Role Overview for Director of Plant HR (Union)
JRG Partners, a premier executive search firm specializing in connecting top-tier talent with industry-leading organizations, is actively seeking a highly experienced and strategic Director of Plant HR (Union). This critical leadership role is designed for a seasoned Human Resources professional with a profound understanding of labor relations, collective bargaining, and HR operations within a dynamic unionized manufacturing environment. Based in Indianapolis, IN, this position offers an unparalleled opportunity to shape the human capital strategy of a significant manufacturing operation, driving both operational excellence and a positive employee experience.
As the Director of Plant HR (Union), you will be a pivotal member of the plant leadership team, responsible for developing and executing HR strategies that align with the plant’s operational goals and the broader organizational objectives. Your expertise will be instrumental in fostering constructive labor relations, ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations, and cultivating a high-performance culture. This role demands a proactive leader capable of navigating complex union dynamics, championing employee advocacy, and implementing best-in-class HR practices.
Key areas of focus for this role include:
Strategic HR Partnership
Acting as a trusted advisor to plant leadership on all human capital matters, translating business needs into HR initiatives.
Labor Relations Expertise
Leading all aspects of union relations, including contract negotiation, grievance resolution, and fostering a collaborative environment.
Talent Management & Development
Overseeing talent acquisition, performance management, employee development, and retention strategies tailored for a unionized workforce.
Culture & Engagement
Championing initiatives that enhance employee morale, engagement, and productivity while respecting collective bargaining agreements.
HR Compliance & Operations
Ensuring adherence to all federal, state, and local labor laws, as well as company policies and collective bargaining agreements.
Key Responsibilities of Director of Plant HR (Union)
The Director of Plant HR (Union) will be accountable for a comprehensive range of HR functions, with a strong emphasis on labor relations and strategic partnership. Your responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:
Labor Relations & Collective Bargaining:
- Lead all aspects of labor relations, serving as the chief spokesperson and negotiator for collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) with various unions.
- Manage and resolve grievances, arbitrations, and unfair labor practice charges efficiently and effectively, ensuring compliance with CBAs and legal requirements.
- Develop and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with union representatives and leadership, fostering an environment of mutual respect and cooperation.
- Interpret and administer collective bargaining agreements, providing guidance to management and employees on contract provisions and their application.
- Ensure compliance with the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) and other relevant labor laws.
- Proactively identify potential labor disputes and develop strategies for prevention and resolution.
Talent Acquisition & Workforce Planning:
- Develop and implement robust talent acquisition strategies specific to the manufacturing sector, ensuring a pipeline of qualified candidates for all plant roles.
- Oversee the full recruitment lifecycle, from job posting and candidate sourcing to interviewing, selection, and onboarding, within the framework of union agreements.
- Collaborate with operations leaders to forecast staffing needs and develop strategic workforce plans that address skill gaps and future growth.
- Implement effective retention strategies to minimize turnover and maintain a stable, experienced workforce.
Employee Relations & Engagement:
- Foster a positive, inclusive, and productive work environment that promotes open communication and problem-solving.
- Mediate conflicts, investigate employee complaints, and resolve issues fairly and consistently, adhering to company policies and union contracts.
- Develop and implement employee engagement programs and initiatives that enhance morale, productivity, and organizational commitment within the unionized setting.
- Provide guidance and coaching to managers and supervisors on employee relations best practices, performance management, and disciplinary actions.
Performance Management & Development:
- Implement and manage performance review systems that align with collective bargaining agreements and promote continuous improvement.
- Identify training and development needs for all levels of plant employees, designing and delivering programs that enhance skills, leadership capabilities, and career progression.
- Support succession planning efforts to ensure leadership continuity and talent readiness for key roles within the plant.
Compensation & Benefits:
- Administer competitive compensation and benefits programs, ensuring they are aligned with industry standards, budgetary constraints, and collective bargaining agreements.
- Participate in wage and salary surveys to ensure internal equity and external competitiveness.
- Manage benefit enrollment, administration, and employee communication regarding health, retirement, and other benefit plans.
HR Compliance & Policy:
- Ensure strict adherence to all federal, state, and local labor laws, including but not limited to FLSA, EEO, ADA, FMLA, OSHA, and worker’s compensation regulations.
- Develop, update, and implement HR policies and procedures that are compliant with legal requirements and consistent with collective bargaining agreements.
- Conduct regular HR audits to ensure compliance and identify areas for improvement.
Strategic HR Leadership:
- Act as a strategic advisor to the Plant Manager and other leadership team members, providing insights and recommendations on HR-related issues impacting plant performance.
- Drive HR initiatives that support operational goals, productivity improvements, and cost efficiencies while maintaining positive labor relations.
- Lead and mentor a small HR team, fostering their professional growth and development.
Requirements for the Director of Plant HR (Union)
To be considered for this challenging and rewarding Director of Plant HR (Union) role, candidates must possess a robust combination of education, experience, and critical competencies:
Education
Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Industrial Relations, or a closely related field is required. A Master’s degree (e.g., MBA, MA in Industrial Relations) is highly preferred.
Experience
A minimum of 10 years of progressive Human Resources experience, with at least 5 years in a dedicated HR leadership role within a unionized manufacturing or industrial environment. Proven experience managing HR functions for a plant with 500+ employees is highly desirable.
Labor Relations Expertise
Extensive, hands-on experience with collective bargaining, including leading negotiations, contract administration, grievance resolution, and arbitration. A deep understanding of labor laws, union dynamics, and strategies for fostering positive labor-management relations is essential.
Legal Acumen
Comprehensive knowledge of federal and state employment laws (e.g., NLRA, FLSA, EEO, ADA, FMLA, OSHA, Workers’ Compensation).
Leadership & Management Skills
Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and develop an HR team. Strong leadership presence with the capacity to influence and advise senior management.
Communication & Interpersonal Skills
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking and presentation abilities. Proven track record of building strong, trusting relationships with employees at all levels, union leadership, and management.
Negotiation & Conflict Resolution
Superior negotiation and mediation skills, with a proven ability to resolve complex employee relations issues and labor disputes effectively.
Strategic Thinking
Ability to think strategically and translate business objectives into effective HR strategies and initiatives.
Analytical & Problem-Solving
Strong analytical capabilities to interpret data, identify trends, and develop data-driven HR solutions. Excellent problem-solving skills with a pragmatic approach.
Technological Proficiency
Proficiency with HRIS systems (e.g., Workday, SAP, Oracle HR) and advanced skills in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
Certifications
Relevant professional certifications such as SPHR, SHRM-SCP, or similar are highly desirable.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client understands the value of attracting and retaining top talent. As such, they offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits package designed to support the well-being and professional growth of their employees. As the Director of Plant HR (Union), you can expect:
Competitive Compensation
An attractive base salary commensurate with experience and a performance-based bonus structure.
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
Robust medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your family, ensuring access to quality healthcare.
Financial Security
A strong 401(k) retirement plan with a generous company match to help you plan for your future.
Work-Life Balance
Generous paid time off (PTO) and company-paid holidays, allowing for a healthy work-life balance.
Additional Protection
Company-paid life insurance, short-term and long-term disability coverage.
Professional Development
Opportunities for continuous learning, professional development, and tuition reimbursement to support your career advancement.
Dynamic Work Environment
A challenging yet supportive work environment where your expertise is valued, and your contributions directly impact the organization’s success.
Impactful Role
The opportunity to lead critical HR and labor relations initiatives within a prominent manufacturing operation, making a significant impact on employee relations and operational efficiency.
Relocation Assistance
For exceptional candidates relocating for this opportunity, relocation assistance may be available.
How to Apply
If you are an accomplished HR leader with an unwavering passion for labor relations and a proven track record of success in complex unionized manufacturing environments, JRG Partners invites you to explore this exceptional opportunity. We are dedicated to connecting top-tier talent with leading organizations that offer challenging roles and significant growth potential. This is a chance to leverage your expertise to drive strategic HR initiatives and foster a harmonious and productive workforce.
To express your interest and apply for the Director of Plant HR (Union) position, please submit your detailed resume and a compelling cover letter outlining your relevant experience, key accomplishments in labor relations, and your leadership philosophy. Highlight specific examples of how you have successfully navigated union environments, managed collective bargaining, and contributed to organizational success.
We look forward to reviewing your qualifications and discussing how your expertise can contribute to our client’s continued growth and success. JRG Partners is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in our talent pool.
Learn more about JRG Partners and our commitment to excellence in executive search by visiting our Human Resources Executive Search practice area.
