Job Title: HR/Labor Relations ManagerLocation: Verona, PA (On-site)Reports to: Chief Human Resources OfficerPosition Overview- The Plant HR/Labor Manager serves as the senior Human Resources leader for a unionized manufacturing facility near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
- The facility operates with approximately 250 union-represented employees and 45 non-union employees.
- As a trusted advisor and member of the plant leadership team, this role leads the site's people strategy, day-to-day HR delivery, and labor relations.
- This position manages one direct report, a Sr. HR Specialist, who provides administrative, payroll, and operational HR support for the plant.
Key Responsibilities:Employee & Labor Relations:
- Act as a trusted advisor and business partner to plant leadership while promoting positive labor-management relations.
- Lead effective, objective investigations into employee complaints and conflicts.
- Interpret and administer the collective bargaining agreement, advising leaders on contract requirements.
- Represent the company in grievance resolutions, arbitrations, and negotiations with labor organizations.
- Maintain a credible presence throughout the plant across operating shifts to build strong relationships with employees and union representatives.
Talent Acquisition & Workforce Planning:
- Lead plant talent acquisition, candidate selection, pre-employment screening, and onboarding.
- Partner with Operations on workforce planning, including staffing forecasts, critical skill needs, and succession risks.
- Analyze workforce metrics such as headcount, turnover, attendance, and overtime, recommending responsive actions.
Talent Management & Development:
- Develop and support plant learning, leadership, and apprenticeship initiatives.
- Lead, coach, and develop the Sr. HR Specialist to ensure accurate and timely HR support.
- Partner with leaders on talent reviews, development planning, and performance improvement.
Total Rewards, Compliance, & Operations:
- Oversee local benefits processes and provide recommendations on plant promotional and annual compensation actions.
- Partner with the central payroll team to oversee payroll processing, ensure accurate timekeeping, and troubleshoot issues.
- Manage leave and accommodation processes (ADA and FMLA) and workers' compensation injury administration.
- Maintain awareness of legal requirements to reduce risk and support regulatory compliance.
Requirements- Bachelor's degree in human resources, business administration, labor relations, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
- 7+ years of progressive human resources experience in a manufacturing or similarly complex operating environment.
- At least four years of experience working with union-represented employees and handling grievances, arbitrations, collective bargaining, and labor-management relations.
- Demonstrated experience leading workplace investigations, performance management, and policy interpretation.
- Working knowledge of employment and labor laws, including ADA, FMLA, wage and hour, and workers' compensation.
- Ability to work full-time on-site at the plant and adjust hours periodically to support employees across shifts.
- Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States; sponsorship is not available for this role.
Preferences- HR certification such as SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or SPHR.
- Experience in beverage, food, consumer products, or another high-volume manufacturing environment.
- Experience with ADP or a comparable HR, payroll, and timekeeping platform.
- Demonstrated ability to independently represent management in grievances, arbitration proceedings, and collective bargaining.
Key Competencies- Trusted advisor with the ability to build credibility and productive partnerships across all levels.
- Fair, objective, and consistent decision-maker with strong integrity and discretion when handling sensitive matters.
- Practical problem solver with a bias toward action, accountability, and follow-through.
- Highly organized and able to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
