HR Business Partner - Operations

Alfa Laval Mid Europe GmbH; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare

Dental & Vision

Wellness program

401(k)

Paid holidays

Paid time off

Job summary

Alfa Laval Mid Europe GmbH in Richmond, VA is seeking a Human Resources Business Partner to serve as the on-site HR reference for the production organization, partnering with managers to support people, performance and culture on the shop floor.

You will lead recruitment for blue collar and technical roles, drive onboarding, safety alignment, workforce planning, and HR initiatives, while delivering data-driven HR services and engaging with local schools to attract future talent.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in HR or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in an operational HR role.
• Willingness to work on-site in a production environment.
• Experience with HRIS (Workday, ADP) in an industrial setting.

Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day HR support to managers and supervisors.
• Manage employee relations counseling and performance discussions.
• Drive recruitment and onboarding for blue collar and technical roles.
• Conduct new employee orientations.
• Support workforce planning and safety onboarding with EHS collaboration.
• Coordinate HR projects on training, well-being, inclusion & diversity, and engagement.
• Deliver HR data and scorecard reporting for local decision-making.
• Build partnerships with local technical schools to attract talent.

Skills

HR leadership

Communication

People management

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR or related field

Tools

Workday

ADP

Job description

Every day, we get opportunities to make a positive impact – on our colleagues, partners, customers and society. Together, we’re pioneering the solutions of the future and unlocking the full potential of precious resources. Trusted to act on initiative, we challenge conventional thinking to develop world-leading technologies that inspire progress in vital areas, including energy, food, water and shipping. As we push forward, the innovative, open spirit that fuels our 140-year-old start-up culture and rapid growth also drives our personal growth. So, as we shape a more resourceful, less wasteful world, we build our careers too.

About the job We are seeking a Human Resources Business Partner to provide their expertise to the Richmond Factory, serving as the on-site reference point for the production organization, collaborating closely with managers and supervisors, to support people, performance, and culture. With a strong presence on the shop floor, this position is designed to bring HR closer to daily operations and the blue-collar workforce, while also driving key HR initiatives that strengthen organizational effectiveness and enhance the company’s attractiveness as an employer. This is an onsite opportunity in Richmond, VA.

As a part of the team, you will:

• Provide day-to-day HR support to managers and supervisors regarding shift management, absences, performance issues, workplace climate, and employee relations.
• Manage employee relations counseling, performance improvement discussions, and conduct exit interviews.
• Promote a positive and compliant working culture where employees follow HR processes and policies.
• Manage and execute recruitment and onboarding processes for blue collar, technicians, and other roles, ensuring quality, and efficiency.
• Conduct new employee orientations.
• Support managers with workforce and resource planning.
• Oversee candidate screening, interviews, offers, onboarding, and follow-up.
• Organize and participate in local career and job fairs.
• Ensure safety expectations are clearly embedded in onboarding, training, performance discussions, and employee communications.
• Partner with Production Leadership and EHS to support safe work behaviors, incident prevention, and compliance with safety policies and regulations.
• Support managers in addressing safety-related behaviors through performance management, coaching, and corrective action when required.
• Coordinate HR projects related to training, well-being, inclusion & diversity, digitalization, and employee engagement.
• Support HR data delivery, reporting, and review for HR scorecards and local decision-making.
• Build and maintain partnerships with local technical schools and training centers to attract future talent.
• Organize and participate in events, plant visits and workshops.
• Represent the company as an employer of choice in the local labor market.

What you know: You have a Bachelor's degree in HR or related field, and: Minimum of 5 years’ experience in an operational HR role. Willingness and ability to work on-site in a production environment. Strong knowledge of HRIS (Workday, ADP) Proven HR experience, preferably within industrial or manufacturing environments. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage managers and shop-floor employees. Hands-on, proactive, and solution-oriented mindset. High organizational agility, flexibility, and ability to manage multiple priorities. Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook), with the ability to analyze data, build presentations, and manage information effectively Creativity and initiative in driving engagement and employer branding activities. Willingness to travel up to 10% domestically and internationally.

What’s in it for you?

We offer a challenging position in an open and friendly environment where we help each other to develop and create value. Your work will have a true impact on Alfa Laval’s future success. Our benefits-eligible associates enjoy healthcare, dental and vision plans, a robust wellness program, generous 401(k), paid holidays, paid time off benefits, and more. At Alfa Laval, we carefully consider a wide range of factors to determine your total compensation package. We rely on market indicators and consider your specific job, background, skills, and experience to get it right. The base salary for this role is typically $85,000 - $110,000.

Equal Opportunity / Diversity Statement

Alfa Laval is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse workforce. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, or business need, without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. EEO/Vet/Disabled Employer