HR Business Partner (HRBP)

About the role

At Ellsworth Creamery, team members are treated like family, and many have built careers spanning decades. The HR Business Partner (HRBP) is a key member of the Plant Leadership Team, reporting to the Human Resources Director. This exempt position has no direct reports and connects people strategy to plant priorities, fostering a culture of accountability, teamwork, integrity, and excellence in a fast‑paced, innovative environment.

Responsibilities

• Partner with Plant Leadership to align people strategies with operational goals and workforce needs.
• Coach and advise leaders and supervisors on employee relations, performance, attendance, communication, and other people‑related matters.
• Lead recruiting efforts, including workforce planning, sourcing, interviewing, selection, and onboarding.
• Stay connected to the plant and proactively identify workforce trends, risks, and opportunities.
• Support performance conversations, employee development, and accountability.
• Partner with employees and leaders to address concerns, conduct investigations, and resolve issues fairly and effectively.
• Identify opportunities to improve, simplify, and build HR processes that better serve employees and the operation.
• Lead and facilitate training and development initiatives.
• Collaborate with the broader HR team to implement company‑wide programs and ensure consistency across locations.
• Ensure compliance with federal and state employment regulations in a multi‑state environment.
• Provide guidance and support for benefits and communications activities such as Open Enrollment, Employee Recognition, and Wellness programs.

Requirements

• Strong employee relations, recruiting, coaching, and communication skills.
• Ability to build trust and credibility with both leaders and frontline employees.
• Experience providing coaching and feedback, respectfully challenging leaders when appropriate.
• Strong judgment, problem‑solving skills, and ability to manage competing priorities.
• Proactive mindset with a desire to improve processes and make a meaningful impact.
• Experience driving HR initiatives in performance management, training and development, compensation, and benefits administration.
• Knowledge of labor laws and practices, including FMLA, ADA, HIPAA, and OSHA.
• Experience with HRIS systems (preferably Paylocity) and strong computer skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• High level of integrity, accuracy, dependability, enthusiasm, and confidentiality.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years of progressive HR experience, preferably in manufacturing or another operational environment.
• HR certification and/or union experience is a plus.
• Valid driver’s license with ability to travel.
• Pass a drug & alcohol screen and general background check.

Benefits

• Affordable Medical, Dental, Vision benefits eligible the 1st of the month following 30 days of employment.
• Medical, Health Savings Account, Dental, Vision, Accident & Critical Illness coverage.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and additional free resources.
• 401(k) match.
• Paid Time Off and Holiday Pay.

Work Environment

The role is based in an office environment with occasional travel to other locations, events, colleges, or technical schools. The plant environment includes food‑processing areas, requiring adherence to all food and plant safety policies and regulations.