Human Resources Manager

PaperWorks; Wabash (IN); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

PaperWorks in Wabash, IN is seeking an experienced Human Resources Manager to lead HR for our 200+ team at the mill. This hands-on role partners with operations to build strong relationships, champion safety, and align HR programs with manufacturing goals.

You will oversee employee relations, performance management, recruiting, training, and succession planning, while administering the CBA and guiding labor negotiations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in HR, business, or related field; SHRM-CP/SCP or PHR/SPHR is a plus.
• 5+ years of progressive HR experience, preferably in manufacturing.
• Experience with a unionized workforce, labor relations, and contract interpretation.
• Strong knowledge of employment law and HR best practices.
• Experience using HR analytics to drive decisions.
• Exposure to collective bargaining negotiations and labor strategy development preferred.
• Exceptional communication, coaching, and relationship-building skills.
• Proven ability to influence leaders and solve problems in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Partner with plant leadership to develop people strategies that support business objectives.
• Serve as the primary HR leader for a unionized manufacturing facility.
• Provide guidance on employee relations, performance management, and investigations.
• Administer the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) and ensure policy consistency.
• Lead labor relations activities, including grievance management and contract administration.
• Coach leaders on talent management and organizational effectiveness.
• Lead recruiting, onboarding, training, and succession planning.
• Ensure legal compliance across operations.
• Leverage HR data to drive decision-making and continuous improvement.
• Promote a safe, inclusive, high-performance work environment.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic partnership

Employee relations

Labor relations

Coaching

Communication

Data analytics

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR or related field

Tools

HRIS

Job description

Wabash, IN | Manufacturing | Union Environment

Are you a hands-on HR leader who enjoys partnering with operations, building strong team member relationships, and driving positive business results? PaperWorks is seeking an experienced Human Resources Manager to support our Wabash paper mill and its 200+ team members.

In this key leadership role, you will serve as both a strategic business partner and a trusted resource for team members and leaders. You'll help shape workplace culture, support talent initiatives, lead team member relations efforts, and ensure HR programs align with operational goals.

What You'll Do

• Partner with plant leadership to develop and execute people strategies that support business objectives.
• Serve as the primary HR leader for a unionized manufacturing facility, fostering positive team member relationships.
• Provide guidance and support on employee relations, performance management, conflict resolution, and workplace investigations.
• Administer and interpret the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) and ensure consistent application of policies and practices.
• Lead labor relations activities, including grievance management, contract administration, workforce planning, and participation in collective bargaining negotiations.
• Coach and develop leaders on talent management, employee engagement, and organizational effectiveness.
• Lead recruiting, onboarding, training, and succession planning initiatives.
• Ensure legal compliance through all operations.
• Leverage HR data and insights to drive decision-making and continuous improvement.
• Promote a safe, inclusive, and high-performance work environment that reflects the values at PaperWorks.
• Along with other duties and responsibilities.

What You'll Bring

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business, or a related field. SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or SPHR certification is a plus.
• 5+ years of progressive HR experience, preferably in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience supporting a unionized workforce, including labor relations, grievance handling, contract interpretation, and labor-management partnerships.
• Strong knowledge of HR best practices, employment law, and employee relations.
• Experience using HR systems, analytics, and data to drive business decisions.
• Exposure to collective bargaining negotiations and labor strategy development preferred.
• Exceptional communication, coaching, and relationship-building skills.
• Proven ability to influence leaders, solve problems, and thrive in a fast-paced operational environment.