Human Resources Manager

SAY Group is partnered with a fast-growing, industry-leading organization in the premium food manufacturing space on a confidential search for a Human Resources Manager. This company blends craftsmanship, scale, and innovation—and they are looking for an HR leader who is energized by being close to the business, supporting a high-performance culture, and making a meaningful impact at the plant level.

This role is ideal for an HR professional who thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and wants to be a hands-on partner to operations, leaders, and employees. The HR Manager will serve as the primary HR presence at the Newburyport facility and play a critical role in shaping the people experience during an exciting period of growth.

The Role – What You’ll Lead

In this highly visible onsite position, the HR Manager will drive day-to-day HR operations while partnering closely with site leadership to build a positive, performance-driven culture.

You will:

• Lead and manage all onsite HR functions with consistency, accuracy, and compliance

• Serve as a trusted advisor to employees and leadership—supporting culture, communication, and engagement

• Own employee relations, investigations, performance coaching, and disciplinary matters

• Drive the annual performance review and goal alignment processes

• Lead hourly recruiting and partner with Corporate Talent Acquisition for salaried searches

• Deliver communications related to compensation, benefits, open enrollment, and people programs

• Review and update job descriptions and support workforce planning

• Oversee HR compliance, recordkeeping, I-9s, EEO, unemployment, workers’ comp, onboarding, and separations

• Partner with Operations and Safety teams on safety initiatives and return-to-work programs

• Assess training needs and coordinate development opportunities and new hire onboarding

• Provide coaching, delegation, and development for the HR Generalist

• Plan and execute employee events and recognition programs aligned to culture and budget

This is a hands-on, relationship-driven role where you will have a meaningful impact on culture, retention, and employee experience.

What You Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in HR, Business Administration, or related field (or equivalent experience)

• 5 years of progressive HR experience, including generalist and HR management responsibilities

• Strong HR foundation in a manufacturing or fast-paced, labor-intensive environment

• Experience leading employee relations, coaching leaders, performance management, and compliance matters independently

• Solid understanding of federal, state, and local employment laws (FMLA, ADA, EEO, FLSA, OSHA)

• Comfort creating engagement programs and managing event budgets

• Proficiency with HRIS, ATS, and Microsoft Office Suite

• Experience in a unionized environment (strongly preferred)

• Bilingual: English/Spanish required

• High emotional intelligence with the ability to build trust, influence leaders, and support employees at all levels

• Proven ability to handle confidential information with discretion and professionalism

Who Will Thrive Here

This role is perfect for someone who:

• Enjoys being the on-the-ground HR leader for a busy facility

• Works well in environments where hands-on partnership matters

• Is confident making decisions and guiding leaders through complex people matters

• Loves culture-building and engaging with employees

• Wants to join a growing organization where HR is valued as a strategic partner

EEO Statement

Our client is committed to creating an inclusive, equitable workplace and provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants. Discrimination or harassment of any kind is strictly prohibited, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.