Human Resources Lead

Kyler Professional Search; McKees Rocks (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Our client, a well-established manufacturing organization near Pittsburgh, seeks a hands-on, business-minded HR Manager to join its executive leadership. You will partner with the CEO/President, Plant Manager, and senior leaders to influence people strategy and culture in a 24/7 unionized environment of ~130 employees.

You will lead recruitment, benefits, labor relations, and HRIS initiatives while maintaining close business impact and employee engagement.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive Human Resources experience, including at least 3 years in an HR management role.
• Experience in a unionized manufacturing environment with CBA administration and labor negotiations.
• Strong knowledge of federal and state employment regulations (NLRB, FMLA, ADA, FLSA, OSHA).
• Excellent communication, coaching, listening, presentation, policy-writing, and relationship-building skills.
• Strong judgment, decision-making, organization, project planning, and time-management abilities.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a strategic member of the executive leadership and production planning teams.
• Partner with plant leadership to build productive labor-management relationships and support grievances and labor negotiations.
• Lead recruiting, onboarding, workforce planning, and succession initiatives.
• Oversee benefits portfolio including healthcare, COBRA, retirement, disability, life/AD&D, workers' comp, FMLA, paid sick time.
• Act as Plan Administrator for 401(k) and assist Corporate Secretary duties.
• Collaborate with Safety & Security to reinforce policies and a safe work environment.
• Lead attendance and return-to-work programs with consistent policy application.
• Modernize HR through HRIS, process improvements, and employee development programs.
• Develop HR policies that support compliance and positive culture.
• Champion employee engagement and internal communications.

Skills

Strategic HR

Labor relations

Employee relations

Communication skills

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR or related field

PHR/SPHR certification (plus)

Tools

Microsoft Office

HRIS interest

Job description

Our client, a well-established manufacturing organization with a long history of innovation and operational excellence, is looking for a hands-on, business-minded Human Resources Manager to become an integral member of its executive leadership team. Located approximately 20 minutes west of Pittsburgh, this is an opportunity to have a real seat at the table - partnering directly with the CEO/President, Plant Manager, and senior leadership to influence the people strategy, strengthen the culture, and help guide the organization forward.

This role is ideal for an HR leader who enjoys being close to the business. You will not be tucked away in an HR office simply administering policies. You will be visible, trusted, and involved - balancing strategic leadership with the day-to-day realities of a 24/7 unionized manufacturing environment of approximately 130 employees.

What Makes This Opportunity Different

A true seat on the executive leadership and production planning teams, with direct exposure to senior decision-makers.

The opportunity to shape HR strategy while remaining connected to employees, supervisors, and plant operations.

Meaningful influence over labor relations, workforce planning, employee engagement, benefits, succession planning, compliance, and organizational development.

A role with both autonomy and support, including a full-time HR Specialist and contracted HR Assistant.

An established organization where HR is expected to be a business partner - not simply an administrative function.

An on-site, Monday-through-Friday leadership role where your impact will be visible across the organization.

What You'll Own

Serve as a strategic member of the executive leadership and production planning teams, connecting business objectives with workforce needs and employee well-being.

Partner closely with plant leadership to build productive labor-management relationships and support collective bargaining, grievance procedures, conflict resolution, disciplinary matters, and interpretation and administration of the CBA.

Lead recruiting, onboarding, workforce planning, and succession initiatives to help ensure the organization has the talent and leadership pipeline needed for the future.

Oversee the full employee benefits portfolio, including healthcare, COBRA, EAP, retirement, disability, life/AD&D, workers' compensation, unemployment compensation, FMLA, paid sick time, and related programs.

Serve as Plan Administrator for 401(k) and defined pension plans and serve as Assistant Corporate Secretary.

Partner with Safety & Security and plant supervisors to reinforce policies, procedures, training, accountability, and a safe working environment.

Lead attendance and return-to-work programs while ensuring policies are applied consistently and fairly.

Help modernize and strengthen the HR function through process improvement, HRIS implementation, training, and employee development initiatives.

Develop, review, and maintain HR policies and practices that support compliance, operational consistency, accountability, and a positive workplace culture.

Champion employee engagement, recognition programs, and internal communications that strengthen connection across the organization.

Coordinate performance-management processes and maintain accurate, confidential employee records.

Prepare and present meaningful HR reporting and updates to senior leadership and Board members.

Take the lead on special HR and community initiatives as needs arise.

What We're Looking For

We are looking for a confident, approachable HR professional who can move comfortably from the executive conference room to the manufacturing floor. The right person brings sound judgment, credibility, strong communication skills, and the ability to build trust at every level of an organization.

10+ years of progressive Human Resources experience, including at least 3 years in an HR management role.

Required experience in a unionized manufacturing environment, including CBA administration, grievance handling, and support of labor negotiations.

Strong working knowledge of federal and state employment regulations, including NLRB, FMLA, ADA, FLSA, and OSHA requirements.

Excellent communication, coaching, listening, presentation, policy-writing, and relationship-building skills.

Strong judgment, decision-making, organization, project planning, and time-management capabilities.

A collaborative style with the confidence to work independently, challenge thoughtfully, and partner effectively across functions.

Proficiency with Microsoft Office and an interest in improving HR systems and processes.

Education & Credentials

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources or a closely related field required.

PHR or SPHR certification is a plus.

The Opportunity

For an HR leader who wants more than a traditional manager position, this is a chance to step into a highly visible role with genuine executive-team access and broad organizational influence. You will have the opportunity to protect what works, improve what can be better, and help shape the employee experience and business for the future.