About this position
Position Summary
ebm-papst Inc. is seeking a Plant HR Manager to serve as the senior on-site HR leader for our Telford, Tennessee manufacturing facility. This role has full ownership of all plant-level human resources activities, supporting both hourly and salaried employees. The HR Manager partners closely with the Vice President – Human Resources, Plant Manager and leadership team to drive workforce stability, employee engagement, compliance, and operational performance while aligning with corporate HR policies and standards.
This is a hands-on leadership role, balancing strategic input with day-to-day HR execution in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Primary Responsibilities
Plant-Level HR Leadership
- Serve as the primary HR authority on-site, owning all HR processes and decisions at the plant level
- Act as a key member of the plant leadership team, advising on workforce planning, labor strategy, and organizational effectiveness
- Translate HR initiatives into practical, site-specific execution
- Participate in off-shift HR open hours to support employees that work on off-shifts
Employee Relations & Labor Management
- Lead all employee relations activities for hourly and salaried employees
- Conduct investigations, manage corrective actions, and resolve workplace issues
- Coach supervisors and managers on performance management, attendance, discipline, and employee engagement
- Promote a respectful, compliant, and safety-focused work environment
Talent Acquisition & Workforce Planning
- Partner with plant leadership to forecast staffing needs and manage headcount
- Lead onboarding, orientation, and retention initiatives to reduce turnover and improve engagement
Compensation, Benefits & Payroll Coordination
- Administer compensation and benefits programs in alignment with corporate guidelines
- Support hourly timekeeping processes and partner with payroll to ensure accuracy
- Coordinate annual performance reviews, merit increases, and bonus programs at the plant
Compliance & Risk Management
- Ensure plant compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local employment laws (FLSA, FMLA, ADA, EEOC, OSHA, etc.)
- Maintain accurate employee records, reports, and audit documentation
- Partner with EHS and leadership on workers’ compensation, safety training, and return-to-work programs
Training & Development
- Identify plant-specific training needs and coordinate required training programs
- Support leadership development for supervisors and front-line leaders
- Drive consistent onboarding and skills training for hourly employees
Qualifications
Required
- Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field
- 5+ years of HR experience with direct plant or manufacturing site ownership
- Strong experience supporting hourly manufacturing workforces
- In-depth knowledge of U.S. employment laws and HR compliance
- Proven ability to operate independently and make sound HR decisions on-site
Preferred
- HR certification (SHRM-CP/SCP, PHR/SPHR)
- Experience in a multi-shift manufacturing environment
- Familiarity with HRIS systems and timekeeping platforms
- Experience working within a global or matrixed organization
Key Competencies
- Hands-on, pragmatic HR leadership
- Strong employee relations and conflict resolution skills
- Business-focused mindset with operational awareness
- Ability to influence and coach plant leadership
- High level of discretion, integrity, and accountability
Why ebm-papst Inc.?
ebm-papst is a global leader in air and drive technology, known for innovation, sustainability, and operational excellence. This role offers the opportunity to own and shape the entire HR function at the plant level, making a direct impact on people, culture, and performance at our Telford facility.
Salary Information