Manager, Employee Relations & HR Business Partner

Manager, Employee Relations & HR Business Partner

Location: Swedesboro, NJ, US

Aspire Bakeries creates foods that bring people together. From artisan breads to cookies, our products are enjoyed by millions. We're looking for hard-working people who will bring integrity, creativity, and a passion for excellence to everything they do. In return, we offer a workplace culture built on care, ownership, and growth.

With 13 commercial bakeries across North America and a reputation as an industry leader, Aspire Bakeries is rising together with our people and our customers to be the best all-around bakery solution. If you're ready to grow with us, we'd love to hear from you.

Our culture thrives on collaboration, diversity, and a shared passion for excellence. We support team members, empower growth, and encourage everyone to bring their authentic selves to work. Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus company-paid life insurance and additional voluntary options to fit your needs. Paid parental leave, generous paid time off, and holidays so you can recharge and spend time on what matters most. Competitive retirement plans, plus short- and long-term disability coverage for peace of mind. Opportunities to build skills, grow your career, and develop expertise through Aspire Bakeries' learning and development programs. HSA and FSA plans to help you manage everyday expenses. Performance incentive plans that celebrate achievements across sales, bakery performance, and individual contributions.

About the Role

We are seeking a Manager, Employee Relations and HR Business Partner to join our team at our Swedesboro, NJ bakery. In this role, you will serve as both the site Employee Relations leader and the dedicated HR Business Partner for a major production line, ensuring fair, consistent, and legally compliant people practices while partnering with operations leadership in a large-scale, 24/7 manufacturing environment.

Compensation Salary Range: $115,000 - $125,000

Core Accountabilities

• Lead all complex and high-risk employee relations matters, including investigations, policy interpretation, and corrective action to ensure fair and compliant outcomes.
• Serve as the primary HR Business Partner for assigned production lines, aligning people strategies with operational and business priorities.
• Coach and develop supervisors and managers on employee relations fundamentals, documentation, performance management, and effective leadership behaviors.
• Own and maintain site-level ER standards, playbooks, templates, and investigation processes in alignment with enterprise policies.
• Oversee attendance and performance management practices, ensuring consistent application of policy and defensible documentation.
• Act as the site subject matter expert on Performance Management and Performance Improvement Plans, guiding leaders through effective execution and follow-up.
• Analyze ER data and trends to provide insights that drive proactive risk mitigation, leadership effectiveness, and culture improvement.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in human resources, business, labor relations, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive HR or Employee Relations experience.
• At least 2 years of experience leading complex employee relations investigations.
• Strong working knowledge of employment law, ER best practices, and performance management.
• Proven ability to coach and influence leaders at multiple levels in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to meet the physical demands of a manufacturing environment, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting manufacturing, production, logistics, or 24/7 operations.
• Experience partnering closely with operations leaders in a large frontline workforce.
• Strong data and reporting skills with the ability to identify trends and root causes.
• Change management experience during line ramp-ups, restructures, or organizational transformations.

Aspire Bakeries LLC values the contribution each Team Member brings to our organization. The final determination of a successful candidate's starting pay will vary based on a number of factors, including, but not limited to location, shift, education, skill, and experience within the job or the industry. We provide a competitive compensation package that recognizes your experience, credentials, and education alongside a robust benefits program to meet your needs.

Aspire Bakeries is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic. We do not use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to screen, assess, or select applicants.