Senior Human Resources Manager

THE OPPORTUNITY

• Do you want the opportunity to build the HR function for a new manufacturing facility from the ground up?
• Are you energized by working closely with plant leadership to shape culture, talent strategy, and workforce growth?
• Do you thrive in fast-paced environments where you can balance strategic HR leadership with hands-on operational support?

ABOUT THE COMPANY

Steel & O’Brien is a leading manufacturer of stainless-steel fittings, valves, and custom components serving the food, beverage, dairy, and pharmaceutical, and data center cooling industries. Known for quality, innovation, and strong customer relationships, the company continues to grow and expand its manufacturing capabilities. Guided by its core values—Integrity, Trust, Creativity and Courage, Teamwork, and Excellence—Steel & O’Brien is committed to building a high-performing, safety-focused organization where employees and the business can thrive.

WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING

This role supports the launch of a new manufacturing facility in West Chester, Ohio and offers a unique opportunity to shape the people strategy, operational infrastructure, and workplace culture from the beginning.

• Serve as the on-site HR leader and strategic partner to plant leadership, aligning HR strategy with operational goals, production targets, and long-term growth plans.
• Lead workforce planning initiatives to ensure the plant has the right talent, structure, and capabilities to support startup and ongoing expansion.
• Partner with the Talent Acquisition team to support full-cycle recruiting for hourly and salaried positions and build local talent pipelines through community partnerships and workforce programs.
• Develop and implement onboarding, training, and leadership development programs that support safety, productivity, and employee engagement.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to leaders on employee relations, performance management, and policy application while fostering a culture of fairness, accountability, and respect.
• Coach and support managers in strengthening leadership skills, communication practices, and team effectiveness.
• Administer compensation programs, benefits, payroll coordination, and leave management processes including FMLA, ADA accommodations, and workers’ compensation.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws as well as company policies and procedures.
• Partner closely with plant leadership and safety teams to reinforce a strong safety culture and support incident investigations and corrective actions.
• Establish and continuously improve HR systems, processes, policies, and reporting to support the needs of a growing manufacturing site.
• Analyze HR metrics such as turnover, absenteeism, and engagement to provide insights that support informed decision-making.

IDEAL CANDIDATE QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, or a related field; Master’s degree a plus.
• SHRM-CP or PHR certification strongly preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive HR experience, including experience as an HR Manager, HR Business Partner, or Senior HR Generalist.
• Experience supporting a manufacturing or distribution environment, ideally with 150+ employees and multiple shifts.
• Experience working closely with plant leadership, including a minimum of 2 years of leadership experience, ideally as part of a plant leadership team
• Strong knowledge of employment law, HR compliance, and employee relations practices in a manufacturing setting.
• Experience supporting recruiting, onboarding, training, performance management, and workforce development initiatives.
• Proficiency with HRIS systems, payroll platforms, timekeeping systems, and Microsoft Office tools.
• Experience in rapid-growth, startup, or other high change environments is a plus.

KEY PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

• Strong leadership presence with the ability to build trust and credibility across all levels of the organization.
• Collaborative and team-oriented with the ability to partner effectively with plant leadership and corporate HR.
• Strong judgment and discretion when handling confidential or complex employee matters.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to coach and influence others.
• Data-driven and analytical with the ability to translate HR metrics into actionable insights.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented with strong follow-through.
• Comfortable working in a visible, hands-on manufacturing environment.
• Adaptable and resilient with the ability to navigate change and ambiguity.

THE PAYOFF

This role offers a rare opportunity to build and shape the HR function for a new manufacturing facility within a growing, well-established company. As a key member of the plant leadership team, you will have the ability to influence culture, develop leaders, and create the systems and processes that support long-term growth and operational success.

OUR COMMITMENT TO CANDIDATES

Gilman Partners is committed to strengthening leadership teams and elevating talent in our communities—and that means all qualified applicants will receive consideration. You do not have to meet every qualification in this job description to apply. If you’re drawn to the position and believe your experience makes you a good fit, we encourage you to apply.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

This position is based in a manufacturing environment supporting a new facility launch and requires regular presence on-site and the ability to work in a fast-paced plant environment. Occasional schedule flexibility may be needed to support multiple shifts and some travel between company locations may be required.