Senior Manager of Human Resources

Job Title: Senior Manager, Human Resources

Summary:
The Senior Manager, Human Resources will serve as a strategic business partner to the manufacturing plant leadership team. This role provides leadership, guidance, and support in all aspects of HR. The Senior Manager is responsible for building a high-performance culture, driving employee engagement, and aligning human resources initiatives with operational goals.

Key Responsibilities:

• Partner with site operations leaders to design and implement proactive employee relations programs that foster positive morale and engagement.
• Develop and execute innovative, cost-effective strategies to attract, hire, and retain top talent across all levels of the organization.
• Lead staffing and recruitment activities, including manpower planning, full-cycle recruiting for salaried staff, and direct hiring for production team members.
• Manage all aspects of onboarding, including background checks, drug screenings, offer letters, new hire paperwork, and orientation.
• Maintain HR systems and databases, ensuring accurate payroll and employee records.
• Oversee employee leaves of absence, unemployment claims, and policy compliance.
• Conduct investigations and provide guidance to management on issue resolution.
• Lead training and development initiatives, including performance reviews, succession planning, technical training for skilled roles, and leadership development in partnership with the Corporate L&OD team.
• Administer corrective action processes in a fair and consistent manner aligned with company values.
• Partner with Corporate HR on communications, compensation, benefits, and policy development to ensure consistency and compliance.
• Manage local compensation programs, including performance appraisals, wage rate administration, and annual increase recommendations.
• Support employee benefits administration, responding to inquiries and assisting staff and supervisors.
• Collaborate with corporate and cross-site HR teams on projects and initiatives as needed.
• Provide leadership to HR staff, including coaching, performance reviews, and career development.
• Organize and oversee employee engagement and recognition events.

Qualifications:

Education & Certifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Industrial Relations, or a related field required.

Experience:

• 10+ years of progressive HR experience, including at least 3 years in a supervisory or management role.
• Experience working in a manufacturing environment required.
• Strong background in HRIS systems; Workday experience preferred.
• Demonstrated project management skills.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite; computer literacy required.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish highly preferred but not mandatory.
• Thorough knowledge of federal and New Jersey state HR laws and regulations.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to handle sensitive and confidential matters with discretion.
• Skilled at conflict resolution, coaching, and delivering difficult messages effectively.
• Strategic thinker with a passion for continuous improvement in HR processes and organizational development.
• Service-oriented with a collaborative mindset and a focus on building strong business partnerships.

Supervisory Responsibilities:
This position has direct supervisory responsibility and will oversee HR staff. Duties include hiring, coaching, performance management, professional development, and making recommendations on staffing and disciplinary actions.