Human Resources Assistant

Terra Drive Systems (TDS) is entering a new chapter of operational excellence, leadership development, and scalable growth. We are seeking a hands-on Human Resources Assistant who can strengthen our people systems, rebuild structure where gaps exist, and partner closely with leadership to elevate our culture, safety, accountability, and ISO readiness.

This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a manufacturing environment, loves building processes from the ground up, and is confident implementing HR standards that support a growing organization with evolving complexity.

You will lead HR operations, hiring, onboarding, training, compliance, culture, performance management, employee relations, and safety oversight—while helping the leadership team evolve into a high-performing, aligned unit.

Key Responsibilities

1. HR Operations & Compliance

• Oversee all HR functions including employee records, HRIS/ADP management, benefits, payroll coordination, and compliance.
• Ensure accurate documentation, policy updates, and adherence to federal/state labor laws.
• Strengthen HR file management, including migration to ADP Document Cloud.
• Maintain confidentiality and protect TDS’s HR integrity at all times.

2. Hiring, Staffing & Workforce Planning

• Lead full-cycle recruiting for welders, machinists, installers, engineering talent, and leadership roles.
• Create and maintain talent pipelines with local trade schools, Purdue, and other partners.
• Work with department managers to align staffing needs with strategic goals.
• Implement structured interviewing, testing, and evaluation protocols.

3. Onboarding, Training & Development

• Maintain and improve our standardized onboarding experience that introduces new hires to:
• TDS core values
• Safety expectations
• ISO standards
• Department workflows
• Partner with managers to ensure training plans are followed and properly documented.

5. Safety Program Leadership

• Own the company-wide safety program and reinforce a culture where safety is proactive.
• Conduct follow-up after safety incidents and ensure corrective actions are completed.
• Establish structure so managers are held responsible for safety in their departments.
• Coordinate safety trainings, metrics tracking, and policy enforcement.
• Work closely with plant operations and quality to close gaps.

6. Culture Building & Employee Engagement

• Promote TDS core values: Relentless Dependability, Owning the Outcome, Continuous Improvement, One Team One Drive, and Earn Trust Every Day.
• Create consistent internal communication and transparency channels.
• Support leadership in building a respectful, cohesive culture across all functions.
• Lead initiatives that strengthen morale, recognition, and cross-department collaboration.

7. Investigations & Employee Relations

• Serve as a fair, unbiased resource for conflict resolution, interpersonal issues, and policy violations.
• Conduct internal investigations and recommend appropriate disciplinary actions.
• Protect organizational integrity while balancing empathy and accountability.

8. ISO Alignment & Documentation Support

• Partner with the Quality Manager to reinforce ISO awareness across all departments.
• Ensure HR-related ISO requirements (training records, org charts, audits) are accurate and maintained.

9. Succession Planning & Leadership Development

• Support leadership in identifying skill gaps, future leaders, and developmental pathways.
• Assist in creating succession plans for retiring roles (service techs, customer service, production leadership).
• Ensure smooth transitions with strong documentation and cross-training.

Qualifications

Required

• 3–5+ years HR experience, preferably in manufacturing, production, or industrial environments.
• Strong knowledge of employment law, HR compliance, and best practices.
• Experience managing recruiting, performance management, and employee relations.
• Ability to enforce policy with professionalism, fairness, and consistency.
• High emotional intelligence with the ability to coach employees and managers.

Preferred

• Experience building HR systems in a mid-sized business.
• Leadership in safety program management.
• Familiarity with ADP and/or Monday.com.

Key Competencies

• Strong communicator — clear, direct, and able to navigate tough conversations.
• Process-driven — builds and maintains predictable systems.
• Confident and calm under pressure — can de-escalate conflict and manage change.
• Ethical and discreet — always protects confidentiality and organizational trust.
• Collaborative but firm — able to influence managers and hold them accountable.
• Culture builder — leads by example and reinforces the core values daily.

Success in This Role Looks Like

• Consistent staffing pipelines for critical roles.
• Strong onboarding experience and structured training for new hires.
• Safety metrics improve and incidents receive documented follow-up.
• Managers take ownership of performance, ISO responsibilities, and team communication.
• HR documentation is organized, compliant, and audit-ready.
• Employees feel supported, and leadership feels aligned.

Pay: $60,000.00 - $70,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person