Senior HR Plant Manager in Waco, Minnesota at VanTran Industries, Inc.

Senior Human Resources Plant Manager

Location: Waco, TX
Reports To: HR Director

FLSA Status: Exempt

Position Summary

The Senior Human Resources Plant Manager serves as the strategic and operational HR leader for the Waco manufacturing facility. This role is responsible for driving all aspects of human resources, including talent acquisition, employee relations, organizational development, workforce planning, performance management, compliance, training, and employee engagement. The Senior HR Plant Manager partners closely with plant leadership to develop and execute people strategies that support operational excellence, workforce stability, and business growth.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on HR leader with strong manufacturing experience, excellent employee relations capabilities, and fluency in both English and Spanish.

Essential Responsibilities

Talent Acquisition & Workforce Planning

• Lead full-cycle recruitment efforts for hourly, salaried, technical, and leadership positions.
• Develop sourcing strategies to attract qualified talent in a competitive manufacturing labor market.
• Partner with hiring managers to identify workforce needs and succession planning opportunities.
• Manage onboarding and orientation programs to ensure a positive employee experience and rapid integration into the organization.
• Build and maintain relationships with local colleges, trade schools, workforce development organizations, and community partners.

Employee Relations

• Serve as the primary HR resource for managers and employees regarding workplace concerns, conflict resolution, performance issues, and policy interpretation.
• Conduct investigations involving employee complaints, workplace misconduct, harassment, safety concerns, and policy violations.
• Provide guidance and coaching to managers on effective employee relations practices.
• Foster a positive work environment focused on communication, engagement, accountability, and respect.
• Manage corrective action processes and ensure consistent application of company policies.

Employee Development & Organizational Effectiveness

• Design and implement training programs that support employee growth, leadership development, and operational effectiveness.
• Partner with leaders to identify skill gaps and create development plans for employees.
• Manage performance review processes and support continuous performance improvement initiatives.
• Lead succession planning and talent review activities for key positions.
• Promote employee engagement and retention through development and recognition programs.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.
• Maintain compliance with FLSA, FMLA, ADA, ADAAA, EEO, OSHA, Workers' Compensation, and other applicable employment regulations.
• Administer HR policies, procedures, and programs in accordance with company standards.
• Maintain accurate employee records and HR documentation.
• Partner with Safety and Operations teams to support a safe and compliant workplace.
• Monitor and mitigate employment-related risks through proactive HR practices.

HR Operations & Leadership

• Lead and develop the plant HR team.
• Analyze workforce metrics, turnover trends, recruitment effectiveness, absenteeism, and employee engagement data.
• Develop and implement HR strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Support organizational change initiatives and workforce transformation projects.
• Partner with leaders to improve productivity, workforce effectiveness, and employee retention.
• Participate as a key member of the plant leadership team.

Why This Role Matters

The Senior HR Plant Manager plays a critical role in building a high-performing workforce, developing future leaders, maintaining a positive employee culture, and ensuring compliance while supporting the continued growth and success of the Waco manufacturing operation.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Industrial Relations, or a related field.
• Minimum 7-10 years of progressive Human Resources experience.
• Minimum 3-5 years of HR leadership experience within a manufacturing, industrial, or production environment.
• Strong knowledge of employment laws and HR best practices.
• Experience conducting workplace investigations and managing complex employee relations matters.
• Experience leading recruitment and talent acquisition initiatives.
• Experience supporting employee development and performance management programs.
• Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish (spoken and written).
• Strong communication, coaching, and conflict-resolution skills.
• Proficiency in HRIS systems and Microsoft Office applications.

Preferred

• Master's degree in Human Resources or related discipline.
• SHRM-SCP, SHRM-CP, SPHR, or PHR certification.
• Experience supporting multi-shift manufacturing operations.
• Experience in lean manufacturing or continuous improvement environments.

Key Competencies

• Strategic Leadership
• Talent Acquisition
• Employee Relations
• Employment Law & Compliance
• Leadership Development
• Conflict Resolution
• Organizational Development
• Workforce Planning
• Change Management
• Communication & Influence
• Bilingual Communication (English/Spanish)
• Data Analysis & HR Metrics

Working Conditions

• Primarily based at the Waco, Texas manufacturing facility.
• Regular interaction with hourly and salaried employees in both office and production environments.
• Ability to walk the manufacturing floor and support multiple shifts as business needs require.
• Occasional travel may be required.