What are the responsibilities and job description for the Human Resources Manager position at Harvard Group International?
Human Resources Manager
THE OPPORTUNITY: Human Resources Manager
Our client is seeking an experienced Human Resources Manager to lead HR operations across two manufacturing facilities supporting approximately 265 employees within a growing industrial manufacturing organization. Reporting to the Director of Human Resources, this individual will serve as the senior HR leader for the Chicago operations, partnering closely with plant leadership to lead employee relations, labor relations, HR operations, compliance, and organizational integration initiatives.
The successful candidate will help modernize HR systems and processes, develop the local HR team, and play a key role in integrating a recently acquired business while serving as a trusted business partner to operations and executive leadership.
RESPONSIBILITIES: Human Resources Manager
- Lead Human Resources operations across two manufacturing facilities, serving as the primary HR business partner to plant leadership.
- Provide leadership, coaching, and development for the local HR team while building organizational capability and strengthening day-to-day HR operations.
- Lead complex employee relations matters, workplace investigations, performance management, and conflict resolution while ensuring consistent application of company policies.
- Partner with operations leadership and union representatives to administer collective bargaining agreements, support labor relations activities, and navigate a multi-union manufacturing environment.
- Support enterprise HR initiatives, including HRIS implementation, benefits integration, payroll oversight, policy standardization, and post-acquisition integration activities.
- Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws while promoting best practices across employee relations, leave administration, benefits, and workplace compliance.
- Partner closely with Corporate HR and executive leadership to modernize HR processes, improve operational effectiveness, and support continued organizational growth.
REQUIREMENTS: Human Resources Manager
Manufacturing Human Resources Leadership
- Progressive Human Resources leadership experience within a manufacturing environment.
- Experience leading or mentoring HR professionals while serving as a trusted business partner to operations leadership.
Labor & Employee Relations Expertise
- Significant experience supporting unionized manufacturing operations.
- Demonstrated success managing employee relations, workplace investigations, grievance administration, and labor relations.
Organizational Transformation & HR Systems
- Experience supporting HR systems implementations, process improvement initiatives, organizational integrations, payroll, benefits administration, or HRIS modernization.
- ADP Workforce Now or comparable enterprise HRIS experience preferred.
Hands-On Leadership & Executive Partnership
- Collaborative, hands-on leadership style with the ability to balance strategic thinking and day-to-day execution.
- Strong communication, coaching, and relationship-building skills with the ability to influence leaders across all levels of the organization.
COMPENSATION: Human Resources Manager
A competitive compensation package will be developed for the successful candidate, including base salary, performance-based incentive, and comprehensive benefits.