Human Resources Manager

Dessert Holdings is the leading premium dessert company in the world. We craft artisanal, scratch-made desserts at scale, combining culinary innovation with the finest real ingredients. With a rich heritage spanning seven distinctive brands, we bring unmatched expertise and tailored solutions to our Retail and Foodservice partners.

Opportunity Overview

Dessert Holdings is looking for a Human Resources Manager responsible for HR leadership based at our manufacturing facility in Newburyport, MA. Reporting to the Regional Sr. Human Resources Director, this position requires both hands-on execution as well as support of HR processes, programs, policies, and management practices that are in alignment and support overall Company objectives.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Oversee and manage HR functions to ensure they are executed effectively, consistently, and in compliance with company policies and all applicable federal, state, and local laws
• Serve as the primary HR contact for site leadership and employees by providing hands-on support, advice, and coaching to promote a positive culture aligned with company values.
• Independently handle a wide range of HR matters, including employee relations, performance management, investigations, and disciplinary actions.
• Manage and administer the performance review and goal-setting processes, ensuring timely completion and alignment with organizational objectives.
• Develop and execute staffing plans, lead the hourly recruiting process, and coordinate with Corporate Talent Acquisition on salaried hiring needs.
• Prepare and deliver employee communications to support engagement and understanding of compensation, benefits, open enrollment, and performance programs.
• Partner with department leaders to review job design, update job descriptions, and ensure clear definition of roles and responsibilities.
• Coordinate and maintain HR compliance activities, including recordkeeping, I-9s, EEO reporting, unemployment, workers’ compensation, onboarding, and terminations.
• Collaborate with Safety and Operations teams to support employee safety initiatives and administer the return-to-work program.
• Assess training and development needs, manage new hire onboarding training, and coordinate learning opportunities through internal or external resources.
• Provide leadership, direction, and development to the HR Generalist to ensure effective support of HR operations.
• Plan and coordinate employee events, activities, and recognition programs, ensuring alignment with company culture and effective management of the events budget.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, Business Administration, or a related field required; equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• 5+ years of progressive Human Resources experience, including generalist and HR management responsibilities in a manufacturing or similar fast-paced environment.
• Proven experience independently managing key HR functions such as employee relations, performance management, recruiting, onboarding, and compliance.
• Working knowledge of federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations (e.g., FMLA, ADA, EEO, FLSA, OSHA).
• Demonstrated experience developing and executing employee engagement and recognition programs, including planning and managing event budgets.
• Hands-on experience with HR information systems (HRIS), applicant tracking systems (ATS), and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Experience working in a unionized environment highly preferred, with demonstrated ability to maintain positive labor relations and navigate collective bargaining agreements.
• Bilingual skills/professional proficiency in English and Spanish is required.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills with the ability to build trust and credibility at all levels of the organization.
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with professionalism and discretion.

About Dessert Holdings

Dessert Holdings is a collection of premium dessert companies and brands: The Original Cakerie, Lawler’s Desserts, Atlanta Cheesecake Company, Steven Charles, Dianne’s Fine Desserts, Kenny’s Great Pies, and Willamette Valley Pie Company. Dessert Holdings is owned by Bain Capital, is headquartered in St. Paul, Minnesota, employs more than 3,400 people across ten manufacturing facilities, and is continuing its journey of rapid growth.

EEO Statement

Dessert Holdings and its related entities provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or any other characteristics protected by law.

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