HR Manager: Manufacturing & Union Relations Lead

Lewis Bakeries; La Porte (IN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Dental coverage

Pension & 401(k)

Disability insurance

Paid vacation

Relocation assistance

Professional development

Job summary

Lewis Bakeries seeks an experienced Human Resources Manager to lead HR, labor relations, and safety at the LaPorte, Indiana bakery. This role partners with plant leadership, corporate HR, and union reps to support employees, drive compliance, and foster a high-performance culture.

The incumbent reports to the VP of HR, bringing manufacturing HR expertise and the ability to balance employee advocacy with business objectives in a unionized environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, or related field
• 5+ years of progressive HR experience, preferably in manufacturing or industrial environments
• Experience in union environments, including grievance handling and collective bargaining support
• Working knowledge of safety and regulatory compliance (OSHA/DOT experience preferred)
• HR certification (SHRM-CP/SCP or PHR/SPHR) preferred
• Strong ability to build trust and influence across all levels of the organization
• Practical knowledge of employment law and employee relations best practices
• Strong communication, listening, and conflict-resolution skills
• Occasional evening or weekend work may be required; willing to travel occasionally

Responsibilities

• Act as the primary HR leader for the LaPorte bakery, partnering with plant leadership to support a high-performance operation
• Serve as a trusted advisor to employees and leaders across production, sales, and transportation
• Lead employee and labor relations activities, including investigations, grievance resolution, and partnership with local union representatives
• Support and help shape collective bargaining activities and ongoing contract administration
• Manage employee leave and injury programs, including FMLA, ADA, disability, and workers’ compensation
• Drive safety culture and compliance efforts in partnership with Corporate EHS, ensuring OSHA and DOT standards are met
• Strengthen performance management practices that promote accountability, development, and engagement
• Build and maintain HR programs, policies, and communications that are clear, consistent, and easy to apply
• Lead recruiting and onboarding efforts to attract, hire, and retain strong talent across hourly, salaried, and exempt roles
• Improve the candidate and employee experience through HR systems and processes (ATS management)
• Oversee the Attendance Control Program
• Ensure compliance with employment laws and internal policies while supporting audits and reporting
• Partner with leadership on engagement, retention, and continuous improvement initiatives
• Contribute as a key member of the plant leadership team, influencing decisions that impact people and performance

Skills

HR leadership

Employee relations

Labor relations

Union experience

Safety compliance

HR certifications

Communication

Influence across levels

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor’s degree in HR or Business

Tools

ATS management

Job description

Lewis Bakeries seeks an experienced Human Resources Manager to lead HR, labor relations, and safety at the LaPorte, Indiana bakery. This role partners with plant leadership, corporate HR, and union reps to support employees, drive compliance, and foster a high-performance culture.

The incumbent reports to the VP of HR, bringing manufacturing HR expertise and the ability to balance employee advocacy with business objectives in a unionized environment.