Human Resources Business Partner

Human Resource Business Partner

Location: Peoria & Roanoke

Position Summary

The Human Resources Business Partner leads day-to-day HR operations at the plant level in a fast-paced manufacturing environment, partnering closely with operations leadership to support workforce stability, compliance, safety, and employee engagement. This role serves as the primary HR leader on site and the HR department team lead, providing guidance and coaching to HR staff.

Reporting to the Director of HR – US, the HR Business Partner exercises sound judgment and autonomy in managing employee relations and workforce matters while aligning plant-level HR practices with enterprise policies and strategy. The role requires a hands-on HR leader who is comfortable supporting frontline supervisors and engaging regularly in the production environment.

Key Responsibilities

Plant-Level HR Leadership

• Serve as the primary HR presence and advisor at the plant.
• Partner with the Plant Manager and operations leaders on daily workforce matters.
• Ensure HR practices support production demands, staffing levels, and operational goals.
• Maintain a visible, approachable presence on the shop floor.

Employee Relations & Performance Management

• Lead employee relations activities, including investigations, coaching, corrective action, and conflict resolution.
• Advise supervisors and managers on performance management, attendance, and behavioral issues.
• Ensure consistent application of company policies and discipline practices.
• Support a fair, respectful, and compliant work environment.

Staffing, Hiring & Onboarding

• Manage high-volume and skilled hiring needs for production, maintenance, and support roles.
• Partner with supervisors to identify staffing requirements and hiring priorities.
• Oversee onboarding, orientation, and compliance training to ensure new hires are productive and safety-ready.
• Support retention through effective onboarding and ongoing employee support.

Compensation, Timekeeping & HR Administration

• Administer hourly and salaried pay practices, job classifications, wage progressions, and premiums.
• Oversee time and attendance processes in partnership with payroll.
• Ensure accurate employee records, documentation, and HRIS updates.
• Support benefits administration and employee questions at the plant level.

Compliance, Safety & Policy Application

• Ensure compliance with employment laws, labor regulations, and company policies.
• Partner with EHS and Operations to reinforce safety expectations and training.
• Support OSHA, workers’ compensation, and FMLA/ADA processes as needed.
• Assist with audits, reporting, and regulatory documentation.

Training & Supervisor Support

• Train supervisors and leads on basic HR practices, documentation, and employee management.
• Support delivery of required training such as harassment prevention, safety, and policy updates.
• Encourage consistent leadership practices across shifts and departments.

Culture & Engagement

• Support initiatives that improve morale, communication, and engagement at the plant.
• Listen to employee concerns and escalate themes and trends to plant leadership.
• Assist with recognition programs, attendance initiatives, and retention efforts.

HR Staff Support, Coaching & Oversight

• Provide day-to-day mentoring, and coaching to HR team members.
• Guide HR staff work related to employee relations, documentation, hiring, and compliance.
• Help develop HR staff capabilities in investigations, manager support, communication, and problem-solving.
• Serve as a resource and escalation point for HR staff handling complex or sensitive situations.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, or related field.
• 7 years of progressive HR experience, preferably in a manufacturing or industrial environment.
• Strong experience in plant-level employee relations and hourly workforce management.
• Working knowledge of employment laws and labor regulations.
• Experience supporting supervisors and front-line managers.
• HR certification (PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, or SHRM-SCP) preferred.

Key Skills & Competencies

• Hands-on, practical HR leadership
• Strong employee relations and conflict resolution skills
• Comfort operating in a production environment
• Clear, direct communication style
• Ability to balance compliance with operational realities
• Sound judgment, consistency, and confidentiality
• High level of organization and follow-through

Working Environment

• This position is primarily office-based but requires regular presence in warehouse and manufacturing areas.
• Manufacturing and warehouse environments may be loud and require the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as hearing protection, safety glasses, and steel-toed footwear.
• The role requires the ability to move throughout the facility, including production floors, to support employees and leaders effectively.