Plant Human Resource Manager - Automotive , Union experiences preferred

CONFIDENTIAL – Plant Human Resources Manager
Location: Fremont, Ohio
Industry: Automotive Manufacturing (Tier 1 / Tier 2)
Employment Type: Full-Time | Onsite
Union Environment: Required
Reports To: Plant Manager

Opportunity Overview

A confidential global automotive manufacturing organization is seeking a Plant Human Resources Manager to lead all HR activities at its unionized Fremont, OH manufacturing facility.

This is a hands-on, plant-based HR leadership role requiring direct experience in union labor environments, including collective bargaining support. The ideal candidate has served as a first or second chair during labor negotiations or has directly supported negotiations in a formal capacity (including documentation/minutes).

This role partners closely with plant leadership and directly supports the workforce while ensuring compliance, engagement, and operational excellence.

Role Scope

The Plant Human Resources Manager has full site responsibility for the execution of HR strategies, policies, and programs while remaining deeply involved in day-to-day plant HR operations. This position balances strategic leadership with hands-on execution in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Direct Reports: 1 HR Generalist
(Supervisory experience strongly preferred)

Key Responsibilities

Plant HR Leadership

• Serve as a key member of the Plant Leadership Team and trusted advisor to the Plant Manager

• Lead all site-level HR activities, ensuring alignment with corporate HR standards and business objectives

• Provide coaching and guidance on complex employee relations issues in a union environment

• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local employment laws and company policies

• Track, analyze, and improve HR metrics and KPIs related to engagement, turnover, absenteeism, and performance

Labor Relations

• Support union relations, including collective bargaining preparation and administration

• Interpret and administer the labor agreement consistently and fairly

• Partner with plant leadership on grievance management, investigations, and resolution

Talent, Performance & Development

• Oversee performance management and talent development processes

• Deploy talent review tools (e.g., 9-box) to identify high-potential employees and development plans

• Develop and implement training matrices and plans in coordination with department leaders

• Deliver or coordinate required in-house training and compliance programs

Recruitment & Onboarding

• Lead full-cycle recruitment for hourly and salaried roles in partnership with hiring managers

• Ensure compliant applicant tracking and recordkeeping (EEOC, regulatory requirements)

• Oversee onboarding and orientation for new hires and internal transfers

Total Rewards

• Support administration of compensation, benefits, and enrollment programs

• Maintain awareness of local wage, salary, and benefit trends

• Ensure accurate records and timely communication through HRIS and corporate systems

Health, Safety & Environment (HS&E)

• Support and enforce plant HS&E standards and initiatives

• Manage workplace injury reporting, claims, and return-to-work processes

• Maintain required safety and workers’ compensation records

• Act as plant HR liaison during regulatory audits or inspections

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; HR or related field preferred

• 5 years of HR leadership experience in a manufacturing environment

• Direct experience in a unionized plant is mandatory

• Demonstrated involvement in collective bargaining or labor contract administration

• Strong employee relations, conflict resolution, and coaching skills

• Proven ability to influence and partner with leaders at multiple organizational levels

• Experience working within a matrixed, global organization

• Working knowledge of HRIS and payroll systems

• Strong business acumen with a practical, hands-on approach

What This Role Is

• A hands-on plant HR leadership role

• Union-facing and operations-driven

• Highly visible within plant leadership

• Ideal for an HR leader who thrives on the manufacturing floor