HR Business Partner Manager

About SMARDT

As a global pioneer in oil-free centrifugal chiller technology with an expanding portfolio of thermal management solutions, Smardt is dedicated to delivering high-efficiency and energy-saving systems for industries, real estate developments, health care and educational centers worldwide.

We operate manufacturing facilities in the US, Canada, Germany, China, and Australia, with a team of over 900 employees. With a focus on reliability, performance, and environmental stewardship, Smardt continues to redefine industry standards through advanced engineering and a commitment to a more sustainable future.

The HR Business Partner for Manufacturing will serve as a strategic consultant and trusted advisor to manufacturing leadership teams, driving people strategies that enhance operational excellence, safety performance, and workforce productivity, aligning HR practices and priorities with overall business strategy. This role requires a deep understanding of manufacturing environments, labor relations, and the unique challenges of production-based operations. The successful candidate will partner closely with plant managers, production supervisors, and broader HR Business Partners and CoE experts to develop a high-performing, engaged workforce while ensuring compliance with all manufacturing-specific regulations.

The role is an on-site position.

This position will build the fundamentals, aligning with the overarching global HR priorities, Corporate practices and integrating the new facility and team into the larger SMARDT operating structure, while taking local laws and regulatory/compliance into consideration.

Year 1:
Build and set foundations that integrate into the overarching global HR function, including:

• Local policies and practices
• Onboarding
• Partner with HR LT and COE functions to deploy
• Cross-cultural organizational integration / knowledge-transfer support, including coordinating TICA SMEs or assignees visiting Phoenix if that's anticipated.

• Operational Excellence Support:
  Partner with manufacturing managers and functional leadership to align HR strategies with production goals, quality metrics, and safety objectives.
• Data-Driven Decision Making:
  Leverage people analytics to predict turnover, identify production bottlenecks related to workforce issues, and optimize staffing models for maximum efficiency and engagement.
• Workforce Planning:
  Develop comprehensive staffing strategies that account for seasonal demands, production schedules, and skills requirements across multiple shifts.
• Culture Development:
  Drive initiatives to sustain and evolve a high-performing, safety-focused, and inclusive manufacturing culture that supports higher productivity outcomes.

• Market Practices:
  Depth of understanding the nuances of local manufacturing market practices, Arizona state health and safety compliance
• Conflict Resolution:
  Serve as primary mediator for employee disputes, disciplinary actions, and performance issues while ensuring compliance with employment laws.
• Communication Bridge:
  Facilitate effective communication between management and workforce, including conducting town halls, shift meetings, and effective feedback sessions.
• Compliance Expertise:
  Ensure adherence to all relevant local, state, and federal employment laws, regulations, and industry-specific safety standards across multiple manufacturing locations.

• Strategic Sourcing:
  Execute end-to-end recruitment process with focus on reducing time-to-hire in competitive manufacturing labor market.
• Candidate
  
  Experience:
  
  Prioritize candidate interview experience and engagement metrics to attract top talent in the manufacturing sector.
• Rapid Backfill Capabilities:
  Execute complete recruitment cycles sor critical production roles, ensuring minimal disruption to manufacturing operations and shift coverage.
• High-Volume Recruitment Management:
  Simultaneously manage open positions across multiple departments, shifts, and skill levels while maintaining quality standards and candidate engagement.
• Temporary Workforce Coordination:
  Partner with staffing agencies and temporary worker providers to rapidly scale workforce during peak production periods, seasonal demands, or unexpected absences.
• Expedited Screening & Selection:
  Conduct streamlined and thorough candidate assessments with focus on improving time-to-fill and candidate experience for all…