HR Manager - Production Facility

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

Job summary

KUKA is seeking a Human Resources Manager for our unionized manufacturing facility in Ohio. This strategic partner will lead labor relations, collective bargaining administration, employee relations, and HR operations to support safety and productivity.

You will collaborate with plant leadership and UAW representatives, manage investigations and grievances, oversee recruitment and workforce planning, and ensure compliance with NLRA, FMLA, ADA, and related laws.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in HR, Labor Relations, or related field required.

Responsibilities

• Interpret, administer, and ensure compliance with the CBA.
• Serve as primary HR contact for labor relations and UAW partnerships.
• Manage grievance investigations, hearings, and resolution processes.
• Support contract negotiations and bargaining strategy development.
• Advise leadership on labor agreement provisions, past practices, and labor law requirements.
• Conduct workplace investigations and recommend corrective actions.
• Oversee recruitment, onboarding, and workforce planning activities.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, local, and labor regulations.
• Support safety initiatives with EHS teams.

Skills

Labor relations

Employee relations

Negotiation

Conflict resolution

HR policy

Workforce planning

Communication

HRIS

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Labor Relations, Business Administration

Master's degree preferred

Tools

HRIS systems

Microsoft Office

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.

Knowledge & Skills

• Strong understanding of labor relations principles and collective bargaining.
• Knowledge of federal and state employment laws and regulations.
• Excellent conflict resolution and relationship-building skills.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and influencing abilities.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency with HRIS systems and Microsoft Office applications.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment.

Preferred Qualifications

• UAW labor relations experience within automotive, heavy manufacturing, or industrial operations.
• Experience participating in contract negotiations.
• SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or SPHR certification.
• Experience working in a multi-shift manufacturing environment.

Key Success Factors

• Builds trust and credibility with both management and union leadership.
• Balances employee advocacy with business objectives.
• Effectively resolves workplace issues while minimizing risk.
• Drives employee engagement, retention, and operational performance.
• Promotes a positive labor-management relationship and culture of continuous improvement.

KUKA is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to building an inclusive and diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other factor protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.