Human Resources Manager

Position Summary:

We are seeking an experienced and hands-on Human Resources Manager to serve as the Head of HR for two ingredient manufacturing facilities in Wisconsin. This role is responsible for leading all aspects of human resources across both locations, partnering closely with plant leadership to support business objectives, maintain a positive employee relations environment, ensure compliance with employment laws and food manufacturing regulations, and drive talent acquisition, retention, and workforce development initiatives.

The successful candidate will live in close proximity to both facilities and maintain a regular on-site presence at each manufacturing location to build strong relationships with employees and managers, support operational needs, and ensure consistent HR practices across both sites.

Location: Wisconsin-based role. Candidate must live within a reasonable commuting distance of both manufacturing facilities in Dresser and Cameron, WI, with weekly travel between sites required.

Key Responsibilities: 

HR Leadership & Strategy

• Serve as the senior HR leader for both manufacturing facilities.
• Develop and execute HR strategies that support operational and business objectives.
• Act as a trusted advisor to plant managers and leadership teams.
• Lead workforce planning initiatives to ensure adequate staffing and organizational capability.
• Promote a culture of safety, accountability, engagement, and continuous improvement.

Employee Relations

• Provide guidance and coaching to managers on employee relations matters.
• Conduct workplace investigations and recommend appropriate resolutions.
• Address employee concerns and facilitate conflict resolution.
• Support employee engagement initiatives and retention strategies.
• Foster a proactive, respectful and positive workplace culture aligned with company values.

Talent Acquisition & Workforce Planning

• Lead recruitment efforts for hourly, salaried, technical, and leadership positions.
• Develop sourcing strategies to attract qualified manufacturing talent.
• Partner with hiring managers on workforce planning and succession planning.
• Oversee onboarding and orientation programs to ensure successful integration of new employees.

Performance Management & Development

• Manage performance review processes and support leadership development.
• Identify training and development needs across both facilities.
• Coordinate employee training programs, including compliance and leadership training.
• Support career development and succession planning initiatives.

Compensation & Benefits

• Administer compensation programs and ensure internal equity and market competitiveness.
• Support annual salary review and incentive processes.
• Serve as a liaison with benefits providers and assist employees with benefits-related matters.
• Analyze workforce metrics and make recommendations to improve retention and performance.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.
• Maintain compliance with policies, procedures, and recordkeeping requirements.
• Support audits and reporting requirements.
• Partner with Environmental Health & Safety teams to reinforce workplace safety programs.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of employment law and HR best practices.

HR Operations

• Oversee HR policies, procedures, and employee handbook administration.
• Administer time and attendance policies, including FMLA and disciplinary actions.
• Actively manage the payroll processing of all employees, including time-keeping of hourly employees.
• Manage HRIS and employee records.
• Develop and monitor HR metrics and reporting.
• Ensure consistency of HR practices across both manufacturing facilities.

Position Objective: Build and lead a consistent, compliant, and high-performing HR function across both manufacturing facilities while serving as a visible, trusted partner to employees and operational leadership. 

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field.
• 5+ years of progressive HR leadership experience, preferably in manufacturing, food production, food ingredients, consumer packaged goods, or industrial environments.
• Experience supporting multiple locations and decentralized operations.
• Strong knowledge of federal and Wisconsin employment laws.
• Proven experience in employee relations, investigations, recruiting, performance management, and compliance.
• Excellent communication, coaching, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to work independently and effectively influence leaders at all levels.
• Proficiency with HRIS systems and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel regularly between facilities.

Preferred

• SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or SPHR certification.
• Food manufacturing (cGMP, SQF) or FDA-regulated manufacturing experience.
• Experience supporting hourly production workforces.
• Bilingual skills (English/Spanish) are a plus.

Work Environment & Travel

• This position supports two food ingredient manufacturing facilities located in Wisconsin.
• The HR Manager must reside within reasonable commuting distance of both facilities.
• Regular on-site presence is required at each location. Additional travel may be required as business needs dictate.
• Success in the role requires visible, hands-on engagement with employees and leadership teams at both sites. Flexibility to occasionally adjust working hours to engage with 2nd shift employees is required.

Key Competencies

• Leadership and influence
• Employee relations expertise
• Business partnership
• Problem solving and decision making
• Change management
• Conflict resolution
• Organizational development
• Communication and interpersonal effectiveness
• Compliance and risk management
• Strategic thinking with operational execution