HR Business Partner-TA and Employee Relations in Manitowoc, Wisconsin at Shipbuilders of Wisconsin

Position Summary:

The HR Business Partner (HRBP) – Talent Acquisition & Associate Relations is a strategic and hands-on role responsible for aligning workforce strategies with business objectives. This position leads full-cycle talent acquisition while serving as a trusted advisor to leadership and employees on associate relations matters.

The HRBP plays a critical role in driving organizational performance by ensuring the business attracts, hires, and retains high-quality talent while maintaining a positive, compliant, and engaged work environment.

Key Responsibilities:

Talent Acquisition

• Lead end-to-end recruitment efforts including workforce planning, sourcing, interviewing, selection, and onboarding
• Partner with leaders to understand hiring needs and develop effective, forward-looking recruitment strategies
• Build and maintain talent pipelines for critical roles and future workforce needs
• Ensure a high-quality candidate experience that reinforces the employer brand
• Collaborate with hiring managers on candidate evaluation and offer development
• Track and analyze recruiting metrics (e.g., time-to-fill, quality of hire) to drive continuous improvement
• Manage external recruiting partners and contingent labor vendors, ensuring cost efficiency and quality outcomes
• Monitor vendor performance using defined KPIs and take action to optimize results

Associate Relations

• Serve as the primary advisor to leaders and employees on workplace issues and employee relations matters
• Conduct investigations and recommend appropriate actions in alignment with company policy and legal requirements
• Support conflict resolution and foster a respectful, compliant workplace environment
• Coach leaders on performance management, employee engagement, and leadership effectiveness
• Promote proactive issue resolution and strong manager capability to reduce risk and turnover

Business Partnership

• Partner with leadership to align HR strategies with business goals and operational priorities
• Support organizational changes such as restructuring, workforce planning, and growth initiatives
• Analyze HR data and trends to identify insights and recommend solutions that improve performance and workforce effectiveness
• Act as a liaison between the business and HR Centers of Excellence (Compensation, Benefits, L&D) as well as EHS
• Support compliance with employment regulations and corporate policies

Employee Engagement & Culture

• Partner with leaders to interpret engagement data and develop actionable improvement plans
• Drive initiatives that enhance workplace culture, inclusion, and employee experience
• Coach leaders on communication, recognition, and team development best practices
• Support efforts to strengthen retention and organizational health

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field (or equivalent experience)

5+ years of progressive HR experience, including talent acquisition and employee relations

Strong knowledge of employment law and HR best practices

Demonstrated ability to influence and coach leaders

Experience using HR metrics and data to drive decisions

Strong communication, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

Strategic thinking and business acumen

Relationship building and influence

Conflict resolution and judgment

Data-driven decision making

Execution and accountability

Work Environment:

Primarily onsite in a manufacturing environment

Regular interaction all associates throughout Company

Occasional travel may be required

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Sitting at desk in office environment for an extended period while working on a PC. The employee is occasionally required to stand, as well as walk, climb, and visit all company locations including all levels of boats during all phases of construction. Occasional light lifting is likely for moving and carrying boxes and records. Production area visits are frequent, but typically short in duration. The employee is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles, and the noise level is usually moderate.

GENERAL STATEMENT:

This description is a general statement of required primary duties and responsibilities performed regularly and continuously. It does not exclude other duties as assigned.