Plant HR Manager - Wayland, MI

The Christopher Group, Agile HR Business Solutions; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The Christopher Group seeks an experienced Human Resources Manager for a fast-paced manufacturing operation in Grand Rapids, MI. This role serves as a hands-on partner to operations, guiding HR programs and ensuring safe, compliant, and efficient production.

Key duties include coaching managers on attendance and discipline, managing labor relations when applicable, recruiting and onboarding, and maintaining HRIS data integrity across shifts.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, or related field.
• Five or more years of related human resources experience.
• Experience working in a collective bargaining environment when supporting a unionized workforce.
• Previous HR experience in a manufacturing or plant environment is preferred.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Experience with HRIS platforms such as Workday and UKG Dimensions is preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office is required.
• Ability to work flexible hours when business or employee needs require it.
• Bilingual language skills may be strongly preferred depending on workforce demographics and business needs.

Responsibilities

• Partner with operations and production teams to support business objectives while maintaining compliance with internal policies and external regulations.
• Coach department managers and front-line leaders on attendance management, conflict resolution, progressive discipline, and other employee-related matters.
• Build strong, credible relationships with employees and maintain an accessible HR presence across production shifts.
• Address employee questions and concerns promptly and support workplace investigations.
• Interpret and apply policies related to attendance, paid time off, job transfers, workplace accommodations, and other employment practices.
• Support HR programs and communications, including employee recognition, feedback forums, engagement survey action planning, and plant communications.
• Manage site staffing and recruitment needs, including onboarding and new-hire orientation.
• Complete HRIS data entry and conduct regular audits to maintain accurate employee information.
• Handle confidential and sensitive personnel matters with professionalism, discretion, consistency, and integrity.
• When supporting a represented workforce, lead labor relations activities such as contract interpretation, grievance resolution, and collaboration with union representatives.

Skills

Employee relations

Labor relations

HR leadership

Policy interpretation

Compliance

Communication

Flex hours

Multilingual (optional)

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources or related field

Tools

Workday

UKG Dimensions

Microsoft Office

Job description

Hands-On HR Leadership in a Fast-Paced Manufacturing Environment

About the Company

Our client is a well-established, fast-paced manufacturing company that is committed to delivering quality products, supporting its employees, and continuously improving its operations. With a collaborative and performance-focused culture, the organization values safety, integrity, accountability, and strong partnerships across the business.

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Human Resources Manager to provide hands-on HR leadership and serve as a trusted business partner to operations, production leaders, and employees. This position oversees a broad range of human resources functions, leads key HR initiatives, advises managers on employee matters, and helps ensure compliance with employment laws, workplace policies, and established practices.

The ideal candidate is an approachable, solutions-oriented HR professional who can build strong employee relationships, coach leaders through complex situations, and balance business needs with consistent, fair, and respectful people practices.

Key Responsibilities

• Partner with operations and production teams to support business objectives while maintaining compliance with internal policies and external regulations.
• Coach department managers and front-line leaders on attendance management, conflict resolution, progressive discipline, and other employee-related matters.
• Build strong, credible relationships with employees and maintain an accessible HR presence across production shifts.
• Address employee questions and concerns promptly and support workplace investigations.
• Interpret and apply policies related to attendance, paid time off, job transfers, workplace accommodations, and other employment practices.
• Support HR programs and communications, including employee recognition, feedback forums, engagement survey action planning, and plant communications.
• Manage site staffing and recruitment needs, including onboarding and new-hire orientation.
• Complete HRIS data entry and conduct regular audits to maintain accurate employee information.
• Handle confidential and sensitive personnel matters with professionalism, discretion, consistency, and integrity.
• When supporting a represented workforce, lead labor relations activities such as contract interpretation, grievance resolution, and collaboration with union representatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, or a related field preferred; an equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Five or more years of related human resources experience.
• Experience working in a collective bargaining environment is required when supporting a unionized workforce.
• Previous HR experience in a manufacturing or plant environment is preferred.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities and sound judgment.
• Demonstrated personal accountability, attention to quality, and a continuous-improvement mindset.
• Experience with HRIS platforms such as Workday and UKG Dimensions is preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office is required.
• Ability to work flexible hours when business or employee needs require it.
• Bilingual language skills may be strongly preferred depending on workforce demographics and business needs.

Why This Opportunity?

This role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on employees and business operations. You will serve as a visible and trusted HR resource, help leaders navigate important workplace matters, strengthen employee connections, and contribute to a productive and respectful work environment.