HR Plant Manager - Mantova

Job Title: HR Business Partner - Onsite in Rovigo, BLQ1 OOPXT

Location: Rovigo, BLQ1 OOPXT | Employment type: Full-time | Company: Affinity Petcare.

Overview

We’re seeking a Plant Manager to act as the key People Partner within our Mantova factory, driving HR initiatives aligned with operational goals and the Manufacturing Excellence Program. The role focuses on ensuring a safe, efficient, high‑performing work environment while embedding company culture and leading organizational transformation.

Responsibilities

• Strategic HR Partnership & Change Management
  • Trusted advisor to Factory Director and leadership, influencing business strategy from an HR perspective.
  • Lead HR strategies supporting significant organizational & cultural transformation, ensuring smooth transitions and employee buy‑in.
  • Champion continuous improvement, agility, and employee engagement.
  • Internal communication – transparency & effective change management.
• Employee Relations & Social Dialogue
  • Build constructive relationships with employee representatives (CSE) and lead negotiations, ensuring compliance with Italian labor law and collective bargaining agreements.
  • Proactively manage and resolve employee relations issues, fostering a fair and respectful workplace.
• Talent Acquisition & Onboarding
  • Develop and execute recruitment strategies to attract and retain top talent across all factory roles.
  • Design and implement onboarding programs, especially for industrial profiles, to ensure early engagement and successful integration.
• Talent Management & Development
  • Implement performance management processes, ensuring fair employee evaluations and development plans.
  • Identify training and development needs, designing and delivering programs enhancing technical skills, leadership capabilities, and supporting cultural transformation.
  • Support career development and succession planning within the factory.
• HR Operations & Administration
  • Oversee HR administrative processes, ensuring compliance with local regulations and internal policies.
  • Collaborate with H&S area to meet workplace safety standards, fostering a safe and compliant work environment.
  • Partner with central HR functions (Compensation & Benefits, Talent Development) to ensure seamless service delivery.
  • Manage HR data and analytics to provide insights for strategic decision‑making.
• HR Leadership & Team Collaboration
  • Active member of the factory leadership team, representing HR in strategic discussions.
  • Collaborate effectively with the wider HR team, sharing best practices and contributing to group HR initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Psychology, or a related field.
• 8–10 years of progressive HR experience, with 3–5 years in a manufacturing or industrial environment.
• Proven experience managing HR within significant organizational and cultural change contexts.
• Strong expertise in Italian labor law and social dialogue with employee representatives (CSE).
• Demonstrated ability to operate as a strategic HR Business Partner to senior leaders.
• Experience in talent acquisition, training & development, performance management, and employee relations.
• Fluent in Italian and English (written and spoken).

Skills & Competencies

• Strategic Thinking & Business Acumen – translate business priorities into effective HR strategies.
• Transformational Leadership – inspire, influence, and guide employees through change.
• Communication & Influence – excellent verbal and written communication; influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Negotiation & Conflict Resolution – navigate complex situations and achieve mutually beneficial outcomes, especially with employee representatives.
• Emotional Intelligence & Empathy – build trust and rapport across the organization.
• Analytical & Problem‑Solving – data‑driven approach to identify HR trends and develop solutions.
• Resilience & Adaptability – thrive in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment.

Benefits

• Discount on Amazon products.
• Affinity University platform – professional development opportunities for employees at different career stages.
• Celebration and fun.

We cultivate an inclusive culture that celebrates diversity. We firmly believe that embracing a variety of perspectives is essential to the success of our company and the strength of our team. That is why we are committed to providing equal opportunities for all.

Affinity Petcare is a leading international petfood company dedicated to nurturing healthy bonds between dogs, cats, and people. With over 60 years of experience and more than 1,200 professionals across our brands, we supply more than 70 countries from production sites worldwide.