Human Resources Manager

About the Role

People Architects is recruiting a Human Resources Manager for a growing lower-middle-market contract manufacturer. This role is ideal for an experienced HR Generalist, Senior HR Generalist, Assistant HR Manager, or similar professional ready to step into a management position with broad ownership and visibility. The successful candidate will lead day-to-day HR functions, strengthen the employee experience, and support organizational growth and change in a manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary human resources resource for employees, supervisors, and company leadership.
• Manage day-to-day HR operations, ensuring consistent application of company policies and procedures.
• Advise on employee relations matters, including attendance, performance, conduct, coaching, disciplinary actions, and terminations.
• Lead employee relations activities, investigate workplace concerns, and resolve issues professionally.
• Manage recruiting and hiring for hourly, skilled-trade, technical, administrative, and professional positions.
• Partner with hiring managers on staffing needs, candidate screening, interviews, and offers.
• Own the new-hire onboarding process and ensure effective integration.
• Manage employee benefits administration, including enrollment, communication, and coordination with providers.
• Coordinate weekly payroll activities with Accounting.
• Maintain accurate employee records and ensure HRIS data integrity and compliance.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws.
• Update employee policies, handbook provisions, job descriptions, and HR procedures.
• Support performance management, including goal setting, reviews, coaching, and development.
• Identify and coordinate training programs for employees and supervisors.
• Partner with leadership on workforce planning, retention, engagement, and manufacturing-specific challenges.
• Support workers’ compensation, leave administration, and unemployment claims.
• Assist with workplace safety, employee training, and regulatory compliance.
• Prepare and analyze HR reports and workforce metrics.
• Assist with organizational changes, communications, and culture initiatives.
• Maintain a visible presence and build relationships with employees at all levels.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Management, or related field; equivalent experience considered.
• 5+ years of progressive, hands-on HR experience.
• Prior HR experience in a small or lower-middle-market company.
• Experience in manufacturing, industrial, machining, fabrication, distribution, or related environment.
• Demonstrated experience working with hourly production employees and frontline supervisors.
• Practical experience in employee relations, recruiting, onboarding, benefits, performance management, and compliance.
• Working knowledge of federal and state employment laws.
• Ability to operate as a hands-on HR generalist with limited administrative support.
• Strong judgment and ability to handle confidential matters.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Organizational skills to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency with HRIS/payroll systems and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel to subsidiary locations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience as HR Generalist, Senior HR Generalist, HR Business Partner, Assistant HR Manager, or similar role.
• Experience supporting a manufacturing workforce with skilled trades, machinists, technicians, and salaried professionals.
• Experience in a privately held or entrepreneurially managed business undergoing growth or change.
• Experience with payroll, workers’ compensation, leave administration, and unemployment claims.
• Familiarity with Paylocity HRIS and payroll platform.
• HR certification (SHRM-CP or PHR).