Primary Purpose

The Human Resources Lead for Manufacturing is responsible for implementing effective HR strategies and policies that support operational excellence and the achievement of business objectives. Serving as a strategic business partner to Plant Management, this role provides expert guidance on workforce engagement, legal compliance, and performance optimization.

The position oversees all HR functions within the plant, including recruitment and selection, personnel administration, compensation and benefits, employee and labor relations, talent and performance management, succession planning, workplace safety and security, community relations, and internal engagement initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure the organization is properly staffed to support the business plan and operational needs.
• Lead the design and implementation of development and retention strategies to promote employee engagement and high performance.
• Ensure full compliance with national labor laws, corporate policies, and ethical standards.
• Manage labor relations, including union negotiations, in collaboration with internal stakeholders and external authorities to ensure long-term operational sustainability.
• Align HR initiatives with business goals to build a committed and engaged workforce that supports a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence.
• Drive the implementation and integration of the plant's Quality Policy and Quality Management System, ensuring alignment with business objectives and a process- and risk-based approach.
• Promote continuous improvement initiatives and support compliance with quality standards.

Education & Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Engineering, or Psychology.
• Fluent in Spanish, with advanced proficiency in English.

Preferred:

• Postgraduate or Master's degree in Human Resources.
• Additional qualifications in Business Analytics and KPI Management for HR.

Professional Experience

• Minimum 10 years of generalist HR experience, preferably in a global manufacturing company (500+ employees).
• At least 7–10 years of managerial experience leading HR teams in a plant or manufacturing setting.
• Minimum 5 years working in continuous improvement environments (ISO, Lean, or equivalent).
• 7–10 years of experience managing union environments, including direct involvement in collective bargaining and labor negotiations.
• Proven track record in driving improvements in labor relations, workforce planning, talent development, training, and compensation programs.
• Preferred: Experience in the tire or automotive manufacturing industry.

Knowledge & Skills

• In-depth knowledge of Federal Labor Law, Social Security regulations, and labor-related legislation. Contract law knowledge is a plus.
• Strong leadership, coaching, and mentoring abilities with a focus on team development.
• Proven ability to operate in high-performance and servant leadership cultures.
• Strategic thinking and strong organizational and planning skills.
• Business-oriented mindset with a strong focus on people and performance.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate at all organizational levels.
• Bilingual: Fluent in English and Spanish.

Additional Knowledge

• Environmental policies and objectives
• Environmental performance metrics
• ISO 14001:2015 Standards
• ICHE Procedures
• Machine symbology and safety compliance