Human Resources Manager

Kelly; Newburyport (MA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Kelly in Newburyport, MA seeks an experienced Human Resources Manager to oversee all HR activities for a high-end manufacturing environment. You will lead payroll, onboarding, records, and HR systems while guiding recruiting, employee relations, and policy development.

You’ll partner with leaders to address staffing needs, manage performance and development, and ensure compliance with all laws. A visible, hands-on approach across production and office areas is essential.

Qualifications

• 10+ years HR experience with leadership responsibilities.
• Bachelor’s degree in HR, business administration, or related field.
• Strong knowledge of employment law, payroll, benefits, and ER.
• Experience in manufacturing or hands-on environments preferred.
• Proficient with MS Office and HR/payroll systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day HR operations including payroll, onboarding, and records.
• Manage full-cycle recruiting and onboarding processes.
• Partner with managers to identify staffing needs and strategy.
• Serve as trusted resource for employee relations and investigations.
• Maintain visible presence in both office and production areas.
• Lead performance management, development, retention, and succession planning.
• Develop and maintain HR policies and employee handbook.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws.
• Administer benefits and assist with compensation benchmarking.
• Coordinate training, safety, and development initiatives.
• Support workers’ comp, return-to-work, OSHA compliance, safety.
• Collaborate with leadership to improve HR processes and engagement.

Skills

HR leadership

Employee relations

Recruiting & talent acquisition

Payroll & benefits administration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field

Tools

HRIS systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

Are you an experienced HR professional who enjoys being a hands-on, visible leader in a fast-paced environment? We’re seeking a Human Resources Manager to oversee all aspects of HR for a well-established, high-end custom manufacturing organization in Newburyport, MA.

This is an excellent opportunity for an HR leader who enjoys working closely with employees and leadership, building strong workplace relationships, and driving HR initiatives that directly support business and operational goals.

What You’ll Do

• Lead day-to-day HR operations, including payroll administration, onboarding, employee records, HR systems, and reporting
• Manage full-cycle recruiting, including sourcing, interviewing, hiring, and onboarding
• Partner with managers to identify staffing needs and develop recruiting strategies for hard-to-fill positions
• Serve as a trusted resource for employee relations, conflict resolution, workplace concerns, and investigations
• Maintain a visible presence throughout both the office and production environment
• Lead performance management, employee development, retention, and succession planning initiatives
• Develop and maintain HR policies, procedures, and the employee handbook
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations
• Administer benefits, support open enrollment, and assist with compensation planning and benchmarking
• Coordinate training and development initiatives, including safety training
• Support workers’ compensation, return-to-work processes, OSHA compliance, and workplace safety initiatives
• Partner with leadership and operations to continuously improve HR processes and employee engagement

What We’re Looking For

• 10+ years of progressive HR experience, including leadership responsibilities
• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field preferred
• Strong knowledge of employment law, HR best practices, payroll, benefits, and employee relations
• Experience working in manufacturing, woodworking, construction, or a similar hands-on environment preferred
• Strong interpersonal, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to build relationships and communicate effectively with employees at all levels
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and HR/payroll systems

Preferred Qualifications

• SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or SPHR certification
• Experience processing weekly union and non-union payroll
• Experience working in a small to mid-sized or family-owned business