Human Resources Manager

Fairbanks Morse Defense•Walpole, MA

94d•$106,169 - $159,253•Hybrid

About The Position

Fairbanks Morse Defense is seeking a dynamic, experienced Human Resources Manager to oversee all aspects of HR at its Walpole, Massachusetts site, supporting salaried and hourly employees in a high-performing, non-union marine manufacturing environment. The role is an active business partner and leadership position supporting a company that delivers products to the United States Navy and United States Coast Guard. The manager reports directly to the site leader, the Vice President / General Manager of Bird-Johnson Propeller Company, and has a dotted-line reporting relationship with the Division’s Director of Human Resources. The role collaborates with the Human Resources Generalist at the Foundry location in Pascagoula, Mississippi, to promote alignment and consistency across locations. Responsibilities span recruitment and workforce planning, employee relations and engagement, HR policy development and compliance, HR reporting and metrics, and employee training, development, talent reviews, and performance management. The position is primarily office-based, with opportunities for remote work, occasional travel of less than 10% to other company locations, and flexibility to work outside standard business hours when needed. It requires access to Unclassified Naval Nuclear Propulsion Information, so candidates must provide proof of U.S. citizenship and attest that they do not hold dual citizenship.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
3–5 years of progressive HR experience in a manufacturing environment, with demonstrated growth in scope and responsibilities.
Strong knowledge of labor laws, HR compliance, and employee engagement strategies.
Ability to build relationships, resolve conflicts, and foster a collaborative work environment.
Proficiency and demonstrated success in talent pipeline development and management.
Proficiency in HR systems, data analysis, and Microsoft Excel.
Must provide proof of U.S. citizenship and attest to not holding dual citizenship because the position requires access to Unclassified Naval Nuclear Propulsion Information.

Nice To Haves

SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, or an equivalent HR certification.
Experience in both non-unionized and unionized environments.

Responsibilities

Lead full-cycle recruitment, including job postings, candidate sourcing, interviewing, and onboarding.
Partner with department leaders to identify current and future staffing needs and implement workforce planning strategies.
Develop and execute recruitment strategies to attract and retain talent.
Develop community relationships with vocational technical high schools and other technical programs.
Partner with operations to represent the company at recruitment fairs and other external talent acquisition events.
Model the company’s core values of Teamwork, Integrity, and Velocity.
Advise employees and managers, address concerns, resolve conflicts, and ensure compliance with company policies and labor laws.
Drive employee engagement initiatives to improve morale, retention, and workplace culture.
Analyze annual employee surveys, identify improvement opportunities, and implement action plans.
Develop, implement, and maintain HR policies and procedures for legal compliance and organizational consistency.
Monitor and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local labor laws as regulations evolve.
Prepare and analyze HR metrics and reports using the system of record and Excel to support data-driven decisions.
Assess skill gaps and design targeted training and development programs.
Lead initiatives supporting continuous learning, employee development, and career growth.
Oversee annual talent reviews and performance management processes aligned with organizational goals.
Travel occasionally to support the Pascagoula, Mississippi site, corporate headquarters in Beloit, Wisconsin, and other company locations.
Work beyond standard business hours as needed to address urgent matters across a three-shift business.
Sit for long periods and safely navigate the manufacturing floor.