Human Resources Manager

LeoForce; Lathrop (CA); On-site; USD 125,000 - 173,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits

Stable organization

Family-friendly culture

Leadership opportunity

High-volume manufacturing

Job summary

LeoForce in Lathrop, CA, a long-established food and beverage manufacturer, seeks an experienced HR Leader to guide the site’s human resources function and team.

You will oversee leaves, investigations, recruitment, and policy development while partnering with plant leadership to drive workforce initiatives in a 24/7 manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in HR, Business Administration or related field.
• PHR/SPHR/SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP certification preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of progressive HR leadership experience.
• Minimum 3 years of direct people leadership experience.
• Expertise in California labor and employment law non-negotiable (Labor Code, FEHA, CFRA, PDL, PAGA).
• Experience in handling complex employee relations and workplace investigations.
• Food & beverage manufacturing or high-volume regulated environment preferred.
• Paylocity experience preferred; strong HRIS skills.
• Experience managing FMLA, CFRA, PDL, ADA, FEHA and leaves of absence.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the facility's HR leader and SME on California labor laws.
• Lead, coach, and develop a team of HR Generalists.
• Oversee leaves of absence and FMLA/CFRA/PDL compliance.
• Drive performance management, reviews, calibration, and improvements.
• Lead full-cycle recruiting for hourly and salaried roles.
• Partner with plant leadership to address workforce needs.
• Develop and update HR policies, procedures and training.
• Collaborate with legal on pre-litigation matters and investigations.
• Maintain HRIS data and payroll reporting (Paylocity).

Skills

People leadership

HR policy

Strategic thinking

Bilingual English/Spanish

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR/Business

PHR/SPHR/SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP certification

Tools

Paylocity

HRIS systems

Job description

Job Description

Experience

Mid Level

Salary

$125,000 - $172,500 per year

Key Responsibilities and Duties

• Serve as the facility's subject matter expert on California labor and employment law.
• Advise leadership on the California Labor Code, FEHA, CFRA, PDL, PAGA, wage and hour requirements, meal/rest periods, and applicable IWC Wage Orders.
• Lead, coach, and develop a team of HR Generalists.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for complex employee relations matters.
• Conduct thorough, objective, and legally defensible workplace investigations.
• Coach leaders regarding performance management, corrective action, and organizational risk.
• Oversee leaves of absence from initiation through completion.
• Ensure compliance with FMLA, CFRA, PDL, ADA, and FEHA requirements.
• Oversee the interactive accommodation process.
• Identify compliance risks and develop or update HR policies, procedures, and training.
• Partner with legal counsel on pre-litigation matters, workplace investigations, and employment-related claims.
• Lead full-cycle recruiting for hourly and salaried positions.
• Partner with corporate HR and staffing partners to meet facility workforce needs.
• Support continuous improvement of HR policies, programs, and best practices.
• Partner with plant leadership to proactively address workforce needs.
• Lead performance management processes, including reviews, calibration, and performance improvement plans.
• Analyze HR trends and metrics to develop solutions supporting business objectives.
• Maintain HRIS data and employee records.
• Utilize Paylocity for reporting and decision-making.
• Ensure California and federal employment postings, notices, training, and records remain current.
• Support training platforms including Poka and Alchemy.
• Maintain flexibility to support a 24/7 plant operation, including variable shifts, nights, and weekends as needed.

Qualifications Needed

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field required.
• PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, or SHRM-SCP certification preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of progressive HR leadership experience with increasing scope and responsibility.
• Minimum 3 years of direct people leadership experience managing an HR team.
• Expertise in California labor and employment law is non-negotiable, including the California Labor Code, wage and hour compliance, FEHA, CFRA, PDL, and PAGA.
• Strong experience managing complex employee relations matters and workplace investigations.
• Experience in food & beverage manufacturing or another high-volume, fast-paced regulated manufacturing environment strongly preferred.
• Strong working knowledge of HRIS systems; Paylocity experience preferred.
• Experience managing FMLA, CFRA, PDL, ADA, FEHA, and leaves of absence.
• Proven ability to balance strategic HR leadership with a hands-on approach in a manufacturing environment.
• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.
• Legally authorized to work in the United States.
• Ability to work variable shifts, including nights and weekends, as needed to support a 24/7 plant operation.

A bit about us

Founded over 80 years ago and based in Lathrop, CA, with operations connected to locations across the U.S., we are a specialized food and beverage manufacturer focused on low-acid aseptic production. We produce shelf-stable products including cheese sauces, soups, broths, and protein drinks, and have built a reputation for high standards, long-tenured employees, teamwork, sustainability, and community involvement. With approximately 350 employees and $150M in revenue, we offer the stability of an established organization while maintaining a collaborative, family-oriented culture.

Why join us?

• Comprehensive Benefits: Low-cost benefits package
• Stable Organization: Approximately 350 employees and a strong history of employee retention
• Family-First Culture: A workplace that emphasizes teamwork, respect, and community
• Leadership Opportunity: Serve as the primary HR leader supporting the Lathrop manufacturing facility
• Strategic + Hands-On Role: Partner directly with plant leadership and corporate HR while leading the site's HR function
• Food & Beverage Manufacturing: Work in a high-volume, 24/7 manufacturing environment
• Impact: Help drive employee relations, compliance, talent acquisition, performance management, and talent development