HR Manager - Automotive Supplier

Overview About DTS Detroit Thermal Systems (DTS) is a leading minority-owned automotive supplier headquartered in Romulus, Michigan. Since 2012, DTS has specialized in the development and manufacture of high-quality heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems and climate control components for the automotive industry, combining advanced technology with rigorous manufacturing standards and commitment to workforce diversity. POSITION SUMMARY Detroit Thermal Systems is an Equal Opportunity and affirmative action Employer. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to age, race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, marital status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, nationality, sex, religion, or veteran status. The HR Manager at Detroit Thermal Systems (DTS) serves as a strategic and operational business partner to plant leadership, supporting a large-scale, complex, and fast-paced manufacturing environment. This role is responsible for driving end-to-end HR execution at the site, including employee relations, talent development, labor relations, workforce planning, and organizational effectiveness. The HR Manager plays a critical role in enabling plant performance during launch, ramp-up, and steady-state operations, ensuring the organization has the leadership, capability, and culture required to perform at a high level. The ideal candidate is a hands-on HR leader who thrives in dynamic, high-pressure environments, demonstrates strong business acumen, and can influence leaders to drive accountability, engagement, and performance across the plant. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Strategic HR Business Partnership Partner closely with the Plant Manager and site leadership team to align HR strategy with operational and business objectives Act as a trusted advisor to leaders on: Organizational effectiveness Workforce planning Leader capability and performance Support plant execution by ensuring the organization is staffed, structured, and operating effectively Plant Support – Launch, Ramp & Operations Support HR execution through plant launch, ramp-up, and stabilization phases Ensure readiness across: Workforce planning and onboarding Leadership capability and training Culture and engagement Partner with leadership to drive accountability and ownership during high-pressure operational periods Employee & Labor Relations Lead all aspects of employee relations, including: Investigations Corrective actions Performance management Terminations Partner with plant leadership on labor relations and collective bargaining agreement compliance Coach leaders through complex employee situations, ensuring consistency and fairness Talent Management & Development Lead and execute performance management processes, including: Coaching leaders on performance conversations Developing performance improvement plans (PIPs) Supporting talent reviews Drive succession planning and leadership development across all levels Ensure the plant is building a sustainable talent pipeline Workforce Planning & Staffing Identify staffing needs and partner with Corporate Talent Acquisition for hiring execution Use data and workforce analytics to support planning and decision-making Ensure the plant is staffed appropriately to meet operational demand HR Operations & Employee Lifecycle Oversee and manage all aspects of the employee lifecycle, including: Onboarding Development Retention Offboarding Serve as subject matter expert for HR systems and processes Ensure accuracy and compliance in all HR administrative processes Culture, Engagement & Communication Drive a strong, engaged workforce aligned with One Piston culture and values Act as cultural ambassador, reinforcing: Accountability Respect for people Operational excellence Partner with leadership to maintain high levels of employee engagement and communication Training & Organizational Capability Coordinate and deliver management training on: Leadership development Performance management Employee relations Compliance and workplace standards Enable leaders to effectively manage teams in a fast-paced, operational environment Safety & Compliance Partnership Partner with EHS leadership to support safe workplace practices Ensure compliance with: OSHA and regulatory requirements Company policies Reinforce safety as a core component of plant culture Compensation, Benefits & Market Competitiveness Administer site-level compensation and benefits programs Partner with Finance and Corporate HR to resolve employee inquiries Support market competitiveness through: Wage analysis Local market insights REQUIRED EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE · Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field

• Minimum 8+ years of progressive HR experience, preferably in manufacturing environments
• Experience supporting plant operations and leadership teams in a manufacturing setting

· Strong experience in:

• Employee relations
• Labor relations (union environment preferred)
• Performance management
• Demonstrated business and financial acumen, with the ability to connect HR decisions to operational outcomes

Critical Experience Requirements · Proven experience supporting fast-paced, high-pressure manufacturing environments (including launch, ramp-up, or transformation settings)

• Demonstrated ability to influence leaders and drive accountability without direct authority
• Experience partnering with plant leadership to support organizational readiness, performance, and engagement
• Strong capability in managing complex employee and labor relations issues
• Ability to balance strategic HR partnership with hands on execution

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS Automotive industry (OEM or Tier 1) experience Experience supporting high automation / advanced manufacturing environments Six Sigma Black Belt or Lean certification Experience in unionized manufacturing environments WORK ENVIRONMENT This role operates within a manufacturing environment and requires frequent presence on the plant floor. The HR Manager must be comfortable working in a fast-paced, operational setting, supporting both leadership teams and hourly workforce in real time. EEO STATEMENT Detroit Thermal Systems is an Equal Opportunity and affirmative action Employer. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to age, race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, marital status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, nationality, sex, religion, or veteran status. Job Type: Full-time Benefits: 401(k) matching Dental insurance Employee assistance program Employee discount Flexible spending account Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Referral program Tuition reimbursement Vision insurance Work Location: In person #J-18808-Ljbffr Socket.dev