Manufacturing HR Manager - Union & People Strategy

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

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.