Human Resources Manager

Great Dane LLC • Kewanee, IL

1d

About The Position

The Human Resources Manager serves as a strategic business partner to Plant Leadership and as a key member of the plant leadership team. The role aligns people strategies with business objectives to improve workforce capability, employee engagement, retention, safety performance, leadership effectiveness, and operational results. The manager provides leadership and guidance across talent acquisition, employee relations, performance management, workforce planning, leadership development, organizational effectiveness, compliance, and culture. Success requires strong business acumen, a visible presence on the plant floor, data-driven decision-making, and the ability to influence leaders at all levels. The HR Manager facilitates and partners strategically with business leaders to help them achieve operational goals through people.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
• At least 5 years of progressive HR experience, preferably in manufacturing or industrial operations.
• Strong knowledge of employee relations, employment law, talent management, workforce planning, and organizational development.
• Demonstrated ability to influence leaders and drive business results through people strategies.
• Strong analytical, communication, leadership, coaching, and problem-solving skills.
• High degree of judgment, discretion, and decision-making ability to achieve objectives.
• Critical-thinking ability to analyze information, identify complex problems, and develop logical solutions.
• Self-management and project-management skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to sit for 8 hours per day and perform some light lifting; reasonable accommodations may be made in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Nice To Haves

• PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, or SHRM-SCP certification.

Responsibilities

• Advise the Plant Manager and leadership team on workforce, talent, organizational, and employee-related matters.
• Align HR initiatives with plant objectives, labor requirements, safety goals, productivity targets, and business performance.
• Partner with leaders to improve organizational effectiveness, workforce capability, accountability, and employee engagement.
• Use turnover, staffing, attendance, safety, and employee data to provide workforce insights and recommendations.
• Lead workforce planning to ensure the plant has the talent needed for current and future business needs.
• Partner with Talent Acquisition and operations leaders to attract, hire, onboard, and retain talent.
• Support succession planning and the development of front-line supervisors, managers, and high-potential employees.
• Identify capability gaps and develop plans to strengthen leadership and workforce readiness.
• Coach leaders on employee relations, performance management, conflict resolution, disciplinary actions, and policy interpretation.
• Conduct investigations and resolve employee concerns fairly, consistently, and in compliance with company policies and applicable laws.
• Foster positive employee relations that promote trust, accountability, communication, and respect.
• Support change initiatives that improve business performance, organizational agility, and workforce engagement.
• Partner with leaders to strengthen accountability, clarify roles and expectations, and improve decision-making effectiveness.
• Drive programs that reinforce Great Dane's culture, values, and commitment to continuous improvement.
• Ensure compliance with employment laws, company policies, and regulatory requirements.
• Support plant safety initiatives and foster a culture that treats safety as a core organizational value.
• Oversee workers' compensation administration, return-to-work processes, and related employee support activities.
• Maintain accurate workforce reporting and HR metrics.
• Ensure effective administration of HR programs, systems, policies, and procedures.
• Partner with Corporate HR Centers of Excellence to deploy enterprise HR initiatives within the plant.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation.
• Dental, vision, and medical benefits with employer contributions.
• Retirement programs, including a Pension Plan and a 401(k) Plan with employer match.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Paid holidays and vacation.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager