HR Business Partner - Manufacturing & Union Relations

Unilever PLC; Independence (MO); On-site; USD 89,000 - 133,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Retirement Benefits

Life/Disability Insurance

Parental Leave

Sick Leave

Paid Vacation

Voluntary Benefits

Job summary

Unilever’s Knorr manufacturing facility in Independence, MO seeks an Associate Manager, HR Business Partner to be the on-site HR contact for ~300 hourly team members and frontline leaders.

You will lead employee relations, performance management, HR operations, and employee engagement initiatives in a union environment, ensuring compliant, proactive HR practices aligned with site priorities.

The role offers a competitive pay range and comprehensive benefits with bonus eligibility.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of HR experience in manufacturing or factory environment (union experience preferred).
• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, or related field.
• Experience conducting employee relations investigations and handling grievances.
• Solid knowledge of employment law and employee relations practices.
• Strong communication, judgment, and problem solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities independently in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the first point of contact for employee relations questions, concerns, and grievances.
• Fairly administer the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) in a union environment.
• Support union negotiations and implementation of agreements.
• Conduct investigations, interviews, documentation, and corrective action.
• Promote a respectful, inclusive employee relations environment.
• Coach hourly employees and leaders on performance, conduct, and policy matters.
• Guide supervisors on feedback and corrective actions in compliance with employment laws.
• Act as SME for HR policies and collaborate with centralized HR teams.
• Manage escalation of HR issues with clear stakeholder communication.
• Administer medical accommodation processes per policy and regulations.
• Participate in affirmative action and compliance activities.
• Monitor engagement and climate indicators; identify improvement opportunities.

Skills

Employee relations

Communication

Problem solving

Multitasking

Judgment

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR/Business

Tools

Kronos

UKG Payroll

Workday

Job description

Unilever’s Knorr manufacturing facility in Independence, MO seeks an Associate Manager, HR Business Partner to be the on-site HR contact for ~300 hourly team members and frontline leaders.

You will lead employee relations, performance management, HR operations, and employee engagement initiatives in a union environment, ensuring compliant, proactive HR practices aligned with site priorities.

The role offers a competitive pay range and comprehensive benefits with bonus eligibility.