Sr. HR Generalist

Mueller Water Products; Chattanooga (TN); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) plan with 5% company match

Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)

Disability benefits (short/long-term)

Vacation

Parental leave (paid)

Tuition reimbursement program

Student debt retirement matching

Well-being program

EAP

Job summary

Mueller Water Products in Chattanooga, TN is seeking a Sr. HR Generalist to join the plant leadership team. You will partner with plant leadership and drive HR initiatives across labor relations, talent management, and compliance, ensuring alignment with business objectives and CBAs.

The role requires 5+ years of HR experience in manufacturing, strong employment-law knowledge, and the ability to coach leaders while managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required in HR or related field with 5+ years of HR experience in manufacturing.
• Strong knowledge of employment law, labor relations, and HR best practices.
• Experience with HRIS and Microsoft Office; ability to handle multiple priorities.

Responsibilities

• Serve as strategic HR partner to plant leadership and align HR with business objectives.
• Foster labor-management relationships; interpret CBAs and advise on labor matters.
• Support talent acquisition, onboarding, compensation, performance and development, and engagement.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws and CBAs.
• Develop and improve HR policies and procedures; coach supervisors and managers.
• Provide indirect leadership to the local HR team and support EHS initiatives.

Skills

Employment law

Labor relations

HR best practices

MS Office

HRIS

Multitasking

Strategic initiatives

Communication

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR, Business Administration, or related field

Master's degree in HR or related field

PHR or SPHR certification

Job description

Sr. HR Generalist

Position Summary: The Sr HR Generalist is a key member of the Chattanooga Plant Leadership Team and serves as a strategic business partner to one of Mueller Water Products' largest manufacturing operations. Reporting directly to the Senior Human Resources Manager, this role supports all aspects of human resources while driving business performance, employee engagement, organizational development, and labor relations excellence.

Primary Responsibilities

• Serve as a strategic HR partner to plant leadership, aligning HR initiatives with business objectives.
• Foster and maintain collaborative labor‑management relationships, partnering with union leadership, interpreting collective bargaining agreements (CBAs), administering contract provisions, and providing guidance on labor‑related matters.
• Support talent acquisition, workforce planning, onboarding, compensation, employee relations, performance management, training and development, succession planning, retention, and employee engagement initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local employment laws, company policies, and collective bargaining agreements while advising leaders on employment‑related decisions.
• Develop, implement, and continuously improve HR policies, procedures, and best practices that support operational excellence and organizational goals.
• Provide coaching, guidance, and mentorship to supervisors and managers on employee relations, performance management, conflict resolution, and leadership development.
• Provide indirect leadership, coaching, and development to the local Human Resources team.
• Support Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS) initiatives by promoting a culture of safety and ensuring HR processes align with organizational safety objectives.
• Lead and support Employee Experience Survey action plans to improve employee engagement and organizational culture.
• Monitor, analyze, and communicate key HR metrics to support data‑driven decision‑making and continuous improvement.
• Execute and support corporate HR initiatives, programs, and organizational change efforts.
• Contribute to special projects and strategic initiatives that enhance organizational effectiveness and employee experience.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressive Human Resources experience.
• Human Resources experience within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of employment law, labor relations, and HR best practices.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Human Resource Information Systems (HRIS).
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, execute strategic initiatives, and deliver results with minimal supervision.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, organizational, and problem‑solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Experience supporting unionized manufacturing operations.
• Experience supporting both hourly and salaried employee populations.
• Professional Human Resources (PHR) or Senior Professional Human Resources (SPHR) certification.
• Experience partnering with senior leadership on organizational development, workforce planning, and change management initiatives.

Benefits

• Competitive salary.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) plan with 5% company match.
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP).
• Short‑term and long‑term disability benefits.
• Vacation.
• 100% paid parental leave.
• Tuition reimbursement program.
• Student debt retirement matching.
• Well‑being program.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Company‑provided life insurance.
• Supplemental insurance at group rates.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Mueller Water Products, Inc., as well as its subsidiaries, are equal employment opportunity employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, and/or expression), age, national origin, disability, citizenship status (except as authorized by law), protected veteran status, genetic information, and any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In keeping with its obligations under applicable federal, state, and local law, Mueller will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.

This employer participates in E‑Verify.

Accommodations: If you require accommodations during any stage of the application or interview process, please let us know. We are happy to work with you to meet your needs.