant-specific concepts

Why Candidates Say Yes

• Ground-floor opportunity at a newly built plant with a single, high-profile customer (BMW)
• Clear path to corporate advancement — proven by your predecessor's promotion
• Direct influence as part of the site leadership team, not a satellite HR function
• Backed by a large, stable global organization (60 plants, 7,000+ employees)
• Paid relocation for the right candidate

Ready to Apply?

If you're a hands-on manufacturing HR leader who wants ownership of a new plant and a direct line to executive leadership, this is worth a conversation.

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