Strategic HR Director: Manufacturing & Union Relations

Cartamundi North America; East Longmeadow (MA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Cartamundi North America is seeking a strategic HR Director to act as a partner to plant leadership in a unionized manufacturing environment, shaping a forward‑looking people strategy aligned with operational priorities. The role emphasizes leadership culture transformation, organizational effectiveness, and sustainable performance.

You will coach and elevate leadership capability, collaborate with union representatives, and enable a high‑performing, engaged shopfloor culture while leading the

Qualifications

• Master’s or Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field.
• 10+ years of progressive HR experience, including senior strategic HR leadership in manufacturing environments
• Strong experience in union and labor relations
• Proven track record as a strategic HR business partner driving cultural and leadership transformation
• Experience coaching and influencing senior leaders in complex operational environments
• Demonstrated success in organizational change and transformation programs
• Strong analytical capabilities and experience with HR data and metrics

Responsibilities

• Act as a trusted advisor and strategic partner to plant leadership, translating business priorities into a clear people agenda
• Drive leadership culture transformation, focusing on accountability, ownership, and performance at all levels
• Provide day‑to‑day leadership, coaching, performance management, and succession planning and development for HR team members
• Coach and challenge leaders to elevate leadership effectiveness and decision making
• Lead and support organizational change and transformation initiatives, ensuring adoption and sustainability
• Manage and develop labor relations in a unionized context, ensuring constructive dialogue and compliance with collective agreements
• Foster a climate of trust, transparency, and engagement with employees and social partners
• Lead workforce planning and talent strategy, ensuring future capability and succession for key roles
• Challenge recruitment and talent decisions to raise the bar on capability and long‑term impact
• Drive organizational effectiveness and continuous improvement initiatives aligned with operational excellence (Lean mindset)
• Leverage HR data and KPIs to provide insight‑driven recommendations to leadership
• Ensure compliance with labor laws, company policies, and ethical standards

Skills

Leadership development

Strategic HR partner

Labor relations

Coaching & mentorship

Organizational transformation

Change management

Data-driven decisions

Education

Master’s or Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources or Business Administration

Tools

HR analytics

Job description

Cartamundi North America is seeking a strategic HR Director to act as a partner to plant leadership in a unionized manufacturing environment, shaping a forward‑looking people strategy aligned with operational priorities. The role emphasizes leadership culture transformation, organizational effectiveness, and sustainable performance.

You will coach and elevate leadership capability, collaborate with union representatives, and enable a high‑performing, engaged shopfloor culture while leading the