Human Resources Manager

Garaga; Bemidji, Northern (MN, KY); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with Company match

Employee assistance program

Flexible spending account

Health insurance

Life insurance

Paid time off

Referral program

Vision insurance

Structured short-term incentive plan (

Health Savings Account

Job summary

Garaga seeks a Human Resources Manager to lead employee relations, recruitment, performance management and organizational development at our Bemidji, MN plant. You will partner with the General Manager and leadership team to drive strategic HR initiatives with a strong on-site presence.

The role emphasizes coaching managers, ensuring compliance with employment laws, developing policies, and fostering a positive, inclusive culture. It is full-time, on-site, day shift.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in HR, business or related field.
• 5–7 years of HR experience, preferably in manufacturing.
• SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or SPHR certification preferred.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in Windows and Microsoft Office suite.

Responsibilities

• Lead employee relations, recruitment, performance management and organizational development.
• Coach managers and provide day-to-day guidance on policy application.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state and local employment laws.
• Develop and administer compensation, benefits and HR programs.
• Maintain HR records, reports and metrics to support workforce planning.
• Coordinate onboarding, training and safety documentation as needed.

Skills

Employee relations

Performance management

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Coaching leadership

Organizational skills

Confidentiality

Workforce planning

Policy application

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR, business or related field

Tools

Windows

Microsoft Office

Job description

Career Opportunity as a Human Resources Manager

Ready to make an impact where people and operations come together? Bring your HR leadership, coaching skills, and strategic mindset to our Bemidji team as our Human Resources Manager.

Strategic plans to shape, supervisors to coach, employee relations to lead, performance and succession to manage: if that gets you going, we have the job for you!

Reporting to the General Manager of the Bemidji plant, the Human Resources Manager serves as the primary HR business partner for the Bemidji operation, providing leadership and guidance in employee relations, recruitment and retention, performance management, workforce planning, compensation and benefits, organizational development, and employment compliance. With a strong, hands‑on presence throughout the facility, this role coaches and supports managers and employees every day. Sound like you? We can't wait to meet you!

The Garaga Benefits:

• 401(k) with Company match
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Vision insurance
• Structured short‑term incentive plan (annual bonus)
• Health Savings Account

Job Summary:

• Starting date: As soon as possible
• Number of positions to fill: 1
• Salary: $85000 – $95000 per year
• Employment status: Permanent
• Work arrangement: On‑site — strong presence throughout the facility required
• Work location: Bemidji, MN
• Work schedule: Full‑time, day shift, Monday to Friday

Role and responsibilities of the Human Resources Manager:

As the primary HR business partner for the Bemidji operation, the Human Resources Manager works closely with the General Manager, leadership team, supervisors, and employees to lead employee relations, recruitment, performance management, and organizational development — maintaining a strong on‑site presence and providing practical, day‑to‑day coaching to managers and employees.

• Partner with the General Manager and leadership team on strategic planning, workforce planning, organizational development, succession planning, and other business initiatives.
• Advise and coach supervisors and managers on employee relations, performance management, documentation, corrective action, and consistent application of company policies.
• Lead employee relations efforts that promote employee engagement, retention, effective communication, and a positive work environment.
• Lead performance management processes and continuously improve related practices, tools, and expectations.
• Lead succession planning and support employee and leadership development to strengthen organizational capability.
• Develop, interpret, communicate, and administer company policies and the employee handbook; ensure consistent application across the organization.
• Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations and maintain current knowledge of changing requirements.
• Manage compensation practices, including wages, job evaluations, and incentive and bonus programs.
• Lead recruitment and selection activities, including workforce needs, job postings, screening, interviewing hiring, and placement of employees.
• Conduct job analyses and maintain accurate, up‑to‑date job descriptions.
• Coordinate supervisor and employee training and lead new‑employee orientation and onboarding activities.
• Administer payroll and employee benefit programs and respond to employee questions regarding pay and benefits.
• Monitor attendance and partner with supervisors to address attendance trends and concerns.
• Partner with Safety/Quality leadership on workers' compensation administration, return‑to‑work activities, and required employee‑related safety documentation.
• Coordinate workers' compensation administration and maintain required OSHA records and related documentation.
• Maintain accurate employee records, HRIS data, and required paper and electronic documentation while protecting employee confidentiality.
• Prepare and maintain required HR reports, metrics, employment verifications, and other workforce information.
• Respond to employee questions and provide timely guidance regarding HR policies, programs, benefits, and employment practices.
• Coordinate employee events and other activities that support employee engagement and company culture.

Required qualifications for our Human Resources Manager:

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field preferred.
• 5–7 years of progressively responsible human resources experience, preferably in a manufacturing environment.
• An equivalent combination of education and relevant experience will be considered.
• SHRM‑CP, SHRM‑SCP, PHR, or SPHR certification preferred.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, are essential.
• Strong computer skills are required, with proficiency in Windows and the Microsoft Office suite.

Skills Sought for our Human Resources Manager:

• Strong knowledge of employee relations, performance management, and progressive discipline practices
• Solid understanding of federal, state, and local employment law and compliance requirements
• Proven ability to lead recruitment, onboarding, and workforce planning initiatives
• Excellent coaching, leadership, and interpersonal communication skills
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage confidential information and multiple priorities

Garaga is an equal opportunity employer and applies an employment equity program for women, Indigenous peoples, visible minorities, and persons with disabilities. We are committed to building and maintaining a diverse workforce where everyone feels valued, respected, and included.

As part of our recruitment process, Garaga may use technology tools, including artificial intelligence, to support certain stages (e.g., application screening). A human remains responsible for all hiring decisions.