Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business, or related field preferred
5+ years of progressive HR experience in a manufacturing or high-volume environment
Experience using ADP Workforce Now
Strong knowledge of federal and state employment laws
Proven ability to operate independently as the sole HR leader on-site
Strong communication skills to connect with employees and influence supervisors
Excellent organizational skills with attention to detail
Responsibilities
Own recruiting and staffing for hourly production roles to meet production goals
Maintain a consistent presence on the manufacturing floor to address issues in real time
Lead onboarding processes to ensure new hires are compliant and set up for success
Manage Time and Attendance processes and enforce policies with supervisors
Generate and analyze labor and headcount reports to manage costs and improve efficiency
Serve as the primary resource for employee relations and support supervisors in coaching
Drive continuous improvement of HR processes to reduce turnover and improve retention
Benefits
Supportive network of HR partners across locations
Opportunity to influence and shape HR practices in a fast-paced environment
Engagement initiatives that foster a positive workplace culture
Hands-on role with direct impact on plant performance
Professional development opportunities through annual HR processes
Full Job Description
Job Title: HR Manager
Reports to: HR Director
Location: Wausau, WI
About the role: The HR Manager at Piper Products, a CFS Brands company, is the sole on-site HR leader, responsible for driving all human resources functions to support plant performance. This is a hands-on role requiring daily visibility on the manufacturing floor, strong decision-making, and the ability to balance employee needs with operational demands.
Reporting directly to the Director of HR, Operations, this role operates independently at the facility in Wausau, WI while being supported by a network of HR partners across other CFS Brands locations and corporate headquarters, based out of Oklahoma City. The HR Manager works closely with plant leadership and supervisors to ensure the workforce is staffed, engaged, and operate effectively in a fast-paced, non-union environment.
Responsibilities:
Own recruiting and staffing for hourly production roles, ensuring the plant is fully staffed to meet production goals; manage temporary labor as needed.
Maintain a consistent presence on the manufacturing floor-building relationships, addressing issues in real time, and staying ahead of workforce challenges.
Lead onboarding from start to finish, ensuring new hires are prepared, compliant, and set up for success on day one.
Manage Time and Attendance processes daily, partnering with supervisors to enforce policies, address attendance issues, and maintain accountability.
Generate and analyze weekly labor and headcount reports; partner with Operations and Finance to manage labor costs and improve efficiency.
Maintain accurate employee records and ensure compliance with federal and state regulations through regular audits.
Serve as the primary resource for employee relations, handling issues directly and supporting supervisors through coaching and disciplinary processes.
Coach and support front-line supervisors on performance management, attendance, and policy enforcement to ensure consistency across shifts.
Drive continuous improvement of HR processes and policies to better support plant operations, reduce turnover, and improve retention.
Lead key annual HR processes including performance management, employee surveys, and workforce planning with a focus on developing frontline talent.
Support employee engagement initiatives on the floor, including communication, recognition, and plant-level events.
Ensure compliance with all employment laws, company policies, and workplace standards in a non-union environment.
Partner with HR peers across CFS Brands to share best practices and ensure consistency across locations.
Handle sensitive employee matters with professionalism, confidentiality, and sound judgment.
Perform additional duties as needed to support plant operations and leadership.
Education & Experience
Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business, or related field preferred
5+ years of progressive HR experience in a manufacturing, distribution, or similar high-volume environment
Experience using ADP Workforce Now
Proven ability to operate independently as the on-site HR leader
Strong working knowledge of federal and state employment laws
Comfortable working in a fast-paced, production-driven environment with shifting priorities
Ability to address issues directly, make sound decisions, and support leadership with confidence
Strong communication skills with the ability to connect with employees on the floor and influence supervisors
Ability to build trust quickly while holding employees and leaders accountable
Strong organizational skills with excellent attention to detail
Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint)
Ability to handle confidential information with discretion and professionalism
