Head of Human Resources - Manufacturing Operations

Head of Human Resources - Operations

Location: Little Rock, AR

MUST-HAVES

• Proven experience leading HR operations in a manufacturing or high-volume production environment
• Strong background in HR execution across recruitment, employee relations, payroll coordination, and workforce planning
• Experience managing and developing HR teams or HR managers
• Demonstrated ability to partner with operations/plant leadership in a production-driven environment
• Deep understanding of employment laws, HR compliance, and labor regulations
• Hands-on leadership style with a focus on execution, accountability, and measurable results
• Experience managing HR metrics such as turnover, staffing levels, time-to-fill, absenteeism, and workforce performance
  
  

Position Overview

We are seeking a hands-on, execution-focused Head of Human Resources – Operations to lead HR delivery across multiple high-volume manufacturing facilities located on a single campus. This role is centered on driving operational excellence through effective HR execution that directly supports workforce stability, plant productivity, and business performance.

This is a high-impact leadership position focused on ensuring HR processes are consistently implemented across all production units, with direct influence on staffing, employee relations, compliance, and workforce development.

Key Responsibilities

HR Operations & Compliance

• Ensure consistent execution of HR policies, procedures, and compliance standards across all production units
• Provide guidance to plant leadership on attendance, performance management, disciplinary actions, and workplace conduct
• Maintain full compliance with federal, state, and local labor and employment regulations
  
  

Recruitment & Workforce Planning

• Lead recruitment execution across production, technical, and professional roles
• Oversee recruitment teams to ensure staffing pipelines meet ongoing operational demands
• Monitor and improve key hiring metrics including time-to-fill, vacancy rates, and hiring efficiency
  
  

Plant HR Leadership

• Manage and support HR Managers across multiple production facilities
• Ensure effective execution of employee relations, attendance management, and workforce stability initiatives
• Partner closely with operations leadership to address staffing challenges and workforce planning needs
  
  

Training & Workforce Development

• Lead onboarding, safety training, technical skill development, and leadership programs
• Align training initiatives with operational requirements and workforce capability needs
  
  

Talent Pipeline Development

• Build and maintain external talent pipelines through partnerships with technical schools, universities, and industry networks
• Identify and develop internal talent to support succession planning and long-term workforce growth
  
  

Payroll & Employee Administration

• Oversee payroll coordination to ensure accuracy, timeliness, and compliance
• Partner with payroll teams to validate inputs and resolve discrepancies
  
  

Employee Relations

• Manage complex employee relations matters including investigations, conflict resolution, and disciplinary actions
• Ensure consistent, fair, and compliant application of HR policies
  
  

HR Performance & Metrics

• Track and report on workforce metrics including headcount, turnover, absenteeism, training completion, and hiring performance
• Drive continuous improvement in HR processes across all operational areas
  
  

Production Environment Supported

This role supports multiple manufacturing operations, including:

• High Frequency Welded (HFW) Pipe Production
• Spiral Welded Pipe Manufacturing
• Longitudinal Submerged Arc Welded (LSAW) Pipe Production
  
  

Key Deliverables

• Maintain optimal staffing levels across all production units
• Ensure consistent HR policy enforcement across the organization
• Improve payroll accuracy and operational efficiency
• Implement structured training and workforce development programs
• Build sustainable talent pipelines for long-term workforce needs
• Effectively resolve employee relations matters
• Maintain full regulatory and compliance adherence
  
  

Key Performance Indicators

• Time-to-fill and recruitment efficiency
• Staffing levels and vacancy rates
• Voluntary turnover and retention rates
• Absenteeism trends
• Employee relations case resolution timelines
• Payroll accuracy and timeliness
• Training completion and workforce readiness
• Talent pipeline strength and internal promotions
• HR compliance and audit outcomes
  
  

Organizational Scope

This role provides leadership oversight across:

• Recruitment Managers (Technical & Production Hiring)
• HR Managers supporting production units
• Training & Development leadership
• Payroll coordination functions
  
  

Why This Role

This is a highly visible, operations-critical HR leadership role where success is measured by execution, responsiveness, and the ability to directly support manufacturing performance through effective workforce management. Ideal for a hands-on HR leader who thrives in fast-paced environments and is motivated by driving measurable impact across people, processes, and production outcomes.