HR Business Partner

Description

The HR Business Partner will provide day-to-day HR support for employees and managers in a high-volume food manufacturing environment. This role will focus on employee relations, staffing, compliance, and HR processes that keep the workforce engaged, safe, and aligned with company policies. The HRBP will partner closely with supervisors, union representatives, managers, and the HR Director to ensure consistent application of HR practices and collective bargaining agreements.

Role and Responsibilities

• Employee & Labor Relations: Act as the first point of contact for employee concerns. Support and document investigations, corrective actions, grievances, and disciplinary procedures in line with the collective bargaining agreement.
• Union Support: Partner with union representatives on day-to-day matters, ensure compliance, and support leadership during labor negotiations.
• Recruitment & Onboarding: Assist with recruiting, interviewing, and onboarding hourly and salaried employees to support all staffing needs.
• Compliance: Ensure adherence to company policies, labor contracts, employment law, GMP, OSHA, and food safety requirements. Maintain accurate and confidential employee files and documentation.
• HR Administration: Support payroll changes, attendance and timekeeping, FMLA/leave administration, and benefits inquiries.
• Performance & Development: Assist supervisors with performance reviews, coaching conversations, and documentation of employee performance issues.
• Training Support: Coordinate and track required employee training, including safety, compliance, and policy refreshers.
• Engagement & Communication: Help drive employee engagement activities, recognition programs, and clear communication.
• Workforce Support: Partner with operations to address scheduling, absenteeism, and turnover challenges; provide workforce reporting to the HR director.

The HRBP will advise and counsel supervisors and managers on employee matters including talent development, performance improvement, and recognition, while fostering collaborative relationships that strengthen morale, productivity, and retention across the workforce.

Perform additional duties, tasks or special projects as assigned by HR director

Requirements

Preferred Qualifications and Education Requirements

· Bachelor’s degree in human resources, Business Administration, or related field preferred.

· 3+ years of HR Generalist or HRBP experience in manufacturing (food industry strongly preferred).

· Direct experience in a unionized environment, including grievance handling and contract compliance.

· Solid knowledge of Illinois labor laws and employment regulations

Core Competencies, Knowledge, and Skill Requirements

• Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; able to partner effectively with both management and union representatives.
• Demonstrated ability to manage sensitive employee matters with professionalism and discretion.
• Self-starter with strong work ethic, organizational skills, and the ability to prioritize multiple tasks.
• Comfortable working on the production floor and engaging with employees at all levels.
• · Flexibility with work hours as needed.

· Bilingual in Spanish (reading, writing, and oral communication) highly preferred.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

The work environment is a general office setting and a cold production setting with concrete floors. This position requires the team member to:

· Sit for an extended period of time

· Stand and walk in cold temperatures (38 degrees) for several hours, when needed