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HR Manager

  • Chattanooga, TN

The Opportunity

Our client is seeking an experienced Plant Human Resources Manager to lead the HR function for a manufacturing facility in the Chattanooga area.

This is a hands-on HR leadership role responsible for both the strategic and day-to-day HR needs of the plant. The HR Manager will serve as a key member of the plant leadership team, partner closely with the Plant Manager, and oversee one HR Generalist.

The facility is non-union, so prior union experience is not required.

The ideal candidate is a strong HR generalist with manufacturing experience who is comfortable moving between employee relations, talent management, recruiting, performance management, training, benefits, compliance, and plant-level HR strategy.

Key Responsibilities

HR Leadership & Employee Relations

  • Serve as the primary HR leader for the facility and a key member of the plant leadership team
  • Act as a trusted advisor to the Plant Manager and other leaders on employee and organizational matters
  • Provide hands-on coaching and guidance regarding employee relations, performance, policy interpretation, and workplace issues
  • Ensure compliance with applicable employment laws, regulations, policies, and HR practices
  • Develop and implement plant-level HR policies, processes, and programs
  • Track HR metrics and KPIs and develop improvement plans based on trends and business needs
  • Partner with leadership to identify organizational and workforce needs and implement appropriate solutions
  • Lead and develop one HR Generalist

Recruiting & Onboarding

  • Manage recruiting and selection activities for plant positions in partnership with hiring managers
  • Support candidate screening, interviewing, selection, and hiring
  • Maintain compliant recruiting and applicant-tracking practices
  • Coordinate new-hire orientation and onboarding

Training & Development

  • Partner with department leaders to identify training needs and develop appropriate training plans
  • Coordinate and deliver training related to HR policies, compliance, leadership, and other plant needs
  • Support employee and leadership development initiatives

Performance & Talent Management

  • Lead plant-level performance management processes
  • Coach leaders on performance expectations, employee development, and corrective action
  • Support talent reviews, succession planning, and identification and development of high-potential employees
  • Partner with leaders to strengthen employee engagement and retention

Compensation & Benefits

  • Maintain awareness of local compensation and labor-market trends
  • Support the administration and communication of compensation and benefits programs
  • Oversee benefit enrollment and related employee communications
  • Partner with corporate resources and external providers as needed

Safety & Workers’ Compensation

  • Partner with plant leadership to support a safe and compliant workplace
  • Manage workers’ compensation and employee injury cases, including return-to-work coordination
  • Maintain required records and reporting related to workplace injuries and claims
  • Support regulatory visits and inspections as needed
  • Provide HR guidance regarding workplace health and safety matters

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree required; HR certification/designation preferred
  • 5+ years of progressive HR experience, ideally within a manufacturing environment
  • Automotive manufacturing experience is highly desirable
  • Previous HR leadership or supervisory experience strongly preferred
  • Strong generalist knowledge across employee relations, recruiting, performance management, talent development, compensation, benefits, compliance, and HR operations
  • Demonstrated ability to handle complex employee relations issues and coach managers effectively
  • Strong knowledge of employment laws and HR compliance
  • Experience working within a larger or matrixed organization preferred
  • Working knowledge of HRIS and payroll systems
  • Strong business acumen with the ability to influence leaders at multiple levels
  • Comfortable working in a hands-on plant environment
  • Strong communication, judgment, organizational, and problem-solving skills

What We’re Looking For

This role is best suited for someone who enjoys being in the plant and close to the business, rather than operating solely from a corporate HR perspective. The successful candidate will be equally comfortable advising plant leadership on workforce strategy and stepping into the day-to-day HR issues that come with supporting a manufacturing workforce.

This is a non-union facility. Union experience is not required.