Manager, HR

Job Summary/Overview

The Human Resources Manager is responsible for leading core HR functions with a strong emphasis on labor relations, union contract administration, and employee relations. This role partners with leadership to ensure compliance with collective bargaining agreements, employment laws, and company policies while fostering a positive and productive work environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary point of contact for union representatives and employees covered under collective bargaining agreements (CBAs).
• Interpret, administer, and ensure compliance with CBAs.
• Lead or support collective bargaining negotiations, including preparation, strategy development, and contract execution.
• Manage and respond to grievances, including investigations, documentation, and resolution at various steps of the grievance process.
• Represent the company in labor arbitrations and hearings.
• Maintain constructive labor-management relationships.
• Provide guidance to managers on employee relations issues, disciplinary actions, and conflict resolution.
• Conduct workplace investigations and recommend appropriate actions.
• Ensure consistent application of policies and procedures across union and non-union populations.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws (e.g., FLSA, NLRA, ADA, FMLA).
• Maintain accurate HR records and documentation related to labor relations and personnel actions.
• Advise leadership on risk mitigation strategies related to employment practices.
• Support performance management processes, including coaching managers and addressing performance issues.
• Partner with leadership on workforce planning, engagement, succession planning, and talent development.
• Assist in recruiting, onboarding, and retention strategies where needed.
• Oversee day-to-day HR activities including policy implementation, onboarding, benefits coordination, and HRIS management.
• Analyze HR metrics and trends to support business decisions.
• Support organizational change initiatives, including restructuring or workforce transitions.
• Coach, mentor, and develop direct reports to achieve goals.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, Competencies, and Abilities

• Ability to drive shifts in agent mindset with strong coaching capability.
• Strong influence on business leadership decision-making.
• Expertise in labor relations and business management coaching.
• Confidence in delegating tasks and responsibilities.
• High tolerance for ambiguity and complex environments.
• Experience in conducting investigations and resolving employee conflicts.
• Skill in managing conflict while maintaining strong stakeholder relationships.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field required.
• 5+ years of HR experience, with significant union/labor relations experience required.
• Proven experience managing grievance processes and collective bargaining agreements.
• Strong knowledge of labor laws (NLRA) and employment regulations.
• Experience advising leadership in a manufacturing, distribution, or industrial environment (if applicable).
• Experience participating in or leading contract negotiations preferred.
• HR certification (PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP) preferred.
• Experience with multi-site or multi-union environments preferred.