Job Description SummaryThe Senior HR Site Leader will be a secondee to the joint venture and it is the most senior HR professional on-site. The role will serve as the HR leader of record for the full JV employee population (200+ employees). Operating with a high degree of independence - reflective of the JV structure and MPP's remote location - this individual leads an on-site HR team of two HR staff and is accountable for the full HR operating model: payroll, recruitment, compensation and benefits, employee relations, investigations, supplier and provider management, and community partnerships. The role requires a self-sufficient, hands-on HR leader who will be responsible for the entire human resources function, including all strategic and operational human functions, and other matters generally in scope of a chief human resources offices, including compensation and benefits, employment-related regulations, immigration and all other human resources compliance as required by Law, in all cases, as operating on a standalone basis.
Job DescriptionRoles and ResponsibilitiesJV HR Leadership & Independent Operation- Act as the sole HR authority on-site; operate with significant autonomy given the JV structure and remote operations
- Lead, develop, and manage a team of 2 HR staff, setting clear priorities and providing day-to-day coaching and guidance.
- Provide strategic HR counsel to the MPP leadership team on workforce matters, people risk, and compliance obligations.
- Build and maintain a fit-for-purpose HR operating model that functions independently of JV Parent Companies' corporate HR infrastructure where appropriate.
- Acts as the main HR point of contact managing communications with the JV Board of Directors including strategic HR recommendations, and other HR operational updates.
Payroll- Own end-to-end payroll accountability for ~200+ employees, administered through Paylocity.
- Ensure payroll accuracy, compliance with Montana state and federal wage and hour laws, and timely processing across bi-weekly and salaried cycles.
- Manage payroll vendor relationship and any system changes or upgrades; serve as escalation point for employee payroll queries.
Recruitment & Talent Acquisition- Lead full-cycle recruitment for the MPP site - from job scoping through offer - across manufacturing, engineering, and operational roles.
- Build and sustain a local talent pipeline in partnership with Montana Tech, Highlands College, and other regional educational institutions in Butte and the wider Big Sky region.
- Develop MPP's employer brand in the local market; represent MPP at job fairs, apprenticeship programmes, and community hiring events.
- Own and manage Paylocity ATS and any third-party recruitment suppliers, holding them to clear SLA and quality standards.
Compensation & Benefits- Own the site compensation framework - including base pay structures, shift differentials, and annual review cycles - ensuring market competitiveness for a remote Montana manufacturing environment.
- Manage benefits programmes (health, dental, vision, 401k, EAP, and any JV-specific benefits), including open enrolment, employee education, and vendor management.
- Conduct pay equity reviews and advise leadership on compensation decisions for new hires and promotions in line with JV budget and governance.
HR Supplier & Provider Management- Own and manage all HR-related supplier and provider relationships - including benefits brokers, insurance carriers, staffing agencies, background screening, and EAP providers.
- Ensure supplier compliance with applicable employment law and JV data handling standards.
Employee Relations Strategy- Build and own a proactive employee relations strategy.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for employees and managers on all ER matters, including grievances, policy interpretation, disciplinary processes, and accommodation requests.
- Track ER trends across the site; present regular ER health indicators to JV leadership with recommended interventions.
- Develop and maintain site HR policies, ensuring they reflect Montana employment law, AS9100D HR requirements, and JV governance obligations.
Workplace Investigations- Lead and manage workplace investigations - including misconduct, harassment, discrimination, and safety-related HR matters - to a thorough and impartial standard.
- Document findings clearly, ensure appropriate outcomes, and manage associated risk in consultation with JV legal counsel as required.
- Maintain confidentiality throughout investigation processes and coach site leaders on their responsibilities during and after investigations.
Community & Educational Partnerships- Build and sustain MPP's relationships with local educational institutions - including Montana Tech and Highlands College (both based in Butte) - to support apprenticeships, internships, co-ops, and pipeline programmes.
- Represent MPP in the Butte community as an employer of choice; engage with Butte-Silver Bow workforce development bodies and state/county employment agencies.
- Partner with MPP leadership and the JV Board on workforce planning to support the site's continued growth trajectory.
Required Qualifications- Bachelor's degree in human resources, Business Administration, or a related field (or equivalent experience high school diploma/GED with at least 4 years progressive HR experience in a manufacturing environment) + minimum of 5 years HR experience in a manufacturing environment
Desired Characteristics- Experience in a Joint Venture, standalone site, or multi-owner corporate structure - comfortable navigating dual reporting lines and governance complexity.
- Demonstrable experience operating as a standalone or lead HR professional in a manufacturing, industrial, or comparable site-based environment.
- Proven capability in payroll management, employee relations, and full-cycle recruitment.
- Experience managing workplace investigations to a high standard.
- Strong working knowledge of US federal employment law and Montana state employment regulations.
- Experience managing external suppliers and provider relationships in an HR context.
- Prior aerospace or precision manufacturing HR experience; understanding of AS9100D or similar quality-management environments is an advantage.
- Experience with Paylocity HRIS/payroll platform or comparable system.
- Strong connections to, or willingness to become deeply embedded in, the Butte, Montana community and local labor market.
- PHR, SPHR, or SHRM-CP/SCP certification preferred.
- High degree of self-direction - able to set priorities, lead a small team, and deliver results without day-to-day corporate oversight.
- Strong oral and written communication; credible with plant floor employees and JV Board members alike.
- Analytical and data-driven; able to use HR metrics to inform decisions and tell a clear story to leadership.
- Demonstrated ability to build trust quickly in a close-knit manufacturing community.
Relocation Assistance Provided: Yes
