Manager, Human Resources

Lactalis American Group; Brattleboro (VT); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Lactalis American Group is seeking a Human Resources Manager based in Brattleboro to partner with plant leadership, drive HR priorities, and oversee core HR functions including recruitment, onboarding, performance management, payroll, and benefits in a manufacturing setting.

The role reports to the Plant Director with guidance from the Industrial HR Director, requiring strong HR knowledge, compliance, and data-driven decision making to strengthen organizational effectiveness.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher preferred.
• Majors in Human Resources Administration or Business Administration preferred.
• 4+ years Human Resources experience preferred.
• 4+ years Manufacturing and Management experience preferred.
• Certifications such as SHRM or HRCI are a plus.
• Knowledge of HR systems, employment and labor law, labor costs, and investigations is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Guide Plant Management on HR priorities and initiatives, while supporting managers and employees.
• Manage core HR functions: talent acquisition, onboarding, performance management, and compensation.
• Identify training needs and coordinate development programs to improve performance.
• Address employee relations issues, resolve conflicts, and coach managers on communication and leadership.
• Interpret policies, ensure compliance with federal/state HR requirements, and collaborate with legal, compliance, and safety teams.
• Analyze HR metrics and HRIS data to drive strategic HR initiatives.
• Assess department structures and resources to improve organizational effectiveness.
• Develop and mentor the HR Generalist and interface with Corporate HR and other Plant HR Managers.

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher preferred

Majors in Human Resources Administration or Business Administration preferred

Tools

HR Systems

Job description

Description

Ready for more than just a job? Build a career with purpose.

At Lactalis in the USA, we’re committed to providing meaningful opportunities for our people to learn, grow, and thrive—whether you’re just starting your journey with us or looking to take the next step in your career. From day one, we offer the tools and support to help you succeed.

As the world leader in dairy, Lactalis is a family-owned company with over 85,000 pragmatic and ambitious professionals across the globe. Each day, we’re proud to produce award-winning dairy products that bring people together.

In the US, we proudly offer an unrivaled house of beloved brands, including Galbani® Italian cheeses and ricotta, Président® specialty cheeses and butters, Kraft® natural and grated cheeses, Breakstone’s® cottage cheese, Cracker Barrel®, Black Diamond® cheddar, and Parmalat® milk. Our yogurt portfolio includes siggi’s®, Stonyfield Organic®, Brown Cow™, Oui®, Yoplait®, Go-Gurt®, :ratio®, Green Mountain Creamery®, and Mountain High®, along with a growing family of ethnic favorites like Karoun®, Gopi®, and Arz®.

At Lactalis, we live by our core values—Ambition, Engagement, and Simplicity. We foster a workplace where innovation thrives, diverse perspectives are celebrated, and everyone’s unique background and ideas are valued.

Even if you don’t meet every qualification, we encourage you to apply. We want to hear about your PASSION, your STORY, and how your EXPERTISE can help us shape the future of dairy.

From your PASSION to ours

Lactalis US Yogurt, part of the Lactalis family of companies, is currently hiring a Human Resources Manager based in Brattleboro, VA.

The Human Resource Manager will partner closely with the plant’s leadership team to enhance both workforce and operational capabilities, ensuring alignment with business objectives. This role will be responsible for setting HR priorities and providing strategic input on HR processes and initiatives, while leading core functions such as performance management, compensation, recruitment, onboarding, payroll, and talent development. The Manager, Human Resources will monitor and analyze HR KPIs to drive continuous improvement, manage employee relations, and ensure consistent application of company policies. Additionally, this individual advises plant leadership on HR strategies that strengthen organizational effectiveness within a manufacturing environment. The position will report directly to the Plant Director and receives functional guidance from the Industrial HR Director.

From your EXPERTISE to ours

KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Guide Plant Management on HR priorities and initiatives, while also offering direct support and resources to both managers and employees.
• Manage core HR functions, including talent acquisition (job postings, applicant selection), onboarding, performance management (appraisals, training), and compensation (salary administration, benefits, and payroll).
• Enhance employee and management performance by identifying training needs, facilitating development programs, and ensuring effective use of performance management systems.
• Foster a productive work environment by addressing employee relations issues, resolving conflicts, conducting investigations, and coaching managers on effective communication and management techniques.
• Ensure compliance and best practices by interpreting company policies, monitoring and implementing federal and state HR requirements, and collaborating with legal, compliance, and safety teams.
• Drive data-informed decisions by analyzing HR system reports on key metrics like labor costs and turnover, then using these insights to develop strategic HR initiatives.
• Support organizational effectiveness by assisting plant management in analyzing department structures, optimizing resources, and assessing employee morale to develop action plans.
• Oversee and develop the HR Generalist, providing management, training, and growth opportunities to expand their core competencies.
• Collaborate across the organization by regularly interfacing with the Corporate HR Team and other Plant HR Managers to ensure alignment and consistency.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

The incumbent is responsible for the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of Plant and HR Team in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; and addressing complaints and resolving problems.

WORK CONDITIONS

• Travel may be required occasionally.
• Extended hours may be necessary depending on the project needs
• To fulfill these responsibilities, tools such as a computer, phone or, and/or allowance(s) will be provided.
• Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential duties and responsibilities.
• This position requires physical presence in the office.

From your STORY to ours

QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Bachelor's degree or higher is preferred.
• Majors in Human Resources Administration or Business Administration is preferred.

Experience

• 4+ years Human Resources experience is preferred.
• 4+ years Manufacturing and Management experience is preferred.

Certifications and specific knowledge

• The following certifications are a plus for this role: SHRM, HRCI
• Knowledge of HR Systems, Employment and Labor Law, Labor Costs, and Investigations is preferred.

Requirements

At Lactalis, we offer a comprehensive Total Rewards Program with a variety of affordable benefits and coverage options. We support insurance costs significantly, contribute generously to retirement plans, and offer Paid Time Off from day one. We are committed to your professional growth, providing training and development opportunities, including Education Reimbursement. Join us and grow your career.

Lactalis is an equal employment opportunity employer. We will not discriminate against applicants with regard to any legally-recognized basis including, but not limited to: veteran status, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, and physical or mental disabilities. Further, any division of the Company that is an Affluent Action Employer will comply with all related legal obligations.