Human Resources Manager

Job: HR Manager - Manufacturing

Location: Grottoes, VA

Salary: $120,000 - $130,000K base

Position Overview:

We are seeking an experienced HR Manager to support a large manufacturing facility in Grottoes, VA. This is a highly visible, hands-on HR leadership opportunity for someone who enjoys being embedded in the operation, partnering closely with plant leadership, and making a measurable impact on culture, staffing, employee engagement and business performance.

The ideal candidate will have a strong manufacturing or distribution HR background and be comfortable working directly with employees and leaders on the plant floor. This role is well suited for someone who is proactive, responsive, independent and looking for an opportunity to help shape the next phase of a growing manufacturing operation.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as a strategic HR business partner to plant leadership and employees.


• Partner with leadership on workforce planning, staffing, retention and employee engagement.


• Lead recruiting efforts for hourly and salaried positions in partnership with Talent Acquisition.


• Build strong relationships with employees and union representatives.


• Coach and advise leaders on employee relations, performance management and HR matters.


• Drive initiatives related to culture, organizational effectiveness and change management.


• Monitor HR metrics, including turnover, staffing levels and employee engagement, and develop action plans based on results.


• Support talent management, performance reviews, training and development initiatives.


• Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state and local employment laws.


• Maintain a visible presence on the plant floor and actively engage with employees.


• Participate in plant meetings, tier meetings and leadership discussions.


• Partner with HR teams across the organization, including Talent Acquisition, Compensation, Benefits and Employee Experience.


• Identify opportunities to improve HR processes and overall business performance.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of HR business partner/generalist experience, preferably within a manufacturing, retail, or distribution environment.


• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business or a related field strongly preferred.


• Demonstrated ability to coach, influence and partner with leaders at all levels.


• Experience driving action plans and delivering measurable business outcomes.


• Strong employee relations and communication skills.


• Ability to work independently while maintaining strong communication and follow-through.


• Comfortable working in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.


• Experience working with a union environment is preferred but not required.


• Ability to travel approximately 5% within the United States.

Preferred Qualifications

• Spanish/English bilingual skills.


• PHR or SHRM-CP certification.


• Experience with HRIS, payroll and applicant tracking systems.


• Workday experience.


• Previous experience supporting a plant workforce.


• Experience with employee engagement, retention and organizational change.

What We're Looking For:

The successful candidate will be someone who:

• Rolls up their sleeves and gets involved in the operation.


• Builds trust through responsiveness, transparency and follow-through.


• Is comfortable spending time on the plant floor and interacting with employees.


• Can balance strategic HR initiatives with hands-on day-to-day needs.


• Builds strong partnerships with operations and plant leadership.


• Is comfortable navigating change and organizational transition.


• Takes ownership and can work independently without being micromanaged.


• Genuinely cares about people while understanding the needs of the business.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary of $120,000 - $130,000K.


• Relocation package for the right candidate.


• Strong partnership and support from senior HR leadership.


• Structured 30/60/90-day onboarding.


• Opportunity to make a significant impact on plant culture and business performance.


• Long-term growth opportunities within a large manufacturing organization.


• A flexible, family-first leadership environment.


• Opportunity to work as a true strategic HR partner rather than in a purely administrative HR function.