Human Resources Manager

Human Resources Manager - LaPorte, IN

Full-Time Exempt On-Site

Lewis Bakeries is seeking an experienced Human Resources Manager to lead human resources, labor relations, and safety initiatives at our LaPorte, Indiana bakery. This highly visible leadership role partners closely with plant leadership, corporate HR, and union representatives to support our employees, drive compliance, and foster a positive, high-performance workplace culture.

The Human Resources Manager serves as a key member of the bakery leadership team and reports directly to the Vice President of Human Resources. The ideal candidate will bring strong manufacturing HR experience, a collaborative labor relations approach, and the ability to balance employee advocacy with business objectives in a unionized environment.

About Lewis Bakeries

Lewis Bakeries is a family-owned and operated company founded by three brothers in 1925 in Anna, Illinois. Lewis primarily bakes loaf bread, buns, and rolls under trusted brands including Bunny Bread, Lewis Bake Shop, Healthy Life, and other regional favorites.

Today, Lewis Bakeries operates facilities in LaPorte, Fort Wayne, Vincennes, and Evansville, Indiana, as well as Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Our heritage has been built on quality, reliability, and a commitment to our customers since 1925. Every day, the Lewis family and our dedicated associates rise to the challenge of baking the very best bakery products while maintaining a forward-thinking passion for growth and innovation.

What Makes Us Great

At Lewis Bakeries, we believe in rewarding our employees with a comprehensive compensation and benefits package that supports their health, financial well-being, and professional growth.

Exceptional Total Rewards Package

In addition to a competitive salary, employees enjoy a benefits package that provides significant financial value, including:

• Medical coverage with weekly premiums as low as $10 and a low-deductible plan design
• Comprehensive dental coverage, including orthodontic benefits for dependent children
• Company-funded pension plan and a 401(k) with company matching contributions
• Company-paid short-term and long-term disability insurance
• Paid vacation time and paid holidays
• Relocation assistance available for qualified candidates
• Professional development opportunities and long-term career growth

Additional reasons employees choose Lewis Bakeries:

• Family-owned company with over 100 years of baking excellence
• Stable and growing organization with a long history of success
• Collaborative culture that values employee engagement, safety, and continuous improvement
• Opportunity to make a meaningful impact as a key member of the bakery leadership team
• Opportunities for growth, development, and career advancement

Responsibilities

• Act as the primary HR leader for the LaPorte bakery, partnering closely with plant leadership to support a high-performance, people-first operation
• Serve as a trusted advisor to employees and leaders across production, sales, and transportation
• Lead employee and labor relations activities, including investigations, grievance resolution, and partnership with local union representatives
• Support and help shape collective bargaining activities and ongoing contract administration
• Manage employee leave and injury programs, including FMLA, ADA accommodations, disability, and workers' compensation, ensuring fair, consistent, and compliant administration
• Drive safety culture and compliance efforts in partnership with Corporate EHS, ensuring OSHA and DOT standards are met
• Strengthen performance management practices that promote accountability, development, and engagement
• Build and maintain HR programs, policies, and communications that are clear, consistent, and easy to apply
• Lead recruiting and onboarding efforts to attract, hire, and retain strong talent across hourly, salaried, and exempt roles
• Improve the candidate and employee experience through effective HR systems and processes (including ATS management)
• Oversee the Attendance Control Program
• Ensure compliance with all employment laws and internal policies while supporting audit and reporting needs
• Partner with leadership on engagement, retention, and continuous improvement initiatives
• Contribute as a key member of the plant leadership team, influencing decisions that impact both people and performance

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business, or related field
• 5+ years of progressive HR experience, preferably in manufacturing or industrial environments
• Experience in union environments, including grievance handling and collective bargaining support
• Working knowledge of safety and regulatory compliance (OSHA/DOT experience preferred)
• HR certification (SHRM-CP/SCP or PHR/SPHR) preferred
• Strong ability to build trust and influence across all levels of the organization
• Practical knowledge of employment law and employee relations best practices
• Strong communication, listening, and conflict-resolution skills
• Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, hands-on environment with competing priorities
• High integrity, sound judgment, and a collaborative leadership style
• Position is primarily Monday-Friday; occasional evening or weekend work may be required to support employee relations, labor relations, or business needs.
• Willingness to travel occasionally

Equal Opportunity Employer

Lewis Bakeries is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Drug-Free Workplace. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or status as a qualified individual with a disability or Vietnam era or other protected veteran status.

All candidates must successfully complete a background check, drug test and reference check for further consideration.


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