Associate, Employee Relations

Associate, Employee Relations

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We are the movers of the world and the makers of the future. We get up every day, roll up our sleeves and build a better world – together. At Ford, we’re all a part of something bigger than ourselves. Are you ready to change the way the world moves?

As part of our Human Resources team, you’ll help us attract, hire and retain the top talent we need to achieve our bold vision. You’ll play a vital role in defining, developing and maintaining the winning culture that empowers diverse individuals to work together and create the impossible. We’re seeking change leaders, talent strategists, employee advocates and culture architects to enable our teams, partners, and businesses to do and be their best.

The Manufacturing HR Business Partner serves as a critical strategic partner and hands‑on HR leader, deeply embedded within our automotive manufacturing plants and parts depots. This role is responsible for supporting the hourly and salaried workforce, collaborating closely with leadership to drive business objectives through a comprehensive HR lens. The HRBP will foster a positive and productive work environment, manage all aspects of the employee lifecycle, ensure compliance, and champion talent development, employee engagement, and effective labor relations directly on the production floor.

This position requires strong business acumen, a proactive approach to problem‑solving, and an unwavering commitment to ethical practice and continuous improvement.

• Strategic Business Partnership & Business Acumen:
  Serve as a trusted advisor to plant leadership, translating business strategy into impactful HR initiatives that optimize organizational effectiveness and elevate the employee experience. Leverage deep operational acumen, gained through immersive Gemba walks and direct engagement with leadership, to proactively identify and address human capital needs within our lean manufacturing and logistics environments.
• Talent Management & Workforce Transformation:
  Design and execute advanced talent management strategies, encompassing performance optimization, leadership development, robust succession planning, strategic compensation, and integrated talent acquisition. Proactively analyze future workforce needs and capabilities, implementing innovative hourly talent programs (e.g., apprenticeship pathways, reskilling initiatives, strategic placements).
• Data Storytelling and Workforce Planning:
  Champion a data‑first approach, leveraging HR analytics platforms to extract critical insights, predict workforce trends, and inform strategic decision‑making at the operational leadership level.
• Culture Development & Employee Advocacy:
  Champion a high‑performance, inclusive culture, fostering open communication, trust, and mutual respect in alignment with our 7 Proactive Leadership Standards. Spearhead employee recognition, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, and cultural events to significantly boost engagement and drive continuous organizational improvement.
• External Relations & Community Stewardship:
  Orchestrate strategic interactions with local governmental agencies and lead impactful charitable initiatives, strengthening the plant’s community engagement and enhancing its positive external brand reputation.
• Strategic Labor and Positive Employee Relations & Negotiation:
  Lead strategic engagement with labor unions and employee representatives, fostering a proactive and high‑trust partnership essential for operational stability and continuous improvement.
• Grievance Management & Dispute Resolution:
  Master the resolution of complex, high‑volume union grievances, arbitrations, and disciplinary actions, ensuring fair, consistent, and timely outcomes.
• Ethical Practices and Contractual Compliance and Interpretation:
  Demonstrate expert command of local and national collective bargaining agreements, ensuring precise interpretation and application across all operational facets.
• Strategic Risk Mitigation:
  Lead comprehensive HR compliance and risk management, proactively identifying,…