Darley is seeking a strategic and hands-on
Human Resources Manager to support our Chippewa Falls manufacturing operation. This role serves as a trusted business partner and advisor to leadership in our Pump and Tactical divisions while executing core HR generalist responsibilities with a strong emphasis on
union/labor relations, talent acquisition, talent management, learning & development, HR operations, and safety & compliance.
The ideal candidate brings deep HR expertise within a
manufacturing and unionized environment, combining operational excellence with the ability to influence leaders, build high-performing teams, and drive organizational effectiveness.
Requirements
Business Partnership- Translate business strategy into HR strategy
- Align local initiatives with corporate HR strategy and key business objectives
- Build trust and credibility through proactive planning, effective communications, flawless execution, and responsive support
Labor & Employee Relations (Primary Focus)- Ensure compliance with applicable employment laws and regulations, staying updated on changes and leading the development of new policies and/or revisions as necessary.
- Serve as the primary HR lead for union and labor relations, maintaining a constructive partnership with union leadership.
- Support and participate in collective bargaining negotiations, and ensure compliance with bargaining agreements, contract administration, and interpretation.
- Lead grievance management, including investigation, documentation, and resolution.
- Provide coaching and guidance to leaders on employee relations issues, discipline, and performance management.
- Ensure consistent and fair application of policies, procedures, and labor agreements.
Talent Acquisition- Lead full-cycle recruitment efforts for hourly and salaried roles.
- Partner with hiring managers to define workforce needs and develop proactive staffing strategies.
- Enhance employer branding and community engagement to attract top manufacturing talent.
- Implement efficient, data-driven recruiting processes to improve time-to-fill and quality of hire.
Talent Management & Organizational Development- Drive performance management processes and foster a high-performance culture.
- Partner with local leadership to identify and develop succession plans and talent pipelines.
- Support leadership development initiatives to build management capability.
- Use workforce analytics to inform decision-making and long-range planning.
Learning & Development- Develop and implement training programs aligned with business needs, including:
- Leadership development
- Compliance and safety training
- Skills development for manufacturing employees
- Support onboarding and continuous learning initiatives to improve retention and engagement.
- Promote a culture of growth, accountability, and continuous improvement.
HR Operations- Oversee day-to-day HR operations including onboarding, benefits administration, payroll coordination, and HRIS management.
- Ensure accurate employee records and compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements.
- Drive process improvements to enhance efficiency and employee experience.
- Partner with corporate HR to align local practices with enterprise standards.
Safety & Compliance- Partner with operations to reinforce a strong safety culture and ensure compliance with OSHA and other regulatory requirements.
- Support safety programs, training, and incident investigations.
- Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws.
- Conduct audits and implement corrective actions as needed.
QualificationsRequired- Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field
- 10+ years of progressive HR experience, including leadership responsibilities
- Experience in a manufacturing environment preferred
- Demonstrated experience supporting:
- Union relations
- Grievance handling
- Collective bargaining / contract negotiations
- Strong knowledge of employment law and HR best practices
Preferred- MBA or other relevant advanced degree
- HR certification (e.g., SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, SPHR)
- Experience working in a multi-site or matrix organization
Key Skills & Competencies- Strong business acumen and ability to align HR strategies with operational goals
- Exceptional interpersonal, coaching, and conflict-resolution skills
- Ability to influence and build trust at all levels of the organization
- Analytical mindset with experience using HR metrics and data
- High level of integrity, discretion, and professionalism
Attributes of Successful HR LeadersSuccessful HR leaders in this role will demonstrate:
- Strategic Agility: Ability to balance long-term workforce planning with day-to-day operational needs
- Credibility & Trust-Building: Acts as a trusted advisor to leaders and employees, especially in a unionized environment
- Courageous Leadership: Willingness to address difficult issues directly and make principled decisions; successful track record in conflict management
- Operational Excellence: Strong execution skills with attention to detail and process discipline
- Change Leadership: Ability to guide teams through change and foster adaptability
- Employee Advocacy: Champions a positive, inclusive, and safe workplace culture
- Continuous Improvement Mindset: Seeks opportunities to enhance processes, engagement, and performance
- Collaboration: Builds strong partnerships across functions and with union representatives
Reporting Relationship & Scope- Reports to: CHRO (dotted line to divisional leadership)
- Direct Reports: 1 - Operations Assistant; leadership through influence
- Location: Onsite / office-based in Chippewa Falls, WI (flexible 1 day per week)
- Travel: Occasional travel to Darley sites, customers, local/community events, leadership meetings
Compensation:$100K-$125K Base salary plus bonus eligibility
Benefits- PTO
- Paid Holidays
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Health & Wellness Reimbursement
- Medical
- Dental
- Vision
- Life & Disability
- HSA with Darley contribution
- FSA
- 401K/Roth with match and profit sharing
- Darley paid life insurance
Salary Description
100,000 to 125,000
