Human Resources Manager – Manufacturing Plant

Ac Recruiting Co.; Kitchener; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading automotive supplier seeks a Human Resources Manager to oversee HR operations at their manufacturing site. This role involves strategic alignment with leadership, managing labor relations, and promoting employee engagement, focusing on fostering a positive work environment. The ideal candidate will have significant HR experience in a unionized manufacturing setting and strong communication skills.

Benefits

Competitive salary and benefits

Company-matched Defined Contribution Plan

Flexible work hours

Access to wellness and health coaching programs

Continuous learning and upskilling opportunities

Strong focus on internal mobility and career advancement

Qualifications

• 5+ years in HR management within manufacturing (automotive preferred).
• Unionized environment experience required (grievance, negotiations, etc.).
• Experience in a matrixed, global organization.

Responsibilities

• Lead HR function at a manufacturing site, ensuring compliance with laws.
• Manage employee and labor relations, including grievance resolutions.
• Create training plans and partner with corporate learning & development.

Skills

Communication

Influence

Coaching

Education

Bachelor's degree

HR certification

Tools

HRIS

Job description

PLEASE NOTE:

Candidate sponsorship is not available for this position.

Relocation expenses negotiable

About the Company: Our client is a global Tier 1 & Tier 2 automotive supplier specializing in advanced polyurethane foam technology. With over 7,000 employees worldwide, they are committed to innovation, quality, and sustainability. Their products support industries across the globe, and they take pride in fostering a people-first culture that gives back to local communities through volunteerism and philanthropy.

Company Culture: Our client is proud to have earned Deloitte's Best Managed designation for eight consecutive years. Their team-centric, innovation-driven culture values efficiency, integrity, and excellence, creating an environment where people thrive and ideas flourish.

Benefits & Perks:

• Competitive salary and benefits
• Company-matched Defined Contribution Plan
• Flexible work hours
• Access to wellness and health coaching programs
• Continuous learning and upskilling opportunities
• Strong focus on internal mobility and career advancement

Position Overview: The Human Resources Manager will lead the HR function at a large manufacturing site, overseeing both strategic and tactical HR operations. This role partners closely with plant leadership and corporate HR Centers of Excellence to ensure a positive and productive work environment. The HR Manager plays a key role in organisational development, labor relations, compliance, performance management, and health & safety.

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership & Strategy:

• Serve as a core member of the plant leadership team
• Align HR initiatives with site and corporate objectives
• Provide coaching and guidance to leaders on employee relations and performance matters
• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal employment laws

Employee & Labor Relations:

• Lead union relations, grievance resolutions, and contract negotiations
• Maintain a fair and consistent labor-management environment

Health, Safety & Environment (HS&E):

• Partner with site leaders to promote a safe and healthy workplace
• Manage injury claims, return-to-work plans, and regulatory compliance
• Advocate and lead HS&E continuous improvement

Training & Development:

• Create and implement training plans based on needs and ISO 9001/TWI standards
• Partner with corporate learning & development on programs

Recruitment & Onboarding:

• Lead hiring processes in collaboration with hiring managers
• Ensure compliant practices and effective onboarding experiences

Performance & Talent Management:

• Administer performance management programs
• Facilitate talent reviews and succession planning

Total Rewards:

• Monitor regional compensation and benefits trends
• Support corporate Total Rewards programs and enrolments

Engagement & Communication:

• Promote open, consistent communication between leadership and teammates
• Support employee engagement and culture initiatives

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree; HR certification preferred
• 5+ years in HR management within manufacturing (automotive preferred)
• Unionized environment experience required (grievance, negotiations, etc.)
• Familiarity with HRIS/payroll systems
• Experience in a matrixed, global organization
• Strong communication, influence, and coaching skills

Must-Haves:

• Union plant experience
• Recent HR management experience in a large manufacturing site
• Exposure to safety/HS&E functions

Join a company shaping the future of foam technology with a culture focused on people, innovation, and continuous improvement.