Manager, Human Resources-Plant

Based in our Corporate Headquarters in Schaumburg, IL, Mizkan America is a subsidiary of the Mizkan Group, a global, family-owned company that has been Bringing Flavor to Life™ for over 220 years. As one of the leading makers of vinegars, condiments, and sauces in the United States, Mizkan America maintains 12 manufacturing facilities that serve the retail, foodservice, specialty-Asian and food-ingredient trade channels. We are committed to following our two core principles: continuously challenging the status quo and delivering only the finest products for our customers. Our leadership seeks out, embraces, and implements ideas for improvement from all of its employees.

Transparency and accountability are two key factors that drive our company’s overall management approach.

We are looking for people who are seeking to deliver their best so that we can deliver ours. Above all, we’re dedicated to maximizing the potential of our greatest assets—our team members. That’s reflected in our ongoing commitment to recruit, develop, reward, and retain our talented, multicultural workforce. We hope to see you as part of our team’s future success!

POSITION SUMMARY:   

The Manager, Human Resources – Plant is responsible for managing, directing, and supporting all Human Resources activities for multiple manufacturing plant locations. This role serves as the primary HR Business Partner to Plant Managers and site leadership teams, providing strategic and hands‑on HR leadership across the full employee life cycle.

Key areas of responsibility include change management, recruitment, compensation, performance management, training and development, employee relations, compliance, organizational planning, and workforce engagement. As a member of the plant leadership teams, this role supports company‑wide initiatives, goals, and cultural principles while ensuring compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local employment laws.

Essential Functions:

• Perform all duties and responsibilities in accordance with Mizkan America safety policies, OSHA regulations, GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices), and SOP (Standard Operating Procedures).
• Serve as a trusted advisor to plant leadership, appropriately balancing the role of company representative and employee advocate
• Act as the primary HR Business Partner to Plant Managers and leadership teams, participating in regular leadership meetings and providing guidance on employee relations, communications, and workforce strategy
• Demonstrated expertise in leading complex employee relations investigations, with a strong ability to conduct, thoroughly document, and effectively resolve matters involving ethics, policy violations, and employee complaints, while partnering closely with plant and corporate leadership to mitigate risk and uphold organizational integrity.
• Advise and coach leaders on corrective action and disciplinary matters, ensuring consistency and compliance
• Coach and guide employees and leaders on HR‑related questions, concerns, and issues
• Provide leadership for change management efforts, workforce engagement initiatives, communication planning, pulse checks, and employee feedback activities
• Support the development and execution of employee training and development programs, including delivery of training as needed
• Lead and drive the annual performance management process, including goal setting, feedback, and development planning
• Advise and coach leaders on corrective action and disciplinary matters, ensuring consistency and compliance
• Oversee site onboarding and offboarding processes to ensure positive employee experience and accurate documentation
• Ensure HR policy compliance and maintain current knowledge of employment laws, regulations, and best practices in coordination with legal and corporate HR partners
• Monitor legislative and regulatory changes and ensure compliance with all applicable wage and hour, equal employment, and labor regulations
• Lead recruitment strategies for plant leadership and professional roles, including retention initiatives and succession planning
• Provide oversight and guidance to site administrative staff supporting hourly and internal recruitment processes
• Ensure accuracy and integrity of payroll, personnel, and employee medical records across all supported sites
• Support affirmative action and government compliance programs, inc