Human Resources Business Partner

Job Title: Human Resources Business Partner

Location: Mishawaka, IN

Department: Administration

Job Type: Exempt

About United Petfood:

United Petfood is a private label producer of high-quality dry & wet pet food, biscuits and snacks. We are a Belgian family business with 25 high-tech pet kitchens in Europe and the US. 

Joining us, means joining an international, passionate and driven team with one common goal: a healthy planet filled with healthy pets! But it doesn’t stop there: we truly care about building encouraging, supportive, long-lasting partnerships, both inside as well as outside of our fast-growing family company. By only working with the very best ingredients and most innovative technology available, we ensure a spot in which you can grow, bloom and make thousands of pets happy worldwide!

Job Summary:

The HR Business Partner (HRBP) is responsible for independently managing and executing all day-to-day human resources functions to support United Petfood’s people strategy and site operations. This includes staffing, onboarding, employee relations, compliance, policy implementation, safety programs, and employee engagement.
 
This role collaborates closely with plant leadership and the corporate HR team to maintain a compliant, supportive, and high-performing work environment. The HRBP must be confident in handling a broad range of HR issues and will consult with senior HR leadership on high-impact matters such as corrective actions, organizational changes, or escalated employee relations concerns.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage full-cycle staffing, including recruitment, selection, offer coordination, and onboarding.
• Train all new employees through new-hire orientations, Handbook and company policy training,(GMPs) Good Manufacturing Practices, Safety and OSHA compliance. 
• Maintain accurate, up-to-date personnel records in accordance with state and federal regulations.
• Ensure all job descriptions are current and clearly defined.
• Lead employee relations efforts, including coaching, counseling, and conflict resolution.
• Serve as a key resource for employees and leaders on HR policy interpretation and application.
• Execute and track performance management programs and facilitate performance conversations.
• Administer safety documentation and ensure training compliance in partnership with site leadership.
• Plan and coordinate employee engagement events and recognition programs.
• Manage internal communication channels to support transparency and engagement.
• Ensure HR policies and procedures are consistently applied and compliant with regulations.
• Consult with senior HR leadership on major decisions such as disciplinary actions, organizational changes, or legal risk areas.

Safety:

• Completes safety system documentation and verifies compliance to program standards. Reports deviations to the Environmental Health & Safety Manager.
• Responsible to participate in mandatory safety training program requirements.
• Required to report all safety issues, near misses, and injuries.

Quality & Food Safety:

• Completes quality and food safety system documentation and verifies compliance to program standards. Reports deviations to the Food Safety & Quality Assurance Manager.
• Responsible to participate in mandatory food safety and quality training program requirements.
• Preserves the integrity of the BRC system through adherence to the policies and procedures outlined in the Quality Policy Manual. Takes actions necessary to resolve food safety and quality system deficiencies.
• Required to report food safety and quality system failures and take actions necessary to preserve the BRC system.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 3–5 years of well-rounded HR experience, ideally in a manufacturing or industrial setting.
• Strong understanding of federal, state, and local employment laws and compliance.
• Has an in-depth knowledge of recruiting practices and on-boarding processes.  
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to build trust and credibility.
• High level of discretion, professionalism, and emotional intelligence.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills; able to handle sensitive matters confidently.
• Provides excellent employee relations and customer service through influence, relationship management and conflict resolution skills. 
• Flexible to accommodate pressures and demands as required by schedules, deadlines, etc.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and experience with HRIS systems.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Self-starter, high energy, shows initiative and creativity.
• Passion for developing people and supporting business growth. 

Working Conditions:        

• Able to do light day travel as necessary and to attend off-premises events, meetings and conferences as requested.
• Regularly required to sit, stand, bend, reach and move about the facility.
• May be exposed to production elements such as noise, dust, odors.

Equal Opportunity Employer: United Petfood Producers USA Inc. is an equal opportunity workplace. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.