HR Business Partner

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The HR Business Partner will provide day‑to‑day HR support for employees and managers in a high‑volume food manufacturing environment. This role focuses on employee relations, staffing, compliance and HR processes that keep the workforce engaged, safe and aligned with company policies. The HRBP partners closely with supervisors, union representatives, managers and the HR Director to ensure consistent application of HR practices and collective bargaining agreements.

• Employee & Labor Relations:
  Act as the first point of contact for employee concerns. Support and document investigations, corrective actions, grievances and disciplinary procedures in line with the collective bargaining agreement.
• Union Support:
  Partner with union representatives on day‑to‑day matters, ensure compliance, and support leadership during labor negotiations.
• Recruitment & Onboarding:
  Assist with recruiting, interviewing and onboarding hourly and salaried employees to support staffing needs.
• Compliance:
  Ensure adherence to company policies, labor contracts, employment law, GMP, OSHA and food safety requirements. Maintain accurate and confidential employee files and documentation.
• HR Administration:
  Support payroll changes, attendance and timekeeping, FMLA/leave administration and benefits inquiries.
• Performance & Development:
  Assist supervisors with performance reviews, coaching conversations and documentation of employee performance issues.
• Training Support:
  Coordinate and track required employee training, including safety, compliance and policy refreshers.
• Engagement & Communication:
  Help drive employee engagement activities, recognition programs and clear communication.
• Workforce Support:
  Partner with operations to address scheduling, absenteeism and turnover challenges; provide workforce reporting to the HR Director.
• The HRBP advises and counsels supervisors and managers on employee matters including talent development, performance improvement and recognition, fostering collaborative relationships that strengthen morale, productivity and retention across the workforce.
• Perform additional duties, tasks or special projects as assigned by HR Director.

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, Business Administration or related field.
• 3+ years of HR Generalist or HRBP experience in manufacturing (food industry strongly preferred).
• Direct experience in a unionized environment, including grievance handling and contract compliance.
• Solid knowledge of Illinois labor laws and employment regulations.

• Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; able to partner effectively with both management and union representatives.
• Demonstrated ability to manage sensitive employee matters with professionalism and discretion.
• Self‑starter with strong work ethic, organizational skills and the ability to prioritize multiple tasks.
• Comfortable working on the production floor and engaging with employees at all levels.
• Flexibility with work hours as needed.
• Bilingual in Spanish (reading, writing and oral communication) highly preferred.

• General office setting and cold production setting with concrete floors.
• Sit for extended period of time.
• Stand and walk in cold temperatures (38 °F) for several hours when needed.