HR Specialist - Employee Relations (manufacturing)

Drive Fairness. Lead Investigations. Strengthen Workplace Culture.

Toyota Boshoku AKI USA (TBAKI) is seeking an experienced HR Specialist – Team Member Relations to support employee relations, workplace investigations, and HR compliance within our manufacturing environment in Athens, Alabama.

This role serves as a trusted advisor to leadership and team members—ensuring fair policy application, legal compliance, and proactive resolution of workplace concerns.

If you bring strong employee relations experience in a manufacturing setting and are confident handling investigations and leadership coaching, this is an opportunity to make direct organizational impact.

Key Responsibilities

Employee Relations & Investigations

• Serve as primary contact for complex employee relations matters
• Conduct confidential investigations (policy violations, harassment, misconduct, workplace conflict)
• Document findings and recommend appropriate corrective actions
• Support grievance handling and disciplinary processes

Leadership Coaching & Policy Guidance

• Coach group leaders and managers on performance management, attendance, and conflict resolution
• Ensure consistent application of HR policies and procedures
• Lead policy communication and education initiatives

Compliance & Reporting

• Ensure compliance with federal and state employment laws (ADA, FLSA, FMLA, Title VII, NLRA, etc.)
• Assist with EEO and regulatory reporting
• Track and analyze HR metrics (investigations, turnover, corrective actions)
• Prepare data-driven reports and recommendations

HR Programs & Support

• Assist with development and implementation of HR programs and policies
• Deliver employee relations and compliance training
• Process personnel actions (new hires, transfers, terminations, LOA, etc.)
• Support employee engagement activities and events

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field
• OR equivalent combination of education and experience
• PHR or SHRM-CP certification preferred

Experience

• 4+ years of HR generalist and employee relations experience
• Manufacturing or industrial environment experience preferred
• Experience delivering presentations and training to large groups

Skills & Knowledge

• Strong knowledge of employment law and HR compliance
• Experience managing investigations and complex workplace issues
• Ability to analyze data and present trends clearly
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• High level of discretion and confidentiality
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Experience with HRIS systems (Oracle and Kronos preferred)

Work Environment

• Combination of office and manufacturing plant environment
• PPE required in plant areas (safety glasses, steel-toe shoes, hearing protection)
• Ability to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods
• Occasional lifting up to 30 lbs
• Flexibility to work rotating shifts, overtime, or weekends as needed