What are the responsibilities and job description for the Human Resources Manager position at Utility Trailer Manufacturing Company?
We are seeking a strategic and experienced Human Resources Manager to lead HR operations within our dynamic manufacturing plant. This role serves as a key partner to plant and corporate leadership, driving employee engagement through proactive and positive employee relations. The HR Manager will champion initiatives that promote a high-performance culture, ensure regulatory compliance, and foster a supportive work environment in a fast-paced factory setting.
Utility Trailer Manufacturing Company, LLC, a family-owned 100 year-old company, is the long-term industry leader in refrigerated semi-trailers and North America’s fourth largest semi-trailer manufacturer. UTMC has six manufacturing factories - five in various states within the United States and one in Mexico -- and a research and development facility in California.
Key Responsibilities:
• Provide strategic leadership and hands-on support across all functional areas of Human Resources within a manufacturing environment
• Partner with plant and corporate leadership to align HR strategies with operational goals and production demands
• Oversee full-cycle recruitment and staffing to meet workforce needs, including onboarding and orientation programs that promote alignment with company values and goals
• Implement and communicate HR policies and procedures through employee handbooks, training sessions, and internal communications
• Serve as a resource for employees regarding benefits, company policies, and workplace procedures, ensuring timely and effective resolution of concerns
• Manage and maintain HRIS systems for accurate employee data, reporting, and analytics
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws, safety regulations, and government reporting requirements
• Investigate employee relations issues in collaboration with corporate HR, advise leadership on appropriate actions, and prepare necessary documentation to support resolution
• Coordinate with corporate HR to administer payroll and benefits programs, and communicate offerings to employees
• Lead employee engagement initiatives, company events, and activities that foster a positive and inclusive workplace culture
• Maintain thorough documentation for audits and internal reviews
• Develop and deliver training programs to support employee development and performance
Position Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree in human resources management, business administration, or related field required.
• Seven (7) years HR experience, with at least 2 years in a manufacturing or industrial setting and at least two (2) years in a managerial role
• Proficiency in HRIS systems, preferably UKG Pro
• Extensive knowledge of employment laws, HR best practices, and key regulatory frameworks including FMLA, ADA, COBRA, and I-9 compliance
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work effectively in a factory environment with exposure to machinery, noise, and varying temperatures
• Proficient in MS office applications (e.g., Outlook, Teams, Excel, Word)
• Manage day-to-day operations of the plant’s HR team
• Conduct routine walk-throughs of the plant to observe workflows and foster employee interaction.
Reasoning Ability
Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Regularly exercises discretion and the ability to prioritize workload.
Certifications, Licenses & Registrations
SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR a plus
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the essential functions of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. The employee is frequently required to sit; use hands and fingers to handle, feel or reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk. The employee is occasionally required to lift 10 lbs. up to 25 lbs. Specific vision abilities required for this job include close vision.
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While the office environment typically maintains a moderate noise level, this role primarily operates within a factory setting, involving regular exposure to industrial machinery, elevated noise levels, and fluctuating temperatures. Varied working conditions off-site due to travel and around the facility itself.
Compensation
Exempt Position
We offer medical, dental, vision, profit sharing, management compensation (bonus), life insurance, voluntary spouse life insurance, voluntary dependent life insurance, FSA, DCA, long term disability, accident insurance and more!
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.