Plant Human Resource Manager - Automotive , Union experiences preferred

**CONFIDENTIAL – Plant Human Resources Manager** **Location:** Fremont, Ohio **Industry:** Automotive Manufacturing (Tier 1 / Tier 2\) **Employment Type:** Full\-Time \| Onsite **Union Environment:** **Required** **Reports To:** Plant Manager ### **Opportunity Overview** A confidential global automotive manufacturing organization is seeking a **Plant Human Resources Manager** to lead all HR activities at its **unionized Fremont, OH manufacturing facility**. This is a **hands\-on, plant\-based HR leadership role** requiring direct experience in **union labor environments**, including **collective bargaining support**. The ideal candidate has served as a **first or second chair** during labor negotiations **or** has directly supported negotiations in a formal capacity (including documentation/minutes). This role partners closely with plant leadership and directly supports the workforce while ensuring compliance, engagement, and operational excellence. ### **Role Scope** The Plant Human Resources Manager has full site responsibility for the execution of HR strategies, policies, and programs while remaining deeply involved in day\-to\-day plant HR operations. This position balances **strategic leadership with hands\-on execution** in a fast\-paced manufacturing environment. **Direct Reports:** 1 HR Generalist (Supervisory experience strongly preferred) ### **Key Responsibilities** #### **Plant HR Leadership** * Serve as a key member of the Plant Leadership Team and trusted advisor to the Plant Manager * Lead all site\-level HR activities, ensuring alignment with corporate HR standards and business objectives * Provide coaching and guidance on complex employee relations issues in a union environment * Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local employment laws and company policies * Track, analyze, and improve HR metrics and KPIs related to engagement, turnover, absenteeism, and performance #### **Labor Relations** * Support union relations, including collective bargaining preparation and administration * Interpret and administer the labor agreement consistently and fairly * Partner with plant leadership on grievance management, investigations, and resolution #### **Talent, Performance \& Development** * Oversee performance management and talent development processes * Deploy talent review tools (e.g., 9\-box) to identify high\-potential employees and development plans * Develop and implement training matrices and plans in coordination with department leaders * Deliver or coordinate required in\-house training and compliance programs #### **Recruitment \& Onboarding** * Lead full\-cycle recruitment for hourly and salaried roles in partnership with hiring managers * Ensure compliant applicant tracking and recordkeeping (EEOC, regulatory requirements) * Oversee onboarding and orientation for new hires and internal transfers #### **Total Rewards** * Support administration of compensation, benefits, and enrollment programs * Maintain awareness of local wage, salary, and benefit trends * Ensure accurate records and timely communication through HRIS and corporate systems #### **Health, Safety \& Environment (HS\&E)** * Support and enforce plant HS\&E standards and initiatives * Manage workplace injury reporting, claims, and return\-to\-work processes * Maintain required safety and workers’ compensation records * Act as plant HR liaison during regulatory audits or inspections ### **Required Qualifications** * Bachelor’s degree required; HR or related field preferred * **5\+ years of HR leadership experience in a manufacturing environment** * **Direct experience in a unionized plant is mandatory** * Demonstrated involvement in collective bargaining or labor contract administration * Strong employee relations, conflict resolution, and coaching skills * Proven ability to influence and partner with leaders at multiple organizational levels * Experience working within a **matrixed, global organization** * Working knowledge of HRIS and payroll systems * Strong business acumen with a practical, hands\-on approach ### **What This Role Is** * A **hands\-on plant HR leadership role** * Union\-facing and operations\-driven * Highly visible within plant leadership * Ideal for an HR leader who thrives on the manufacturing floor