HR Manager

HRB; Chattanooga (TN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

HRB is seeking an experienced Plant Human Resources Manager to lead the HR function at a Chattanooga-area manufacturing facility. This role blends strategic and day-to-day HR, partnering with the Plant Manager and leading one HR Generalist.

The non-union environment requires a strong HR generalist capable of employee relations, recruiting, performance management, training, benefits, compliance, and plant HR strategy.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of progressive HR experience in manufacturing.
• Strong generalist knowledge across employee relations, recruiting, performance management, talent development, compensation, benefits, compliance, and HR operations.
• Experience leading or supervising HR teams is preferred.
• Hands-on HR leadership in a non-union manufacturing plant.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary HR leader for the facility and a key member of the plant leadership team.
• Advise the Plant Manager and leaders on employee and organizational matters.
• Coach on employee relations, policy interpretation, and workplace issues.
• Ensure compliance with employment laws, regulations, and HR practices.
• Develop and implement plant-level HR policies and programs.
• Track HR metrics and drive improvement plans.
• Lead and develop one HR Generalist; manage plant recruiting with hiring managers.
• Coordinate new-hire onboarding and orientation.
• Partner with leaders on training, performance management, and succession planning.
• Oversee benefits, payroll inputs, and HRIS-related activities.

Job description

Our client is seeking an experienced Plant Human Resources Manager to lead the HR function for a manufacturing facility in the Chattanooga area.

This is a hands-on HR leadership role responsible for both the strategic and day-to-day HR needs of the plant. The HR Manager will serve as a key member of the plant leadership team, partner closely with the Plant Manager, and oversee one HR Generalist.

The facility is non-union, so prior union experience is not required.

The ideal candidate is a strong HR generalist with manufacturing experience who is comfortable moving between employee relations, talent management, recruiting, performance management, training, benefits, compliance, and plant-level HR strategy.

Key Responsibilities

HR Leadership & Employee Relations

• Serve as the primary HR leader for the facility and a key member of the plant leadership team
• Act as a trusted advisor to the Plant Manager and other leaders on employee and organizational matters
• Provide hands-on coaching and guidance regarding employee relations, performance, policy interpretation, and workplace issues
• Ensure compliance with applicable employment laws, regulations, policies, and HR practices
• Develop and implement plant-level HR policies, processes, and programs
• Track HR metrics and KPIs and develop improvement plans based on trends and business needs
• Partner with leadership to identify organizational and workforce needs and implement appropriate solutions
• Lead and develop one HR Generalist
• Manage recruiting and selection activities for plant positions in partnership with hiring managers
• Support candidate screening, interviewing, selection, and hiring
• Maintain compliant recruiting and applicant-tracking practices
• Coordinate new-hire orientation and onboarding

Training & Development

• Partner with department leaders to identify training needs and develop appropriate training plans
• Coordinate and deliver training related to HR policies, compliance, leadership, and other plant needs
• Support employee and leadership development initiatives

Performance & Talent Management

• Coach leaders on performance expectations, employee development, and corrective action
• Support talent reviews, succession planning, and identification and development of high-potential employees
• Partner with leaders to strengthen employee engagement and retention
• Maintain awareness of local compensation and labor-market trends
• Support the administration and communication of compensation and benefits programs
• Oversee benefit enrollment and related employee communications
• Partner with corporate resources and external providers as needed
• Partner with plant leadership to support a safe and compliant workplace
• Manage workers' compensation and employee injury cases, including return-to-work coordination
• Maintain required records and reporting related to workplace injuries and claims
• Support regulatory visits and inspections as needed
• Provide HR guidance regarding workplace health and safety matters

Qualifications

• 5+ years of progressive HR experience, ideally within a manufacturing environment
• Automotive manufacturing experience is highly desirable
• Previous HR leadership or supervisory experience strongly preferred
• Strong generalist knowledge across employee relations, recruiting, performance management, talent development, compensation, benefits, compliance, and HR operations
• Demonstrated ability to handle complex employee relations issues and coach managers effectively
• Strong knowledge of employment laws and HR compliance
• Experience working within a larger or matrixed organization preferred
• Working knowledge of HRIS and payroll systems
• Strong business acumen with the ability to influence leaders at multiple levels
• Comfortable working in a hands-on plant environment
• Strong communication, judgment, organizational, and problem-solving skills

What We'Re Looking For

This role is best suited for someone who enjoys being in the plant and close to the business, rather than operating solely from a corporate HR perspective. The successful candidate will be equally comfortable advising plant leadership on workforce strategy and stepping into the day-to-day HR issues that come with supporting a manufacturing workforce.

This is a non-union facility. Union experience is not required.