Human Resources Manager

As employees of a farmer-owned cooperative, we come to work every day trying to honor the tireless effort and care these farming families put in every day, all day, 365 days a year. Our farmer-owners tend to think in generations, with some of our farms being run by the same families for over a century. We carry this approach into our business, knowing that each and every one of us makes a difference in allowing these generational traditions to continue, taking pride in knowing that we nourish our friends, neighbors, nation, and even the world with healthy and delicious dairy products. Our products include milk, flavored milk, yogurt, dip, sour cream, cottage cheese, and ice cream mix marketed under the Upstate Farms®, Bison®, Milk for Life®, and Intense Milk® brands.

The Upstate Niagara Human Resources Manager is responsible for aligning business objectives with employees and management in designated Plants. Partnering with the Plant Manager, the Human Resources Manager acts as a liaison across the HR function delivering value-added service that reflects the business objectives of the organization. The Human Resources Manager helps to create an effective work environment in her/his respective Plant, assisting management with integrating employees into Upstate Niagara culture.

Duties and Responsibilities

• The Human Resources Manager will work closely with plant management and all employees providing hands-on guidance and strategic input and advice on:




• employee relations issues, conflict management, talent management, coaching and development, compensation, benefits, organizational development, and training.

• The Human Resources Manager must play an essential role in establishing and driving HR programs and initiatives, while aligning with the company strategic plan and objectives.


• Participate in and at times, champion HR projects as assigned.


• Accelerate a culture of excellence in which employees feel engaged and inspired to deliver results.


• Manages and resolves complex employee relations issues. Conducts effective, thorough, and objective investigations.


• Responsible for working closely with management to advise and carry out any disciplinary steps that need to be taken with an employee.


• Responsible for coordinating and implementing the company Employee Recognition Program within their location.


• Support all safety initiatives.


• Must partner with Payroll, HRIS, Talent Acquisition, Compensation, and Benefit functions as needed.


• Facilitates all new hire on-boarding process; responsible for the completion of each 30-60-90-day evaluation process.


• Provides HR policy guidance and interpretation. Where applicable, will attend LMC meetings, contract negotiation meetings, and be actively involved in any union grievances, mediations, and/or arbitrations, as needed.


• Provides guidance and input on workforce planning and succession planning.


• Identifies training needs at the plant level and participates in evaluation and monitoring of training programs to ensure success. Follow up with managers and employees to ensure training objectives are met.


• Responsible for ensuring that Alchemy HR training is completed by all applicable employees.


• Responsible for creating and maintaining all employee files per state and federal compliance guidelines.


• Maintains in-depth knowledge of legal requirements related to day-to-day management of employees, reducing legal risks, and ensuring regulatory compliance. Partners with the legal department as needed/required.


• All other duties as assigned.

Required Skills and Abilities

• Excellent organizational skills and diligence


• Proficient in relevant software to conduct required duties.


• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills


• Collaborator


• Knowledge of all federal, state, and local regulations and requirements related to employment and employee relations.


• Strong analytical skills


• Excellent time management skills and ability to plan and set priorities.


• Excellent verbal and written communication skills


• Strong interpersonal skills

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, human resources, or related field.


• Minimum of 5-7 years’ HR experience.


• Minimum of 3 years' Labor Relations experience.


• Knowledge of employment laws and regulations.

Schedule Expectations

• This is a 24/7 manufacturing operation; flexibility and availability to support off-hours, weekends, and emergency coverage as needed is required.

Pay:  $80,000 - $100,000 a year*

* The salary range listed for this position represents the good faith and reasonable minimum and maximum pay for this role at the time of posting.  Actual compensation may vary based on factors including, but not limited to, experience, skills, training, knowledge, education, and overall qualifications.  The posted salary range reflects just one component of our total rewards package. Other components of the total rewards package may include participation in group health and/or dental insurance, retirement plan, wellness program, paid time away from work, and paid holidays.

Upstate Niagara Cooperative, Inc. is committed to equal employment opportunity for all, without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic.