HR Manager

Description

Company Background:

Alta Forest Products, in collaboration with Itochu Building Products, proudly stands as the world's largest producer of wood fence boards. Our specialization lies in Western Red Cedar fence pickets and other premium products from the forests of the Pacific and Inland Northwest. In addition to manufacturing fence boards and lumber, Alta's advanced sawmills operate with zero wood waste, efficiently producing valuable by-products such as wood chips, sawdust, mulch, and biofuel.

Headquartered in centrally located Chehalis, Washington, Alta operates fence board sawmills, reload facilities, and log yards in various Northwest rural communities.

The Role

The HR Manager plays a pivotal role in shaping Alta’s people practices as the organization continues to grow and evolve. This role partners closely with executive leadership to strengthen HR systems, support leaders, and ensure Alta’s workforce strategy aligns with business priorities. The ideal candidate will bring strong HR technical knowledge, hands-on experience, and the ability to balance strategic partnership with day-to-day operational execution.

• Lead and manage the human resources function, including direct supervision and development of HR team members
• Partner with executive leadership to align human resources strategy with business objectives in a manufacturing and operational environment
• Serve as a trusted advisor to leaders and employees on employee relations, performance management, and workplace matters
• Oversee the development, implementation, and application of HR policies, programs, and practices
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations
• Lead workforce planning, talent development, and employee engagement initiatives
• Oversee union-related HR functions, including contract administration, grievance management, labor-management relations, and consistent application of CBA language
• Lead organizational change efforts by equipping leaders and teams to navigate growth, transformation, and evolving business needs
• Have a strong knowledge of federal and state safety laws, working closely with WC claim management
• Manage compensation and benefits programs to ensure competitive, equitable, and compliant total rewards practices
• Act as a liaison between management, and employees, ensuring effective collaboration and advocacy
• Oversee HR systems, records, and reporting to support sound decision-making and operational effectiveness
• Other duties as assigned
  
  

Qualifications

• Significant progressive human resources experience, including senior-level HR leadership responsibility
• Experience leading and developing HR team members
• Demonstrated experience working in a unionized environment, including labor relations, contract interpretation, and partnership with operations and leadership
• Proven success advising leadership and executives on employee relations, organizational issues, and workforce strategy
• Experience working within a shared services or centralized HR model, with the ability to balance enterprise alignment and local business needs
• Strong employee relations background, including experience navigating complex and sensitive workplace matters
• Experience in manufacturing, industrial, or operationally complex environments strongly preferred
• Working knowledge of HR systems and reporting, with the ability to apply technology pragmatically in a hands-on environment
• Demonstrated ability to operate independently, exercise sound judgment, and influence outcomes without reliance on positional authority
• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field required
• SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or SPHR certification preferred, not required
  
  

Work Environment

This role operates primarily in an office environment with frequent interaction across manufacturing sites. Exposure to industrial environments, including loud noise, machinery, airborne particulates, and outdoor conditions, should be expected.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here must be met by an employee to perform this job's essential functions successfully. Reasonable accommodation may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to be independently mobile.
• The employee will need to occasional lift or carry 25 pounds or more and may at times.
• This position requires standing, sitting, walking, bending, kneeling, and stooping for extended lengths of time.
• The employee is frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; climb or balance.
  
  

Position Type/Travel/Schedule

This position is exempt under FLSA guidelines. A typical schedule requires the ability to work 40 hours per week. Flexibility beyond standard business hours may occasionally be required to meet business needs.

Travel for this position may be required as work demands, up to 20%.

Benefits & Pay

• Starting Pay Range: $96,500 - $125,250 per year (starting wage will be dependent on qualifications and experience)
• Semi-Annual Bonus Program
• Flexible Work Schedule
• Employee Assistance Program
• Medical / Dental / Vision Insurance
• Employee and Family Life Insurance
• Paid time off, Vacation, Holiday, Sick Leave
• Employee Referral Program
• 401k Retirement Savings Plan w/ 4.5% immediate vested match
• Short Term & Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Voluntary Supplemental Insurance Options, Additional Life, Pet, Illness, and Accident Insurance.
  
  

Why Alta?

Alta is a small company with big opportunity, operationally strong, market-driven, and committed to continuous improvement. This role offers a chance to shape not only the HR function, but how leadership, accountability, and employee experience evolve across the organization.

Alta Forest Products is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all applicants regardless of race, color, national origin, religion