Associate Manager, HR

The J.M. Smucker Company; McCalla (AL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

The J.M. Smucker Company is seeking an Associate HR Manager in McCalla, AL, to lead HR efforts for Uncrustables.

This hands-on role partners with plant leadership to attract talent, develop leaders, strengthen culture, and ensure a high-performing workforce in a fast-paced manufacturing setting. You will drive HR processes including labor relations, investigations, and policy administration, while coaching leaders on performance, workforce planning, and development.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business, or related field; HR Management preferred.
• 5+ years of progressive Human Resources experience; manufacturing HR experience preferred.
• Experience supporting employee relations, talent acquisition, performance management, and workforce development.
• Experience with HRIS platforms and HR technologies.
• Strong communication, coaching, and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Partner with plant leaders to drive talent, engagement, retention, and organizational effectiveness.
• Support the site's people strategy by attracting, developing, and retaining top talent.
• Lead and execute HR processes including employee and labor relations, investigations, corrective actions, compliance, and policy administration.
• Serve as trusted advisor to leaders on performance management, workforce planning, and employee development.
• Lead recruiting for hourly and technical roles to build talent pipelines for growth.
• Champion employee engagement, onboarding, recognition, and culture-building initiatives.
• Analyze workforce data to identify trends and opportunities; drive HR process improvements.
• Collaborate with HR Shared Services and Centers of Excellence to deliver people solutions.
• Ensure compliance with policies, employment laws, and audit requirements.

Skills

Relationship-building

Leadership influence

Employee relations

Workplace investigations

HRIS/HR tech

Communication & coaching

People development

Continuous improvement

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR/Business

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Your Opportunity as the Associate HR Manager

Help Power the Growth of Uncrustables

At Smucker, we're growing one of the most exciting brands in food, and we're looking for an HR leader who wants to make a real impact. As the Associate HR Manager, you'll play a key role in attracting top talent, developing leaders, strengthening culture, and supporting the employees who help bring Uncrustables to life every day.

This is a hands-on opportunity to partner with plant leadership, influence business results, and help build an engaged, high-performing workforce in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

In this role you will:

• Partner with plant leaders to drive talent, engagement, retention, and organizational effectiveness.
• Support the site's people strategy by helping attract, develop, and retain top talent.
• Lead and execute key HR processes including employee and labor relations, investigations, corrective actions, compliance activities, and policy administration.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to leaders, providing coaching and guidance on performance management, workforce planning, and employee development.
• Lead recruiting efforts for hourly and technical roles, helping build strong talent pipelines for continued growth.
• Champion employee engagement, recognition, onboarding, and culture-building initiatives.
• Analyze workforce and organizational data to identify trends, opportunities, and solutions.
• Drive continuous improvement by streamlining HR processes and enhancing the employee experience.
• Partner with HR Shared Services and Centers of Excellence to deliver effective people solutions.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, employment laws, and audit requirements.
• Support key plant initiatives, community involvement activities, and employee events.
• Contribute to a workplace culture where employees feel valued, empowered, and inspired to do their best work.

What we are looking for:

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business, or a related field; HR Management preferred.
• 5+ years of progressive Human Resources experience.
• Experience supporting employee relations, talent acquisition, performance management, and workforce development.
• Manufacturing HR experience required.
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.

Additional skills and experience that will make you successful:

• Proven ability to build trust, influence leaders, and drive results.
• Strong employee relations and workplace investigation experience.
• Experience working with HRIS platforms and HR technologies.
• Excellent communication, coaching, and problem-solving skills.
• Passion for developing people and creating an exceptional employee experience.
• Continuous improvement mindset with the ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

Why Join Uncrustables?

• Be part of one of the fastest-growing businesses within The J.M. Smucker Company.
• Help shape the culture, leadership, and future workforce of a growing manufacturing operation.
• Make a visible impact on people, performance, and business results.
• Grow your HR career while supporting a brand loved by millions.

Build great teams. Develop future leaders. Help power the future of Uncrustables.

TheRight Placefor You

We are bold, kind, strive to do the right thing, we play to win, and we believe in a strong community that thrives together. Our culture is rooted in ourBasic Beliefs, and we believe in supporting every employee by meeting their physical, emotional, and financial needs.

Stay connected with usonLinkedIn

We're an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, age, national origin, disability status or protected veteran status.