Human Resources Leader

Location: Kearny, NJ
Employment Type: Full-Time, Direct Hire
Workplace: 100% Onsite
Salary: $110,000
Schedule: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
Industry: Food & Beverage / Manufacturing

We are partnering with an established and growing food and beverage organization to hire an experienced Human Resources Manager for its Kearny, New Jersey operation.

This is an excellent opportunity for a well-rounded HR professional who enjoys being close to the business and working directly with employees and operational leadership. The HR Manager will serve as a key HR partner across multiple facilities, providing hands‑on support in employee relations, employment law compliance, performance management, training, HRIS administration, recruiting, benefits, payroll support, and workforce development
.

The ideal candidate brings a strong understanding of New Jersey employment and labor laws
, is bilingual in English and Spanish
, and has experience supporting employees in a food & beverage, manufacturing, production, distribution, or similarly fast‑paced environment
.

While this position currently has no direct reports
, the organization anticipates continued growth and the potential to build an HR team underneath this position in the future. For that reason, leadership ability and the desire to develop into a larger people‑management role are highly valued.

As the HR Manager, you will act as a primary HR resource for assigned facilities and work closely with managers and employees to ensure HR programs support both the workforce and the organization's operational goals.

Key responsibilities include:

Serve as a trusted HR partner to managers and employees across multiple facilities.

Provide hands‑on guidance regarding employee relations, performance management, coaching, corrective action, workplace policies, and employment practices
.

Partner closely with operational leaders to understand workforce needs and align HR initiatives with business objectives.

Ensure compliance with federal, New Jersey state, and local employment and labor laws
.

Support and conduct employee investigations, address workplace concerns, mediate conflicts, and recommend appropriate resolutions.

Implement and consistently administer HR policies, procedures, and best practices across assigned locations.

Manage and support onboarding, offboarding, leave administration, workers' compensation, benefits, payroll processes, and employee documentation
.

Conduct I-9 audits and ensure proper completion, documentation, and compliance with federal I-9 requirements.

Facilitate new‑hire orientations and coordinate technical and nontechnical training for employees, supervisors, and managers.

Partner with recruiting resources and hiring managers to identify, select, and successfully onboard talent.

Utilize HRIS systems to maintain employee information, support HR processes, and improve reporting and efficiency.

Monitor HR metrics and workforce trends and provide meaningful, data‑driven recommendations to leadership.

Support employee engagement, retention, training, and organizational development initiatives.

Promote a professional, respectful, inclusive, and employee‑focused workplace culture.

Maintain confidentiality and appropriately manage sensitive employee and company information.

Support additional HR initiatives and projects as business needs evolve.

The successful candidate will be an experienced, hands‑on HR professional who is comfortable balancing strategic partnership with the day‑to‑day realities of supporting a busy workforce.

Required qualifications:

7+ years of progressive Human Resources experience.

At least 2 years of HR leadership or management experience.

Strong knowledge and hands‑on experience…