Lead Human Relations Business Partner (Manufacturing - Onsite in Sumter, SC)

About the role

The Lead Human Relations Business Partner (Manufacturing - Onsite in Sumter, SC) is a full-time leadership level position within Continental Tire the Americas, LLC. This role is responsible for driving the full spectrum of manufacturing HR operations, setting the vision for consistent, high-impact HR delivery, and serving as a trusted strategic partner to plant leadership.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing team of HR Business Partners and HR Coordinators, ensuring alignment with business priorities
• Set the strategic direction for manufacturing HR, driving consistency in employee relations and policy execution
• Serve as a trusted advisor to leadership, influencing fair, consistent, and effective decision-making
• Drive a proactive employee relations strategy that fosters engagement, retention, and a positive work environment
• Ensure full compliance with company policies, procedures, and labor regulations
• Own and elevate performance management practices, strengthening accountability and workforce effectiveness
• Guide and develop leaders through coaching, feedback, and corrective action to build leadership capability
• Partner to design and deliver impactful training, onboarding, and leadership development initiatives
• Lead execution of key HR initiatives and communication strategies, ensuring clarity and alignment across the plant
• Anticipate workforce challenges, leverage data and insights, and implement strategic, sustainable solutions that drive continuous improvement

Qualifications

• Education & Experience: Bachelor’s degree (BA/BS minimum) and 7+ years of relevant HR experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience in manufacturing. Broad HR experience across employee relations, recruiting, performance management, compensation, and training in manufacturing. Experience supporting multiple departments, shifts, or business functions within a complex environment in manufacturing. Proven track record of HR leadership, including managing HR Business Partners, Coordinators, or similar roles in manufacturing.
• Skills & Competencies: Strong end-to-end HR expertise with the ability to align people strategies to business objectives. Experience leading HR process improvements across areas such as onboarding, attendance, retention, and compliance in manufacturing. Demonstrated ability to implement, optimize, and sustain HR systems, policies, and metrics. Proven success managing cross-functional projects and delivering measurable, results-driven outcomes in manufacturing. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a data-driven approach to decision-making in manufacturing. Ability to balance strategic priorities with execution in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Leadership & Mindset: Proven ability to lead, coach, and develop high-performing HR teams. Trusted advisor with the ability to influence and guide leaders at all levels. Strong commitment to fair, consistent, and values-based application of policies and practices. Strategic thinker with a hands-on leadership style and focus on results. Experience working across diverse and/or global environments, with the ability to adapt to different cultures and workforce needs. Track record of building strong partnerships and driving accountability across the organization.

Additional Ways to Stand Out

• Professional HR certification (SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or SPHR)
• Experience with workforce development partnerships (schools, technical colleges, or community organizations)
• Background in process improvement methodologies such as Lean, Six Sigma, or similar frameworks
• Exposure to global HR practices or cross-regional collaboration, demonstrating cultural agility