Plant HR Manager

Distinctive Talent Partners, LLC; Kitchener; On-site; CAD 105,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A global leader in foam innovation is seeking a Plant HR Manager to drive employee engagement and culture in their manufacturing plant. The ideal candidate will have significant experience in HR management within unionized settings, focusing on labor relations, safety compliance, and team development. Join a company recognized for its commitment to excellence and sustainability, and make a lasting impact.

Benefits

Defined Contribution Plan with top-tier match

Health & wellness coaches

Upskilling & promotion culture

Qualifications

• 5+ years in HR management at a large unionized manufacturing site.
• Strong experience in labor relations and HRIS.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills.

Responsibilities

• Act as part of the plant leadership team; advise the Plant Manager.
• Lead HR metrics tracking and reporting.
• Champion internal communication and engagement initiatives.

Skills

Labor Relations

Safety Compliance

Training & Development

Communication

Leadership

Tools

HRIS

Payroll Systems

Job description

Must be legally eligible to work in Canada. Sponsorship is not available.

Salary : CA$105,000 – CA$110,000 annually

Bonus : 10% annual bonus

Relocation : Negotiable

Lead People Strategy at a Global Leader in Foam Innovation

Our client—a Tier 1 & 2 global automotive supplier and pioneer in polyurethane foam technology—is looking for a Plant HR Manager to help shape the future of their people-first, innovation-driven manufacturing culture. With over 7,000 teammates worldwide, this organization is committed to excellence, sustainability, and giving back to the communities where they live and work.

Recognized as one of Deloitte’s Best Managed Companies for eight consecutive years, they’re proud to offer a collaborative environment where HR plays a critical role in driving operational success. As Plant HR Manager, you’ll be a key partner in talent development, employee engagement, and strategic leadership—empowering a high-performance workforce that’s revolutionizing the industry.

If you're passionate about building strong teams, fostering a positive culture, and driving continuous improvement on the plant floor, this is your opportunity to make an impact on a global scale.

Key Responsibilities

Act as part of the plant leadership team; advise the Plant Manager

Align HR delivery with corporate standards and plant goals

Support plant-wide performance, retention, and culture-building initiatives

Lead HR metrics tracking and reporting

Labor Relations

Lead employee / labor relations, grievance handling, and contract negotiations

Maintain a constructive working environment in a unionized setting

Health, Safety & Environment

Oversee HS&E compliance, injury claim management, and audit readiness

Promote a safe workplace culture and collaborate with corporate HS&E

Training & Development

Design training matrices and coordinate programs with department heads

Deliver in-house sessions and partner with Talent & OD COE

Talent Management

Lead full-cycle recruitment, onboarding, and orientation

Support performance evaluations and deploy 9-box talent framework

Total Rewards & HRIS

Ensure local alignment with compensation and benefits programs

Use HRIS and payroll tools to manage records and benefits enrollments

Communication & Culture

Champion internal communication and engagement initiatives

Partner on surveys, action plans, and site-level people strategies

Qualifications

5+ years in HR management at a large unionized manufacturing site

Strong experience in labor relations and safety compliance

Familiarity with HRIS, payroll systems, and Total Rewards programs

Excellent communication and leadership skills

Experience in automotive manufacturing is a strong asset

Defined Contribution Plan with top-tier match

Health & wellness coaches

Upskilling & promotion culture

Global footprint and innovation-driven company

To apply, please submit a resume and letter of interest.

Join a company where your expertise isn’t just valued—it drives the future of sustainable manufacturing. If you're ready to lead with purpose, make an impact, and grow with a global innovator in advanced foam technologies, we want to hear from you.

Our client is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. They celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, or veteran status.