Human Resources Manager

Description

Ready for more than just a job? Build a career with purpose.

At Lactalis in the USA, we’re committed to providing meaningful opportunities for our people to learn, grow, and thrive—whether you’re just starting your journey with us or looking to take the next step in your career. From day one, we offer the tools and support to help you succeed.

As the world leader in dairy, Lactalis is a family-owned company with over 85,000 pragmatic and ambitious professionals across the globe. Each day, we’re proud to produce award-winning dairy products that bring people together.

In the US, we proudly offer an unrivaled house of beloved brands, including Galbani® Italian cheeses and ricotta, Président® specialty cheeses and butters, Kraft® natural and grated cheeses, Breakstone’s® cottage cheese, Cracker Barrel®, Black Diamond® cheddar, and Parmalat® milk. Our yogurt portfolio includes siggi’s®, Stonyfield Organic®, Brown Cow™, Oui®, Yoplait®, Go-Gurt®, :ratio®, Green Mountain Creamery®, and Mountain High®, along with a growing family of ethnic favorites like Karoun®, Gopi®, and Arz®.

At Lactalis, we live by our core values—Ambition, Engagement, and Simplicity. We foster a workplace where innovation thrives, diverse perspectives are celebrated, and everyone’s unique background and ideas are valued.

Even if you don’t meet every qualification, we encourage you to apply. We want to hear about your PASSION, your STORY, and how your EXPERTISE can help us shape the future of dairy. 

From your PASSION to ours

Lactalis US Yogurt, part of the Lactalis family of companies, is currently hiring a Human Resources Manager based in Brattleboro, VT. 

The Human Resources Manager will partner closely with the plant’s leadership team to enhance both workforce and operational capabilities, ensuring alignment with business objectives. This role will be responsible for setting HR priorities and providing strategic input on HR processes and initiatives, while leading core functions such as performance management, compensation, recruitment, onboarding, payroll, and talent development. The Manager, Human Resources will monitor and analyze HR KPIs to drive continuous improvement, manage employee relations, and ensure consistent application of company policies. Additionally, this individual advises plant leadership on HR strategies that strengthen organizational effectiveness within a manufacturing environment. The position will report directly to the Plant Director and receive functional guidance from the Industrial HR Director.

From your EXPERTISE to ours

Key responsibilities for this position include:

• Guide Plant Management on HR priorities and initiatives, while also offering direct support and resources to both managers and employees.
• Manage core HR functions, including talent acquisition (job postings, applicant selection), onboarding, performance management (appraisals, training), and compensation (salary administration, benefits, and payroll).
• Enhance employee and management performance by identifying training needs, facilitating development programs, and ensuring effective use of performance management systems.
• Foster a productive work environment by addressing employee relations issues, resolving conflicts, conducting investigations, and coaching managers on effective communication and management techniques.
• Ensure compliance and best practices by interpreting company policies, monitoring and implementing federal and state HR requirements, and collaborating with legal, compliance, and safety teams.
• Drive data-informed decisions by analyzing HR system reports on key metrics like labor costs and turnover, then using these insights to develop strategic HR initiatives.
• Support organizational effectiveness by assisting plant management in analyzing department structures, optimizing resources, and assessing employee morale to develop action plans.
• Oversee and develop the HR Generalist, providing management, training, and growth opportunities to expand their core competencies.
• Collaborate across the organization by regularly interfacing with the Corporate HR Team and other Plant HR Managers to ensure alignment and consistency.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

The incumbent is responsible for the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of Plant and HR Team in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; and addressing complaints and resolving problems.

WORK CONDITIONS

• Travel may be required occasionally.
• Extended hours may be necessary depending on the project needs
• To fulfill these responsibilities, tools such as a computer, phone or, and/or allowance(s) will be provided.
• Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential duties and responsibilities.
• This position requires physical presence in the office.

Requirements

From your STORY to ours

Qualified applicants will contribute the following:

• Bachelor’s degree preferred, ideally in Human Resources Administration, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 4+ years of Human Resources experience, preferably within a manufacturing environment.
• 4+ years of management experience strongly preferred.
• Professional certifications such as SHRM or HRCI are a plus.
• Knowledge of HR systems, employment and labor law, labor cost analysis, and conducting investigations preferred.
• Demonstrated leadership skills with the ability to inspire, influence, and guide others toward achieving shared goals.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to deliver clear, targeted messages across multiple channels and media.
• Proficiency in defining, tracking, and reporting HR KPIs to measure organizational effectiveness and support continuous improvement.
• Solid business acumen with the ability to quickly assess situations, make sound decisions, and deliver favorable outcomes.
• Experience leading change management initiatives, engaging stakeholders, and minimizing resistance during transitions.
• Strategic thinker who can see the big picture and articulate a clear vision for the future.
• Proven ability to recruit, develop, and manage high-performing teams in a dynamic environment.
• Skilled in identifying skill gaps and implementing training programs that enhance employee capabilities and align with business objectives.

At Lactalis, we offer a comprehensive Total Rewards Program with a variety of affordable benefits and coverage options. We support insurance costs significantly, contribute generously to retirement plans, and offer Paid Time Off from day one. We are committed to your professional growth, providing training and development opportunities, including Education Reimbursement. Join us and grow your career.

Lactalis is an equal employment opportunity employer. We will not discriminate against applicants with regard to any legally-recognized basis including, but not limited to: veteran status, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, and physical or mental disabilities. Further, any division of the Company that is an Affirmative Action Employer will comply with all related legal obligations.