Manager, Human Resources

Summary

The HR Manager is responsible for leading all HR activities at the site, balancing day-to-day operations with long-term people strategies that support the business. This role partners closely with site leadership, Corporate HR, and the Head of HR Business Partnering to ensure compliance, drive employee engagement, and build a culture aligned with Novus Foods’ values. As the primary HR leader for a site of approximately 200 employees, this role requires a high degree of autonomy, visibility, and leadership presence.

Duties and Responsibilities

·         On-Site HR Leadership – Serve as the primary HR contact at the site, providing visible, accessible support to employees and managers. Act as the face of HR on site and ensure timely, consistent resolution of employee issues.

·         Leadership Partner – Work closely with the Site Leader and leadership team as a trusted advisor, aligning HR strategies with business priorities and coaching leaders on people practices. Represent the site in corporate HR meetings, ensuring site needs are communicated and addressed.

·         Autonomy & Decision-Making – Exercise sound judgment to resolve employee relations and operational matters independently, escalating when necessary to the Head of HR Business Partnering.

·         Recruitment & Retention – Lead hiring, onboarding, and workforce planning to maintain staffing levels. Partner with temporary staffing agencies to meet production needs, address issues promptly, and drive retention through strong engagement practices.

·         Employee Relations & Compliance – Conduct thorough, objective investigations; recommend consistent corrective actions; and ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local employment laws. Proactively monitor employee engagement and workplace culture, addressing risks early.

·         Performance & Talent Development – Lead annual performance reviews, compensation planning, and succession planning for key roles. Partner with leadership to identify and develop high-potential employees, supporting retention and career growth.

·         Benefits & Payroll Support – Oversee benefits administration, enrollment changes, and employee inquiries. Provide oversight for payroll, including data accuracy, compliance, and reporting.

·         Health, Safety & Well-Being – Manage workers’ compensation claims and coordinate with Corporate EH&S. Ensure site-level compliance with safety, health, and GMP requirements, promoting a safe and supportive work environment.

·         Employee Communications – Ensure transparent, consistent communication between site employees, site leadership, and Corporate HR. Translate corporate initiatives into site-level actions and keep the VP HR updated on local trends.

·         Culture & Engagement – Lead employee events, recognition programs, and culture-building activities that strengthen engagement and align with company values. Champion site adoption of corporate initiatives (e.g., SAP, policy rollouts, benefits changes) through communication, training, and feedback.

·         Continuous Improvement & Reporting – Partner with site leadership on HR metrics, workforce reports, and continuous improvement projects. Provide accurate, timely data and insights to support business decisions.

Qualifications

·         Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, or related field, or an equivalent combination of education and progressive HR experience. HR certification (PHR/SPHR/SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP) preferred.

·         Minimum of 5–7 years of HR experience, with at least 3 years in a leadership/manager role. Prior experience in a manufacturing or plant environment is strongly preferred.

·         Bilingual (English/Spanish) required.

·         Experience with HRIS systems (UKG/Kronos strongly preferred). Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook). Strong data analysis and reporting skills.

·         Solid knowledge of employee relations, recruitment, performance management, compensation, benefits, training, succession planning, and HR compliance.

·         Proven ability to lead an HR function independently, serve as a trusted advisor to plant leadership, and influence at all levels of the organization.

·         Exceptional verbal and written communication skills with the ability to connect effectively with employees, leaders, and external partners.

·         Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills with the ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, and confidentiality.

·         Demonstrated success in driving employee engagement, culture initiatives, and continuous improvement efforts in a fast-paced environment.

·         Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and adapt quickly to changing business needs while maintaining attention to detail.

Competencies/ Skills

·         Agile, adaptable, and resilient. Enjoys working in a fast-paced and consumer-centric culture

·         Ability to develop strong, trusting relationships to gain support and achieve results

·         Takes initiative to identify and anticipate client needs and make recommendations for implementation

·         Responds to change with a positive attitude and a willingness to learn new ways to accomplish work activities and objectives

·         Champions continuous improvement and innovation

·         Inspires results and respect through empowerment, accountability recognition, and rewards

·         Enjoys working in a fast-paced and consumer-centric culture