People Operations Manager

Description The Human Resources Manager leads the HR function for Arcadia Beverage and partners closely with executive and operational leadership on workforce planning, total rewards, employee relations, compliance, culture, and organizational development. This is a hands‑on leadership role for someone who can move comfortably between strategy and execution, build structure where it is needed, and help the business solve people-related challenges in a practical way. What We Do: Arcadia is a people‑first organization. We exist to care for each other through our actions and values, and to share that with everyone we encounter. Arcadia Beverage has over 80 years of beverage co‑packing experience and we are a pasteurized cold fill scale contract packager of non‑alcoholic / non‑carbonated beverages for major retailers and food service distributors. Our Core Values: Care Deeply Respect & Support the Whole Person Grow & Learn Everyday Celebrate & Have Fun Do What We Say We're Going to Do What You'll Do: Partner directly with the CEO, CFO, and operations leadership on workforce planning, HR budget, total rewards, organizational priorities, and the people implications of the company's operating plan. Lead benefits administration and the annual renewal process, partnering with the CFO, brokers, and benefit advisors on claims utilization, stop‑loss, plan design, vendor management, open enrollment, and cost‑containment opportunities across medical, dental, vision, life, disability, EAP, HSA/FSA, retirement, and voluntary benefits. Lead compensation administration, market analysis, pay‑equity review, and merit‑cycle execution, and partner with executive leadership on compensation philosophy, incentive design, and broader total‑rewards decisions. Manage complex employee relations and investigations from intake through resolution, including partnering with outside counsel on high‑risk matters. Own the employee handbook and policy library, including NC‑specific compliance, FLSA, wage and hour, ACA, ADA, and all required HR regulatory areas. Lead recruiting strategy, hiring manager enablement, and retention initiatives with a focus on reducing turnover and improving quality of hire. Lead HR's role in learning and development, including onboarding, manager development, professional development, and the broader Arcadia Way infrastructure, while partnering with Operations on technical training ownership and execution. Own employee experience programming, including engagement surveys, town halls, employee committees, community partnerships, and employer brand certifications. Administer HRIS (Paylocity) and deliver HR analytics and executive dashboard reporting on turnover, retention, compensation, engagement, and wellness. Lead, coach, and develop the HR team and help shape the future HR and learning/development structure as the company grows. Partner with Operations on workers' compensation, workplace safety, and workforce planning in a cGMP‑regulated manufacturing environment. Ensure safety, quality, and food safety by following company rules and standards, enforcing the requirements, and communicating violations or concerns to the leadership team. Requirements What We're Looking for: Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business, or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience. 5+ years of progressive HR experience with meaningful responsibility across multiple HR disciplines; prior experience leading people, programs, or an HR function strongly preferred. Demonstrated experience with self‑funded benefits administration and vendor management. Strong working knowledge of federal and North Carolina employment law. Experience managing complex employee relations matters in partnership with outside counsel. Experience in a manufacturing or operations‑driven environment, ideally cGMP‑regulated. Proven ability to partner with executive leadership and present to senior stakeholders with clarity and confidence. Demonstrated ability to build structure where it does not yet exist - moving from a business need or idea to a practical process, clear ownership, timeline, and measurable outcome. Brings a business‑first HR mindset, balancing employee advocacy, compliance, cost, operational needs, and practical execution. Demonstrated ability to manage recurring HR administration and compliance deadlines while simultaneously advancing longer‑term strategic initiatives. HRIS experience, ideally with Paylocity or comparable platform. SHRM‑CP or SHRM‑SCP certification preferred. Bilingual English/Spanish proficiency preferred. Someone who brings a point of view, is willing to challenge constructively when needed, and partners with leadership as a solutions‑oriented thinking partner rather than simply an executor. The Perks: Generous PTO & Holidays 401(K) plan available with employer match Comprehensive Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance Company‑funded Direct Primary Care Life & Disability Insurance Professional development opportunities The Interview Process: Initial phone screen with our human resources department Second phone screen with the Hiring Manager On site interview to tour the facility and meet the team Offer #J-18808-Ljbffr Arcadia Beverage, LLC