Human Resource Manager

Short Partners Llc; Sterling (IL); On-site; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Short Partners LLC in Sterling, IL seeks an experienced Human Resources Manager to lead HR for a 350 full-time and 120 temporary workforce. You will partner with plant leadership to drive engagement, workforce effectiveness, and compliance with laws and policies in a high‑performing manufacturing environment.

You will mentor HR Generalists and Administrators, oversee HR programs, and analyze workforce metrics to support strategic decisions and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• 7-10 years progressive HR experience.
• Previous people leadership experience.
• Experience supporting a manufacturing environment with hourly workforce strongly preferred.
• Strong knowledge of employment laws, HR best practices, and safety regulations.
• Experience utilizing HRIS, workforce analytics, and reporting tools to support decision-making preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day HR operations for the manufacturing facility and support functions.
• Partner with plant leadership to develop workforce strategies and staffing models.
• Provide leadership and development to HR Generalists and HR Administrators.
• Advise leaders on employee relations, performance management, and organizational effectiveness.
• Lead employee relations activities including investigations and policy interpretation.
• Ensure consistent application of policies and employment practices.
• Partner with Talent Acquisition to support recruiting, onboarding, and retention.
• Drive talent reviews, succession planning and employee development initiatives.
• Support annual HR processes such as performance management and engagement surveys.
• Monitor workforce metrics to drive continuous improvement and compliance.

Skills

People leadership

Employee relations

Labor law knowledge

Workforce analytics

HRIS

Reporting tools

Communication skills

MS Office

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

HRIS

Analytics tools

Reporting tools

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

The Human Resources Manager serves as the lead HR partner for a manufacturing operation of 350 full time and 120 temporary associates, providing strategic and operational HR leadership in support of hourly and salaried employee populations. This role partners closely with plant leadership to drive employee engagement, workforce effectiveness, talent development, organizational capability, and compliance with employment laws and company policies. The Human Resources Manager leads a team of HR professionals and is accountable for the successful execution of human resources programs and initiatives that support a safe, productive, and high-performing manufacturing environment.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP:

This position reports to the Senior Human Resources Business Partner. Two Human Resources Generalists and a Human Resources Administrator report to this position.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Lead the day-to-day Human Resources operations for the manufacturing facility and associated support functions.
• Partner with plant leadership to develop and implement workforce strategies, succession plans, and staffing models that support operational goals and business performance.
• Provide leadership, coaching, and development to Human Resources Generalists and Human Resources Administrative staff.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to leaders on employee relations, performance management, talent development, organizational effectiveness, and workforce planning.
• Lead employee relations activities, including investigations, conflict resolution, corrective actions, and policy interpretation.
• Ensure consistent application of company policies, procedures, and employment practices.
• Partner with Talent Acquisition to support recruiting, onboarding, and retention of hourly and salaried employees.
• Lead site-level talent review, succession planning, and employee development initiatives.
• Support annual HR processes, including performance management, compensation planning, engagement surveys, and workforce reviews.
• Monitor and analyze key workforce metrics including turnover, absenteeism, retention, engagement staffing levels, and talent pipeline health to drive continuous improvement.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws, regulations, and company policies.
• Partner with Environmental Health and Safety leadership to support a strong safety culture and regulatory compliance.
• Lead HR-related change management and organizational initiatives supporting business transformation and continuous improvement efforts.
• Foster a culture aligned with the company's values of integrity, teamwork, innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor's degree required.
• 7-10 years of progressive HR experience.
• Previous people leadership experience.
• Strong employee relations and labor law knowledge.
• Experience supporting a manufacturing environment with an hourly workforce strongly preferred.
• Strong knowledge of employment laws, HR best practices, and safety regulations.
• Experience utilizing HRIS, workforce analytics, and reporting tools to support decision-making preferred.
• An appreciation and respect for the diversity of all individuals in the workplace.
• Ability to work independently and make decisions that are in alignment with the overall company strategy.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative environment.
• Must be proactive in nature with strong analytical and follow-up skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications such as Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.