Human Resources Operations and Compliance Manager

Location: On-site (Options available in Southern California, (Rialto area) , Central New Jersey (New Brunswick area) or Greater Chicago area) This role is hybrid, 3-5 days a week , depending on business need.

Established and growing manufacturing organization is seeking an experienced and hands-on Human Resources Operations and Compliance Manager to serve as the lead HR partner across multiple facility locations.

This is an ideal opportunity for a mid-to-senior HR leader (5–8 years of experience) who thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and can quickly assess current-state operations, identify gaps, and execute improvements. The right candidate will be both strategic and highly execution-oriented, with the proven ability to "roll up their sleeves," build structure, and drive meaningful organizational change. This is an individual contributor role.

Key Responsibilities

HR Leadership & Process Standardization

• Evaluate existing HR practices across locations and implement standardized processes, policies, and procedures.
• Build scalable frameworks for key HR functions, including onboarding, performance management, and employee relations.
• Partner with leadership to align strategic HR initiatives with overarching business goals and operational needs.

Employee Relations & Workforce Support

• Serve as the senior HR point of contact for employee relations matters across multiple operational sites.
• Lead workplace investigations, conflict resolution, and complex employee issues.
• Coach and mentor managers on performance management, disciplinary actions, and HR best practices.
• Establish and standardize the employee handbook across all locations; lead implementation and deliver training to ensure consistent organization-wide compliance and adoption.

Recruitment & Workforce Planning

• Oversee and support talent acquisition efforts, ensuring consistency in hiring practices across all locations.
• Partner with operations leadership to support workforce planning, hiring strategies, and retention initiatives.
• Streamline and improve recruitment processes to drive hiring efficiency and enhance candidate experience.

HR Operations & Compliance

• Ensure strict compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws across all facility sites.
• Maintain and improve HR systems, processes, and reporting capabilities.
• Establish and enforce consistent documentation, auditing, and record-keeping practices.

Payroll & Benefits Oversight

• Provide oversight and coordination of payroll and benefits administration in partnership with internal teams or external vendors.
• Ensure accuracy, compliance, and procedural consistency across all locations.
• Act as the key escalation point for complex employee questions related to payroll and benefits.
• Support compliance audits, reporting, and annual open enrollment initiatives.

Training, Development & Performance Management

• Implement standardized performance management processes and review cycles.
• Support leadership development and manager training programs.
• Identify key opportunities to enhance employee engagement, culture, and retention.

Manufacturing & Multi-Site Support

• Partner closely with plant leadership to support a high-volume, hourly production workforce.
• Drive targeted initiatives related to retention, attendance, and overall workforce stability.
• Support and reinforce workplace safety programs and environmental compliance standards.
• Travel between regional sites as needed to ensure operational visibility and consistency.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Experience: 5–8 years of progressive HR experience, ideally in a generalist or multi-site HR leadership role.
• Industry Background: Strong experience supporting manufacturing, distribution, or multi-site industrial environments is highly preferred.
• Core Competencies: Proven track record of building and implementing HR processes from the ground up.
• Technical Knowledge: Robust background in employee relations, labor compliance, and core HR operations.
• Benefits & Payroll: Direct exposure to payroll and benefits oversight (full administrative ownership not required).
• Skills: Superior communication, conflict resolution, leadership, and analytical problem-solving abilities. Bilingual in English and Spanish is a plus.
• Work Style: Ability to operate independently, hit the ground running, and excel in a highly hands-on environment.