Human Resources Operations and Compliance Manager

Location: On-site (Options available in Southern California, (Rialto area) , Central New Jersey, (New Brunswick area) or Greater Chicago area). This role is hybrid, 3-5 days a week , depending on business need. Established and growing manufacturing organization is seeking an experienced and hands-on Human Resources Operations and Compliance Manager to serve as the lead HR partner across multiple facility locations. This is an ideal opportunity for a mid-to-senior HR leader ( 5–8+ years of experience ) who thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and can quickly assess current-state operations, identify gaps, and execute improvements. The right candidate will be both strategic and highly execution-oriented, with the proven ability to "roll up their sleeves," build structure, and drive meaningful organizational change. This is an individual contributor role. Key Responsibilities HR Leadership & Process Standardization Evaluate existing HR practices across locations and implement standardized processes, policies, and procedures. Build scalable frameworks for key HR functions, including onboarding, performance management, and employee relations. Partner with leadership to align strategic HR initiatives with overarching business goals and operational needs. Employee Relations & Workforce Support Serve as the senior HR point of contact for employee relations matters across multiple operational sites. Lead workplace investigations, conflict resolution, and complex employee issues. Coach and mentor managers on performance management, disciplinary actions, and HR best practices. Establish and standardize the employee handbook across all locations; lead implementation and deliver training to ensure consistent organization-wide compliance and adoption. Recruitment & Workforce Planning Oversee and support talent acquisition efforts, ensuring consistency in hiring practices across all locations. Partner with operations leadership to support workforce planning, hiring strategies, and retention initiatives. Streamline and improve recruitment processes to drive hiring efficiency and enhance candidate experience. HR Operations & Compliance Ensure strict compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws across all facility sites. Maintain and improve HR systems, processes, and reporting capabilities. Establish and enforce consistent documentation, auditing, and record-keeping practices. Payroll & Benefits Oversight Provide oversight and coordination of payroll and benefits administration in partnership with internal teams or external vendors. Ensure accuracy, compliance, and procedural consistency across all locations. Act as the key escalation point for complex employee questions related to payroll and benefits. Support compliance audits, reporting, and annual open enrollment initiatives. Training, Development & Performance Management Implement standardized performance management processes and review cycles. Support leadership development and manager training programs. Identify key opportunities to enhance employee engagement, culture, and retention. Manufacturing & Multi-Site Support Partner closely with plant leadership to support a high-volume, hourly production workforce. Drive targeted initiatives related to retention, attendance, and overall workforce stability. Support and reinforce workplace safety programs and environmental compliance standards. Travel between regional sites as needed to ensure operational visibility and consistency. Qualifications & Requirements Experience: 5–8+ years of progressive HR experience, ideally in a generalist or multi-site HR leadership role. Industry Background: Strong experience supporting manufacturing, distribution, or multi-site industrial environments is highly preferred. Core Competencies: Proven track record of building and implementing HR processes from the ground up. Technical Knowledge: Robust background in employee relations, labor compliance, and core HR operations. Benefits & Payroll: Direct exposure to payroll and benefits oversight (full administrative ownership not required). Skills: Superior communication, conflict resolution, leadership, and analytical problem-solving abilities. Work Style: Ability to operate independently, hit the ground running, and excel in a highly hands-on environment. #J-18808-Ljbffr Confidential