HR Manager, Brooks, KY

Human Resources Manager
Food Manufacturing
 
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced and strategic HR Manager to lead all Human Resources functions for a new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility. This hands-on leadership role will oversee talent acquisition, employee relations, payroll, compliance, benefits administration, safety initiatives, training, and workforce development.
The ideal candidate is a strong HR leader who thrives in fast-paced manufacturing environments and enjoys building processes, teams, and culture from the ground up.
 
Salary & Benefits:

• $80-100k salary based on experience
• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance Options
• 401k Retirement plans
• PTO and Paid Holidays
• Full benefits on day 1

 
 
Key Responsibilities
Talent Acquisition & Workforce Planning

• Lead full-cycle recruiting for production, skilled trades, administrative, and management positions
• Develop local community partnerships to attract diverse talent
• Manage onboarding, orientation, and new hire integration
• Partner with operations leaders to identify staffing needs and workforce strategies
• Utilize job boards, social media, referrals, and networking to source candidates

Payroll Administration

• Own and manage payroll processing through Paylocity
• Ensure accurate and timely payroll, deductions, taxes, garnishments, PTO, and benefits administration
• Conduct payroll audits and resolve discrepancies
• Prepare payroll reports and workforce analytics
• Train supervisors on payroll procedures and compliance requirements

HR Compliance & Benefits

• Develop and maintain HR policies and procedures
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws
• Manage benefits administration, annual renewals, and 401(k) programs
• Oversee required reporting, including ACA, EEO-1, VETS-4212, and other regulatory filings
• Stay current on employment law updates and HR best practices

Employee Relations & Leadership Development

• Serve as a trusted advisor to employees and leadership
• Support performance management, investigations, corrective actions, and conflict resolution
• Lead employee engagement and retention initiatives
• Coach managers on employee relations, communication, and leadership best practices
• Coordinate HR training programs and employee development initiatives

Safety & Operations Support

• Partner with Operations to promote a safe workplace
• Support OSHA compliance and workplace safety programs
• Ensure HR processes align with operational goals and plant requirements

 
Qualifications
Required

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience
• 5+ years of HR experience, including 3+ years in an HR leadership role
• Experience with payroll, employee relations, recruiting, compensation, benefits, compliance, and organizational development
• Strong knowledge of employment laws and HR best practices
• Experience with HRIS systems and advanced Microsoft Excel skills
• Excellent communication, coaching, and relationship-building abilities
• Strong analytical and organizational skills

Preferred

• 7+ years of Human Resources experience
• SHRM certification
• Food manufacturing experience
• Startup facility experience
• Bilingual Spanish
• Paylocity experience