HR Manager - Production Facility

KUKA; Toledo (OH); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

KUKA is seeking an Human Resources Manager at our Toledo, OH manufacturing facility. You will partner with plant leadership and UAW to foster a productive, safe, and collaborative work environment while ensuring labor-management harmony and operational objectives.

This role requires periodic travel to support labor relations, talent development, and compliance initiatives. The ideal candidate has 5+ years of HR experience in manufacturing and 3+ years in unionized labor relations with CBA

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Labor Relations, Business Administration, or related field.
• 5+ years of progressive HR experience in manufacturing.
• 3+ years of labor relations experience in a unionized environment, preferably UAW.
• Experience administering collective bargaining agreements and handling grievance procedures.

Responsibilities

• Labor relations & union management: administer CBA, partner with UAW leadership, manage grievances, support negotiations, advise on provisions.
• Employee relations: coach supervisors, ensure policy compliance, resolve conflicts, investigate workplace issues.
• HR operations: oversee recruitment, onboarding, workforce planning, and HR data/reporting.
• Compliance & risk management: ensure NLRA, FMLA, ADA, EEO, FLSA, OSHA compliance and safety collaboration.
• Leadership & organizational development: develop talent pipelines, succession, engagement, and analytics.
• Metrics & reporting: monitor attendance, turnover, grievances, and prepare leadership reports.

Skills

Labor relations

Employee relations

Strategic HR partner

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR/Labor relations/BA

Master's degree preferred

Job description

The Human Resources Manager serves as a strategic business partner and employee relations leader for a unionized manufacturing facility. This role is responsible for managing all aspects of Human Resources, including labor relations, collective bargaining agreement administration, employee relations, talent management, workforce planning, compliance, and organizational development. The HR Manager works closely with plant leadership and UAW representatives to foster a productive, safe, and collaborative work environment while supporting operational objectives and maintaining positive labor-management relationships.

Please Note: Periodic Travel Required

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Labor Relations & Union Management

• Interpret, administer, and ensure compliance with the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
• Serve as the primary HR contact for labor relations matters and partnership activities with UAW leadership.
• Manage grievance investigations, responses, hearings, and resolution processes.
• Support contract negotiations and bargaining strategy development.
• Advise plant leadership on labor agreement provisions, past practices, and labor law requirements.
• Conduct investigations related to employee complaints, disciplinary matters, and workplace concerns.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with union representatives and employees.

Employee Relations

• Provide coaching and guidance to supervisors on performance management, attendance, discipline, and employee engagement.
• Ensure fair and consistent application of company policies and labor agreement provisions.
• Lead conflict resolution efforts and facilitate effective problem-solving between employees, supervisors, and union representatives.
• Conduct workplace investigations and recommend corrective actions when appropriate.

HR Operations

• Oversee recruitment, onboarding, and workforce planning activities.
• Manage employee records, HR metrics, and reporting processes.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, local, and labor regulations.
• Support HR SSC Team as needed with Operational tasks.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Maintain compliance with labor laws, including NLRA, FMLA, ADA, EEO, FLSA, OSHA, and other applicable regulations.
• Support safety initiatives and partner with EHS teams to promote a safe work environment.
• Conduct audits and ensure proper documentation of HR processes and employment actions.

Leadership & Organizational Development

• Partner with plant leadership to develop talent pipelines and succession plans.
• Identify workforce development and training needs.
• Lead employee engagement initiatives that support retention and productivity.
• Analyze workforce trends and recommend strategies to improve organizational performance.

Metrics & Reporting

• Monitor key HR metrics including attendance, turnover, grievances, discipline, overtime, staffing, and engagement.
• Develop action plans based on workforce analytics.
• Prepare reports and presentations for plant and regional leadership teams.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Labor Relations, Business Administration, or related field required.
• Master's degree preferred.

Experience

• 5+ years of progressive HR experience in a manufacturing environment.
• 3+ years of labor relations experience in a unionized environment, preferably UAW.
• Experience administering collective bargaining agreements and handling grievance procedures.
• Experience supporting disciplinary actions, investigations, and employee relations matters.` for last entry. Let's correct... "