Human Resources Manager

Job Title: Human Resources ManagerCompensation: up to $125KLocation: Buffalo, NY (5 days onsite)

The Opportunity

Our client is seeking an experienced Human Resources Manager to serve as the strategic HR partner for a high-volume unionized distribution center in Buffalo, NY. This role supports approximately 251 employees onsite while also providing remote HR support for operations in Greensburg and Altoona, PA.Reporting to the Area Director of Human Resources, this individual will partner closely with operations leadership, particularly the Supply Chain organization, to drive employee relations, labor relations, leadership development, and HR strategy.

This is a highly visible, hands-on role with no direct reports, requiring a strong floor presence and the ability to build trusted relationships across all levels of the organization.

This position is ideal for an HR professional who thrives in a fast-paced union environment and enjoys balancing strategic partnership with day-to-day employee engagement.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary HR business partner for the Buffalo distribution center while supporting additional regional operations remotely.
• Build strong relationships with leaders across operations and become the trusted HR resource for the site.
• Partner closely with Supply Chain leadership to drive employee engagement, organizational effectiveness, and business performance.
• Administer and interpret two collective bargaining agreements covering warehouse and transportation employees.
• Manage employee and labor relations matters, including grievances, disciplinary actions, investigations, performance management, and policy interpretation.
• Partner with union representatives and leadership while helping strengthen labor-management relationships.
• Support labor negotiations and contract administration; arbitration experience is highly preferred.
• Lead workplace investigations and provide recommendations in partnership with HR leadership, Legal, and Compliance.
• Coach managers on employee relations, corrective action, performance improvement plans, and leadership development.
• Facilitate onboarding, orientation, and leadership training programs for new managers.
• Support talent acquisition, onboarding, retention initiatives, succession planning, and employee development.
• Maintain a visible presence on the distribution center floor, engaging with supervisors, managers, and hourly employees daily.
• Participate in startup meetings, staff meetings, and operational leadership discussions.
• Ensure compliance with employment laws, company policies, and HR best practices.
• Partner with leadership on leave management, ADA accommodations, workers' compensation, and other employee-related matters.
• Escalate complex employee relations or labor issues to the Area Director of Human Resources as appropriate.
• Please note: This role does not have responsibility for payroll or benefits administration.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of 6 years of Human Resources experience, including at least 4 years in a professional HR Generalist or HR Business Partner role.
• Experience supporting unionized hourly employees in a distribution, warehouse, manufacturing, logistics, transportation, or supply chain environment is required.
• Demonstrated experience working directly with union representatives, handling grievances, interpreting collective bargaining agreements, and advising leadership on labor matters.
• Experience leading employee relations investigations and performance management processes.
• Strong knowledge of employment laws including ADA, FMLA, FLSA, EEOC, and related regulations.
• Experience coaching leaders through employee relations and organizational challenges.
• Strong communication, conflict resolution, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to work independently while partnering effectively with remote HR leadership.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and HRIS systems.SHRM certification is a plus.
• Valid driver's license required.