Human Resources Manager

George Thomas; Buffalo (NY); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

George Thomas Executive Search partners with a packaging manufacturer in the Buffalo, NY region to hire an HR Manager for a facility startup. This role reports to the General Manager and blends strategic people initiatives with hands-on HR operations.

You will oversee recruitment, onboarding, payroll, benefits, and compliance, while partnering with managers to drive engagement and workforce planning in a growing manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

• Experience as HR Generalist, HRBP or HR Manager in manufacturing.
• Proven track record in recruitment, onboarding and lifecycle activities.
• Experience with payroll, benefits, pensions, and compensation programs.
• Strong knowledge of employment legislation and HR best practices.
• Experience handling employee relations and supporting management.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end recruitment to support growth and expansion.
• Manage onboarding, ensuring a smooth new-employee experience.
• Administer payroll, benefits and pension schemes accurately.
• Support performance management and compensation processes.
• Provide HR guidance to managers on employee relations.
• Develop, implement and maintain HR policies and procedures.
• Coordinate audits and HR-related reporting requirements.
• Promote employee engagement and positive workplace culture.
• Partner with leadership to align people practices with business goals.

Skills

Recruitment

Onboarding

Payroll

Benefits & pensions

Compensation

Employee relations

Employment law

HR systems

MS Office

Relationship building

Tools

HRIS

MS Office

Job description

George Thomas Executive Search has partnered with a growing packaging manufacturer based in the Buffalo, NY region.

Our client is seeking to hire a HR Manager for their facility start up. You will report into the General Manager.

This opportunity would be an excellent fit for an experienced HR professional who enjoys balancing strategic people initiatives with hands-on HR operations in a growing manufacturing environment.

How You Will Add Value to the Team

• Lead end-to-end recruitment activities, attracting and securing top talent to support business growth and workforce expansion.
• Manage the onboarding process, ensuring a smooth and positive experience for new employees.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with recruitment agencies to deliver cost-effective hiring solutions.
• Coordinate temporary workforce requirements and support workforce planning initiatives.
• Support employee training and development programmes to enhance capability and performance across the business.
• Administer payroll, employee benefits, and pension schemes, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
• Maintain and support performance management and compensation processes.
• Provide guidance and practical HR support to managers on employee relations and workplace matters.
• Assist with the development, implementation, and maintenance of HR policies and procedures.
• Coordinate responses to compliance audits and HR-related reporting requirements.
• Promote employee engagement by supporting initiatives that contribute to a positive workplace culture.
• Act as a trusted HR partner, helping to align people practices with operational and business objectives.

To Be Considered for This Position You Will Have

• Previous experience in a HR Generalist, HR Business Partner, or HR Manager role within a manufacturing environment.
• Proven success managing recruitment, onboarding, and employee lifecycle activities.
• Experience administering payroll, benefits, pensions, and compensation programmes.
• Strong knowledge of employment legislation and HR best practices.
• Experience handling employee relations matters and supporting management teams.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• A proactive, hands-on approach with strong problem-solving abilities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and HR systems.
• The ability to work effectively in a fully onsite position.