HR Business Partner / Sr. HR Business Partner - Manufacturing Norwood, MA

HR Business Partner / Sr. HR Business Partner - Manufacturing

Norwood, MA

At Home Market Foods (HMF), we're more than just a food company – we're a vibrant, growing community committed to crafting exceptional protein-based meal solutions. You might have spotted our Cooked Perfect meatballs in your local grocery store, savored RollerBites during a quick stop at a local convenience store or enjoyed an Eisenberg hotdog wherever you are in the country – that's us! But our passion goes beyond delicious food. At HMF, we believe in working together, coming up with new ideas, and leading with kindness. Based in Needham, MA, with bustling facilities in Norwood and Norton, we're right in the middle of all the excitement. Whether you're in the mood for a tasty meal or seeking an exciting career, HMF has something for you. Come join us and savor the taste of success!

This role will be based in our plant in Norwood, MA, though driving to our Corporate headquarters in Needham will be required periodically. We are a 24/7 manufacturing operation – therefore on-site presence at least 4 days a week is required.

The HR Business Partner or Sr. HR Business Partner is responsible for understanding business objectives in the approximately 400 person Operations team and then creating HR strategy and providing HR support to achieve them. The position serves as a key partner to the Operations leadership team members, as well as managers/supervisors on human resource-related issues while being an employee champion. The HR Business Partner or Sr. HR Business Partner leads engagement, retention, performance & talent management, compensation, change management, and employee-relations issues within Operations, which has a large hourly population, most of whom speak Creole, Portuguese or Spanish. This role manages two HR Coordinators (who are bi-lingual in those languages) who assist with level-appropriate day-to-day work and some employee relations issues.

This is a complex, fast-paced role that requires the ability to flex between a strategic mindset as well as excellent follow-through, digging into details, building relationships at all levels of the organization and doing whatever is needed in our lean environment to develop and implement change strategies and ensure their adoption - quickly. This is a highly visible, highly valued role and directly contributes to the success of the plant.

Our business imperative is to become even higher performing and build a stronger culture of positive accountability. The business plan currently requires opening a new plant in 2025, expanding product lines, increasing penetration into new and existing customer channels and continuing our tradition of double-digit annual growth rates.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Partner closely with the Operations Leadership Team to lead HR-related processes, as well as plan how HR practices can improve throughput and productivity.
• Lead the transformation of the Operations function, including culture, leadership, processes and performance standards.
• Provide day-to-day performance management guidance to line management (e.g., coaching, counseling, career development).
• Work closely with management and employees to improve work relationships, build engagement, and increase productivity and retention.
• Provide guidance and input on functional restructures, workforce planning, succession planning, compensation, etc.
• Identify training needs for business units and individual coaching needs.
• Analyze trends and metrics in partnership with the HR group to develop solutions.
• Manage, resolve and document complex investigations and employee relations issues and coach HR Coordinators on conducting less complex issues.
• Maintain in-depth knowledge of legal requirements related to day-to-day management of employees, reducing legal risks and ensuring regulatory compliance.
• Proactively communicate and collaborate with the CHRO and other members of the HR team to ensure alignment within the HR function and with plant historical practices.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree is required, ideally in HR or business. An advanced degree is strongly preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in HR required, ideally as an HR Business Partner or Sr. HR Business Partner with broad expertise across HR functions.
• Experience in a manufacturing environment is strongly preferred. Alternatively, experience managing large hourly workforces is required, ideally within distribution centers, warehouses, or similar hands-on, industrial settings. Retail experience with large hourly teams is also highly valued.
• Experience at a company known for top talent and robust processes, as well as exposure to a smaller or fast-paced, adaptable organization, is a strong plus.
• Ideally, some experience leading change, or playing a strong role in a change, preferably a culture change.
• Strong business acumen, curiosity and ownership - to understand the goals and direction of the organization and add value as the human resources content expert.
• Proven collaboration and teamwork skills both within the business and within HR. Genuinely enjoys partnering with others.
• Judgment to know when to act independently vs when to consult. Anticipates what their manager and the Operations leadership team will need to know and proactively communicate.
• Strong organizational skills, strong attention to detail and the ability to multi-task and prioritize multiple projects simultaneously.
• Sense of urgency: strong follow-through and results-driven and thrives in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to maintain strong relationships and influence others (including at more senior levels in the organization).
• Is creative, adaptable, and approachable, yet can be firm and decisive and is skilled at delivering tough messages.
• Familiarity with Spanish and/or Portuguese is a plus, but we welcome all applicants regardless of language skills.