HR Manager

Help build the HR practices and employee experience for a new manufacturing facility.

About the role

Steel & O’Brien Manufacturing is seeking a hands-on HR Manager to support our new Indianapolis manufacturing facility. As the on-site HR resource and a member of the plant leadership team, you’ll help employees and managers navigate facility startup and growth while building a positive employee experience.

You’ll work with plant leadership, Talent Acquisition, and the broader HR team on employee relations, onboarding, performance management, payroll coordination, benefits, and compliance. This role is a good fit for an approachable HR professional who enjoys connecting with employees, coaching managers, and putting consistent processes in place in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

What you’ll do

Site HR support and workforce planning

• Partner with plant and HR leadership on staffing plans, organizational needs, and production ramp-up.
• Put company HR programs and site processes into practice to support employee engagement, retention, and development.
• Track and report HR measures such as headcount, turnover, attendance, and overtime, and recommend improvements.
• Help employees and managers navigate changes as the facility grows.

Recruiting, onboarding, and training

• Work with Talent Acquisition and hiring managers to support hourly and salaried recruiting, including job descriptions, interviews, and hiring decisions.
• Support local recruiting partnerships with schools, workforce organizations, and community resources.
• Use Predictive Index tools in line with company practices to support hiring, team communication, and employee development.
• Coordinate onboarding with managers and the HR team so employees receive required orientation, training, and follow-up check-ins.
• Work with department leaders to coordinate compliance, role-specific, and cross-training. Maintain accurate training records.

Employee relations and performance management

• Be an accessible, trusted resource for employee questions and workplace concerns.
• Coach supervisors and managers on communication, attendance, performance feedback, and consistent application of company policies.
• Conduct employee relations investigations with discretion and objectivity. Partner with HR leadership on complex or sensitive matters.
• Support performance reviews, employee development plans, and corrective action processes.
• Coordinate engagement and recognition activities that promote a respectful, inclusive workplace.

Payroll, benefits, and leave administration

• Coordinate weekly payroll activities with Corporate Payroll, review timekeeping information, and help resolve discrepancies.
• Support benefits enrollment, employee education, and related administrative work, including contribution files and invoice reconciliation as assigned.
• Coordinate leave requests, accommodations, disability, and workers’ compensation processes with HR leadership and appropriate providers.
• Maintain accurate employee records and respond promptly to employee questions.

Compliance, safety, and HR operations

• Apply company policies consistently and support compliance with applicable federal, state, and local employment requirements.
• Maintain accurate HRIS, payroll, and timekeeping data. Support reporting, audits, and documentation requirements.
• Help establish and improve site HR procedures that align with corporate policies and operational needs.
• Work with plant leadership and Safety staff on safety communication, incident follow-up, and employee support.
• Protect confidential information and reinforce ethical conduct and accountability.
• Support other HR projects and duties as assigned.

What you’ll bring

• A bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, or a related field, or equivalent relevant experience.
• Five to seven years of progressive HR experience, including experience as an HR Generalist, HR Business Partner, or HR Manager.
• Experience independently supporting managers and employees with employee relations, performance management, and day-to-day HR operations.
• Experience in manufacturing or distribution; experience supporting multiple shifts is preferred.
• Working knowledge of employment laws, HR policies, payroll coordination, benefits, and leave administration.
• Strong communication, conflict resolution, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Sound judgment and discretion when handling sensitive information.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, HRIS, payroll, and timekeeping systems.
• SHRM-CP or PHR certification preferred.
• Experience supporting a facility startup, rapid growth, or organizational change is a plus.

Our culture

We value Integrity, Trust, Creativity and Courage, Teamwork, and Excellence. As HR Manager, you’ll model these values by building trust, listening respectfully, welcoming feedback, protecting confidentiality, and supporting a collaborative workplace.

Working conditions

• On-site work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment, with regular interaction with employees on the production floor.
• Prolonged periods working at a desk and computer, as well as standing and walking throughout the facility.
• Occasional exposure to noise and varying temperatures.
• Occasional lifting of up to 15 pounds.
• Ability to safely navigate the manufacturing environment and occasionally adjust working hours to support multiple shifts.
• Occasional driving between sites. A valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle are required.
• Essential functions may be performed with or without reasonable accommodation.

Salary Range: $100,000–$120,000, 10% annual bonus

Attendance Requirements:
Attendance on a regular, consistent basis is mandatory.
Accommodations: Essential functions of this position may include but are not limited to lifting, reaching,
bending, stooping, twisting, kneeling, crouching, carrying objects, ascending/descending stairs and commuting
to work location. If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation to perform
the essential job functions under the Americans with Disability Act (ADA) or other state or federal law, you may
request the accommodation below.
Accommodations requested: