The HR & Safety Manager is a hands-on leadership role responsible for overseeing all aspects of Human Resources and Safety within a 60+-employee manufacturing environment. This position operates independently and serves as the company’s primary HR and Safety authority.
This role requires a strong operational mindset. The successful candidate must be comfortable working directly on the manufacturing floor, building credibility with production employees, addressing issues in real time, and making sound, decisive decisions. The ideal candidate combines compliance expertise with practical, floor-level leadership and a track record of improving efficiency, systems, and workplace culture.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Human Resources Leadership
- Manage full-cycle recruitment, onboarding, and offboarding.
- Lead employee relations, investigations, performance management, and disciplinary processes.
- Advise leadership on labor law compliance and workforce planning.
- Develop, update, and enforce HR policies and procedures.
- Maintain personnel records and ensure regulatory compliance.
- Administer benefits, leave programs (FMLA, ADA), and workers’ compensation.
- Support payroll processing and HR data integrity.
Safety & Manufacturing Floor Leadership
- Maintain a visible and active presence on the manufacturing floor.
- Build trust and credibility with production employees and supervisors.
- Identify safety concerns through direct observation and interaction.
- Lead safety audits, hazard assessments, and OSHA compliance efforts.
- Investigate incidents promptly and implement corrective actions.
- Maintain OSHA logs and regulatory reporting.
- Drive a culture of accountability and safe work practices.
- Deliver safety training and reinforce expectations consistently.
Operational & Systems Improvement
- Improve HR documentation flow and reduce administrative inefficiencies.
- Evaluate and optimize HRIS systems and reporting processes.
- Implement process improvements that enhance compliance and productivity.
- Develop metrics and reporting tools to support decision-making.
- Streamline onboarding, performance documentation, and compliance tracking.
Strong Operator Responsibilities
- Make timely, independent decisions aligned with company objectives.
- Address employee concerns directly and professionally.
- Hold employees accountable while maintaining fairness and consistency.
- Communicate expectations clearly to both production staff and leadership.
- Operate confidently in a fast-paced, production-driven environment.
- Balance strategic thinking with practical, hands-on execution.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Safety, Business, or related field (or equivalent experience).
- 5+ years of progressive HR experience in a manufacturing environment.
- Demonstrated experience working directly on the production floor.
- Strong knowledge of OSHA regulations and employment law.
- Experience in independently managing HR and safety functions.
- Proven ability to improve HR processes and administrative efficiencies.
- Experience with HRIS systems and payroll platforms.
- Strong communication, conflict resolution, and organizational skills.
- Ability to multitask and manage competing priorities effectively.
Preferred Qualifications
- SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR/SPHR certification.
- OSHA 30 certification.
- Experience in small to mid-sized manufacturing organizations.
- Experience implementing or upgrading HR systems.
Competencies
- Strong operational leadership presence
- Decisive and action-oriented
- High integrity and discretion
- Process improvement mindset
- Ability to influence at all organizational levels
- Comfortable addressing difficult issues directly
Physical & Environmental Requirements (ADA Compliant)
The physical demands described here are representative of those required to perform the essential functions of this position successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
- Ability to work in both office and manufacturing environments.
- Ability to stand, walk, and move throughout the facility for extended periods.
- Occasional lifting up to 25 pounds.
- Ability to conduct facility walkthroughs and safety inspections.
- Ability to communicate effectively in person and electronically.
- Exposure to typical manufacturing conditions, including production noise.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
The Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs. Reasonable accommodations will be provided in accordance with applicable law.
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person