Darley is seeking a strategic and hands-on Human Resources Manager to support our Chippewa Falls manufacturing operation. This role serves as a trusted business partner and advisor to leadership in our Pump and Tactical divisions while executing core HR generalist responsibilities with a strong emphasis on union/labor relations, talent acquisition, talent management, learning & development, HR operations, and safety & compliance.
The ideal candidate brings deep HR expertise within a manufacturing and unionized environment, combining operational excellence with the ability to influence leaders, build high-performing teams, and drive organizational effectiveness.
Requirements:Business Partnership
Translate business strategy into HR strategyAlign local initiatives with corporate HR strategy and key business objectivesBuild trust and credibility through proactive planning, effective communications, flawless execution, and responsive supportLabor & Employee Relations (Primary Focus)
Ensure compliance with applicable employment laws and regulations, staying updated on changes and leading the development of new policies and/or revisions as necessary.Serve as the primary HR lead for union and labor relations, maintaining a constructive partnership with union leadership.Support and participate in collective bargaining negotiations, and ensure compliance with bargaining agreements, contract administration, and interpretation.Lead grievance management, including investigation, documentation, and resolution.Provide coaching and guidance to leaders on employee relations issues, discipline, and performance management.Ensure consistent and fair application of policies, procedures, and labor agreements.Talent Acquisition
Lead full-cycle recruitment efforts for hourly and salaried roles.Partner with hiring managers to define workforce needs and develop proactive staffing strategies.Enhance employer branding and community engagement to attract top manufacturing talent.Implement efficient, data-driven recruiting processes to improve time-to-fill and quality of hire.Talent Management & Organizational Development
Drive performance management processes and foster a high-performance culture.Partner with local leadership to identify and develop succession plans and talent pipelines.Support leadership development initiatives to build management capability.Use workforce analytics to inform decision-making and long-range planning.Learning & Development
Develop and implement training programs aligned with business needs, including: Leadership developmentCompliance and safety trainingSkills development for manufacturing employeesSupport onboarding and continuous learning initiatives to improve retention and engagement.Promote a culture of growth, accountability, and continuous improvement.HR Operations
Oversee day-to-day HR operations including onboarding, benefits administration, payroll coordination, and HRIS management.Ensure accurate employee records and compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements.Drive process improvements to enhance efficiency and employee experience.Partner with corporate HR to align local practices with enterprise standards.Safety & Compliance
Partner with operations to reinforce a strong safety culture and ensure compliance with OSHA and other regulatory requirements.Support safety programs, training, and incident investigations.Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws.Conduct audits and implement corrective actions as needed.Qualifications
Required
Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field10+ years of progressive HR experience, including leadership responsibilitiesExperience in a manufacturing environment preferredDemonstrated experience supporting: Union relationsGrievance handlingCollective bargaining / contract negotiationsStrong knowledge of employment law and HR best practicesPreferred
MBA or other relevant advanced degreeHR certification (e.g., SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, SPHR)Experience working in a multi-site or matrix organizationKey Skills & Competencies
Strong business acumen and ability to align HR strategies with operational goalsExceptional interpersonal, coaching, and conflict-resolution skillsAbility to influence and build trust at all levels of the organizationAnalytical mindset with experience using HR metrics and dataHigh level of integrity, discretion, and professionalismAttributes of Successful HR Leaders
Successful HR leaders in this role will demonstrate:
Strategic Agility: Ability to balance long-term workforce planning with day-to-day operational needsCredibility & Trust-Building: Acts as a trusted advisor to leaders and employees, especially in a unionized environmentCourageous Leadership: Willingness to address difficult issues directly and make principled decisions; successful track record in conflict managementOperational Excellence: Strong execution skills with attention to detail and process disciplineChange Leadership: Ability to guide teams through change and foster adaptabilityEmployee Advocacy: Champions a positive, inclusive, and safe workplace cultureContinuous Improvement Mindset: Seeks opportunities to enhance processes, engagement, and performanceCollaboration: Builds strong partnerships across functions and with union representativesReporting Relationship & Scope
Reports to: CHRO (dotted line to divisional leadership)Direct Reports: 1 - Operations Assistant; leadership through influenceLocation: Onsite / office-based in Chippewa Falls, WI (flexible 1 day per week)Travel: Occasional travel to Darley sites, customers, local/community events, leadership meetingsCompensation:
$100K-$125K Base salary plus bonus eligibility
Benefits
PTOPaid HolidaysTuition ReimbursementHealth & Wellness ReimbursementMedicalDentalVisionLife & DisabilityHSA with Darley contributionFSA401K/Roth with match and profit sharingDarley paid life insuranceAAP/EEO Statement
Darley is an equal opportunity organization. We recruit, employ, train, compensate, and promote without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local law
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