Human Resources Manager

lucasmilhauptcareers; Warwick (RI); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision

401(k) plan

Bonus programs

Career development

Job summary

Lucas Milhaupt, part of Steel Partners Diversified Industrial Group, seeks an HR Manager at our manufacturing plant in Rhode Island. You will drive people strategy, support safety, efficiency, and a positive work environment, balancing strategic HR initiatives with hands-on leadership support.

You will coach leaders, manage performance processes, and collaborate with site leaders on talent acquisition, engagement, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required in HR, Business, or related field.
• 5 years HR experience required; strong leadership and project management skills.
• Proficiency with HRIS/HCM systems and MS Office suite.
• Knowledge of EEOC, FMLA, and other employment laws preferred.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.

Responsibilities

• Coach and mentor associates at all levels of the organization.
• Lead HR processes for the site, including performance management and compensation planning.
• Partner with site leadership to source and hire non-exempt and exempt positions.
• Drive employee engagement and maintain positive work environment.
• Ensure policy interpretation is consistent and compliant across the site.
• Support talent development programs and organizational talent reviews.
• Investigate sensitive employee relations matters in coordination with Legal.

Skills

Coaching

Performance management

Employee relations

Talent acquisition

Leadership development

Policy interpretation

Workforce engagement

Education

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business, or related discipline

Tools

HCM system

MS Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Outlook

Job description

At Lucas Milhaupt, we develop next-generation material joining solutions that are propelling industries forward. Join with the Best and become part of a team that rewards continuous improvement, celebrates diversity, and propels every team member toward personal and professional growth.

We are passionate about creating a culture where every voice is heard, every idea considered, and every success celebrated. We believe in the power of career development and the transformative impact it can have on individuals and communities.

As we continue to grow and expand as a company, we are actively seeking diverse and talented individuals who share our passion for material joining and want to be part of a journey that encourages personal and professional growth.

At Lucas, our focus is on our people – the key to our success. Our goal is to offer employees an unparalleled experience, with opportunities to grow and improve the quality of their lives and the lives of their families.

Steel Partners Diversified Industrial Group

Lucas Milhaupt, LLC. is part of the Steel Partners Holdings L.P. (“Steel Partners”) Diversified Industrial Group, which is a diversified global holding company that engages in multiple businesses through consolidated subsidiaries, associated companies, and other interests. Steel Partners owns and operates businesses and has significant interests in leading companies in various industries, including diversified industrial products, energy, defense, supply chain management and logistics, banking, and youth sports.

Position Overview

Are you passionate about shaping workplace culture and building strong, engaged teams? Do you thrive in fast-paced environments where you can coach leaders, champion workforce development, and ensure operational excellence? If you’re a proactive HR professional with a passion for continuous improvement, this opportunity could be your next great move.

As the Human Resources Manager for our manufacturing plant, you'll be a key driver of our people strategy — directly supporting the plant's performance and contributing to a safe, efficient, and positive work environment. This role is perfect for someone who enjoys balancing strategic HR initiatives with hands‑on employee interaction and leadership support.

Responsibilities

Performance Management

• Coach/mentor associates at all levels of the organization.
• Lead HR processes/ activities for the site such as performance management and compensation planning – ensuring all associates are trained and the process is properly implemented and tracked.
• Ensure that Supervisors and Managers are provided with guidance and tools to effectively handle associate performance.
• Ensure that pay and promotion decisions are tied to performance with consideration of internal equity.

Talent Acquisition

• Partner with site leadership to source, interview, and select non-exempt and exempt regular or temporary positions in a cost effective and timely manner.
• Ensure candidates are tracked and monitored via an online applicant tracking tool.
• Employ behavioral based interviewing technics to ensure that new hires obtain a high degree of successful performance in their roles.
• Partner with staffing agencies and site leaders to ensure that Short-term staffing needs are met.
• Responsible for performing site HR portions of New Associate Orientation and communicating new associate information to other departments.

Total Associate Engagement

• Proactively promote and maintain a positive work environment and drive total associate engagement
• Ensure consistent interpretation and application of policies and procedures. Serves as both an employee advocate and business representative, balancing legal requirements, policy and practice and business needs.
• Drive and deploy procedures and policies in all areas involving HR.
• Support leader driven action plans for annual engagement survey.
• Support site owner and act as liaison with Corporate on Volunteerism and Fund-Raising Activities.

Talent Management

• Drive development planning for key roles in supported areas.
• Assist HR Leader in formal Organizational Talent Review Process.
• Create / Educate / Manage Career Path’s: Functional, Leadership, Technical.
• Coordinate / Lead the training for: Early Career, High Potential Talent, Leadership Development.

Legal Compliance

• Perform detailed investigations of sensitive, complex employee relations matters that may accelerate from the site level or that are brought up from the Ethics Hotline.
• Work with the HR Leader to ensure compliance, and claim response in coordination with Legal for EEOC, FMLA, Code of Conduct, Discrimination, Harassment, and other legal/policy issues.

Continuous Improvement

• Add value to administrative processes by recommending policy enhancements and streamlining procedures.
• Initiate process improvements by analyzing current processes and recommending improvements to obtain greater efficiency, quality, and customer satisfaction.
• Develop and implement short/long term HR initiatives in support of the business’ strategic objectives.
• Support organizational development activities.
• Support HR related metrics for current fiscal year strategy.
• Partner with finance and key business leaders to provide metrics and recommendations regarding talent phasing, budget and cost save.
• Applies a comprehensive knowledge of human resource disciplines, principles, and practices towards the completion of complex assignments/projects.
• Participate in facilitation of annual benefit open enrollment.
• Ensure new hires, associate changes in status and benefits changes are processed.

Workforce Planning

• Partner with HR Leader for organization assessment and upgrading talent through strategic staffing and developing pipeline talent.
• Partner with HR Leader to develop workforce plan for supported sites and remote employees.
• This job description is not intended to provide an overview of key responsibilities and requirements. Additional duties may be needed and/or assigned to ensure the needs of our internal and external customers are met.

Requirements

Leadership Competencies

• Decision Quality – Making good and timely decisions that keep the organization moving forward.
• Develops Talent – Developing people to meet both their career goals and the organization’s goals.
• Plans & Aligns – Planning and prioritizing work to meet commitments aligned with organizational goals.
• Resourceful – Securing and deploying resources effectively and efficiently.
• Situational Adaptability – Adapting approach and demeanor in real time to match the shifting demands of different situations.
• Business Insight – Applying knowledge of business and the marketplace to advance the organization’s goals.
• Drives Results – Consistently achieving results.
• Manages Complexity – Making sense of complex and sometimes contradictory information to effectively solve problems.
• Instills Trust – Gaining the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity.
• A bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, or related discipline is required.
• 5 years’ experience in human resources required.
• 2 years’ Operations HR or COE (Center of Excellence) experience a plus.
• High level of proficiency within a HCM (Human Capital Management) and payroll system along with MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Demonstrated proficiency in Program Management or Project Management.
• PHR or SPHR certification a plus.

What We Offer

• Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits
• Paid holidays in additional to paid time off
• Short Term Disability at no cost to the employee
• 401 (k) plan with company matching
• Quarterly and annual bonus plans
• A supportive work environment built on teamwork, respect, integrity, and commitment
• Diversity and Inclusion Employee Resource Group

This position is based on site at our facilities in Cudahy, Wisconsin. It is a manufacturing company, and this role will work with a diverse population in both office and production settings. The position will require the use of personal protective equipment (eye protection, hearing protection and safety shoes provided by the company).

We offer equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. We also provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and applicable state or local law. If you require assistance or reasonable accommodation in completing this application or during any aspect of the application process, please contact Human Resources at 414.769.6000.