HR Business Partner — Growth & Compliance (Manufacturing)

Critical Materials Group; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Critical Materials Group, based in Austin, TX, seeks an HR Business Partner to serve as the embedded People advisor for production, operations, and program teams. You will own employee relations, performance management, onboarding, and federal contracting/compliance across sites during rapid growth.

Partner with the Head of People and Talent Acquisition to scale headcount, shape organizational design, and align HR processes with ITAR and safety requirements.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of HR generalist or HR business partner experience in manufacturing/industrial environments.
• Strong knowledge of employee relations, investigations, performance management, and applicable federal and Texas laws.
• Experience supporting rapid headcount growth or high-volume onboarding.
• Excellent judgment and discretion with confidential matters.
• Comfortable in a fast-paced, early-stage environment with evolving processes.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills across all levels.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary People point of contact for assigned departments and sites (production, operations, Ballinger, TX).
• Advise managers on performance management, coaching, disciplinary actions, and terminations in line with policy.
• Translate hiring plans into headcount, org structure, and role requirements with Talent Acquisition and Head of People.
• Build onboarding for new hires with Safety, Operations, and Security.
• Conduct 30/60/90 day check-ins to improve early retention during growth.
• Support RMSL integration including communication, policy alignment, and data migration to Rippling.
• Manage employee relations issues from intake through investigation and resolution.
• Guide managers through CMG's performance cycle, including goals and PIP processes.
• Support investigations and separations with Legal and Head of People, ensuring compliance.

Skills

Employee relations

Performance management

Texas employment law

Onboarding

HRIS

Communication

Tools

Rippling

Job description

Critical Materials Group, based in Austin, TX, seeks an HR Business Partner to serve as the embedded People advisor for production, operations, and program teams. You will own employee relations, performance management, onboarding, and federal contracting/compliance across sites during rapid growth.

Partner with the Head of People and Talent Acquisition to scale headcount, shape organizational design, and align HR processes with ITAR and safety requirements.