Human Resources Manager

Astor Chocolate; Lakewood Township (NJ); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Positive and engaging work environment

Career development opportunities

Recognition for a job well done

Job summary

A family-owned chocolate company is seeking a Human Resources Manager to oversee all aspects of people operations in Lakewood, NJ. This role involves strategic support to senior leaders and effective management of HR practices from recruiting to employee development. Ideal candidates will have extensive experience in HR, particularly within food production, coupled with strong communication and interpersonal skills. This role promotes an engaging workplace and commitment to employee development.

Qualifications

• 5-7+ years of experience working with exempt and non-exempt employees, ideally in food production.
• Deep understanding of core HR practices: employee relations, compliance, recruiting, performance management and benefits.
• Experience managing sensitive situations with discretion while maintaining confidentiality.

Responsibilities

• Manage day to day HR support including conflict resolution and coaching.
• Partner to align people strategy with business goals.
• Responsible for all aspects of talent acquisition.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Conflict resolution

Detail-oriented

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources or related field

Tools

MS Office

HRIS and other people-related software

Job description

Astor Chocolate is a 4th generation privately held, family‑owned company and has been a leading purveyor of chocolate for over 90 years with our core strengths being innovation, creativity, and dedication to creating premium products. The company services multiple industries ranging from Hospitality, Travel Retail, Food Service, ASI, and Gourmet specialty retailers. Astor, with our energetic team atmosphere, believes the success of our growth is our strong commitment to developing our employees’ potential. We are committed to building the company with talented, and motivated individuals who will uphold our mission of being a market leader, by innovating and servicing our customers with extreme dedication.

Primary Function

The Human Resources Manager will play a strategic and hands‑on role in delivering people‑centric support to our leaders and employees. The HR Manager is responsible for all aspects of people operations and will be a subject‑matter expert in all things people related while understanding the overall goals of the company and its leadership to shape people policies, procedures, and resources. The ideal candidate possesses a high level of HR expertise and the ability to build trusted partnerships while multi‑tasking in a dynamic, fast‑moving environment.

This is an in‑office role with an exciting opportunity to make meaningful impact across the full employee lifecycle – from recruiting and onboarding to development, performance management and culture – while ensuring compliance, consistency and connection across the company. You will be instrumental in continuing to build our HR function, championing our values and ensuring that Astor Chocolate is a great place to work. The HRBP will report to the Director of Human Resources.

Primary Responsibilities

• Manage day to day HR support including conflict resolution, coaching and performance concerns. Serve as primary HR strategic advisor and thought partner as leaders navigate difficult employee issues, helping to mitigate risk, and ensuring a collaborative employee/employer experience.
• Partner to align people strategy with business goals and drive accountability for talent outcomes.
• Responsible for all aspects of talent acquisition, including reviewing job descriptions, sourcing, identifying internal and/or external talent, creating interview and onboarding plans and ensuring an experience that matches company’s values.
• Support the execution and development of people programs and processes including performance management, succession planning, employee engagement, and key people metrics.
• Facilitate learning and development initiatives tailored to talent needs.
• Plan and support culture initiatives to drive engagement and retention.
• Monitor HR data and trends and leverage business intelligence to provide new insights.
• Oversee the accuracy of the HRIS and benefits delivery and create processes and procedures to maximize HRIS functionality.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities – Other duties may be assigned

• Build compliance and consistency into every HR process, ensuring policies, documentation, and execution meet regulatory and ethical standards.
• Provide proactive HR delivery, including recruiting and onboarding, handling employee relations, conducting investigations, offering management coaching and counseling, and designing and implementing talent management systems.
• Demonstrate ownership by anticipating needs, solving problems before they escalate, and following through on commitments with precision and integrity.
• Hold yourself and others accountable for results, ensuring timely execution, transparent communication, and clear ownership of next steps.
• Actively promote and reinforce Astor Chocolate corporate values and culture.
• Ensure accuracy of all human resource files and salary records for employees and temporary labor, both electronically and in files.
• Create and update employee handbooks based on industry best practices.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources or related field and 5-7+ years of experience working with exempt and non‑exempt employees, ideally in food production.
• Deep understanding of core HR practices: employee relations, compliance, recruiting, performance management and benefits.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with a proactive and solutions‑oriented mindset.
• Experience managing sensitive situations with discretion while maintaining confidentiality.
• Detail‑oriented with the ability to adapt to and work in a fast‑paced environment.
• Must have computer proficiency with MS Office, HRIS and other people‑related software.
• Required: In‑office collaboration in our Lakewood, NJ headquarters (5 days/week).
• Preferred: FMCG or Food industry experience in a manufacturing environment.

Benefits

• A work environment that is positive and engaging, yet challenges you to perform your absolute best work.
• A company that you can “call home” and build a career.
• A job that does not feel like a job because you are actually enjoying what you are most passionate about.
• Recognition for a job well done.

Commitment to Inclusion

Astor Chocolate recognizes the necessity of building an inclusive culture that values each employee’s individuality and diverse perspectives. We are committed to providing equal opportunity to all employees, creating an environment that promotes inclusion and belonging and celebrates cultural differences.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Astor Chocolate is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or any other protected class and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.