Job Title: HR Manager
Reports to: HR Director
Location: Wausau, WI
About the role: The HR Manager at Piper Products, a CFS Brands company, is the sole on-site HR leader, responsible for driving all human resources functions to support plant performance. This is a hands-on role requiring daily visibility on the manufacturing floor, strong decision-making, and the ability to balance employee needs with operational demands.
Reporting directly to the Director of HR, Operations, this role operates independently at the facility in Wausau, WI while being supported by a network of HR partners across other CFS Brands locations and corporate headquarters, based out of Oklahoma City. The HR Manager works closely with plant leadership and supervisors to ensure the workforce is staffed, engaged, and operate effectively in a fast-paced, non-union environment.
As part of CFS Brands, this role plays a key part in building a strong workforce that supports the production of industry-leading foodservice equipment.
Responsibilities:
- Own recruiting and staffing for hourly production roles, ensuring the plant is fully staffed to meet production goals; manage temporary labor as needed.
- Maintain a consistent presence on the manufacturing floor—building relationships, addressing issues in real time, and staying ahead of workforce challenges.
- Lead onboarding from start to finish, ensuring new hires are prepared, compliant, and set up for success on day one.
- Manage Time and Attendance processes daily, partnering with supervisors to enforce policies, address attendance issues, and maintain accountability.
- Generate and analyze weekly labor and headcount reports; partner with Operations and Finance to manage labor costs and improve efficiency.
- Maintain accurate employee records and ensure compliance with federal and state regulations through regular audits.
- Serve as the primary resource for employee relations, handling issues directly and supporting supervisors through coaching and disciplinary processes.
- Coach and support front-line supervisors on performance management, attendance, and policy enforcement to ensure consistency across shifts.
- Drive continuous improvement of HR processes and policies to better support plant operations, reduce turnover, and improve retention.
- Lead key annual HR processes including performance management, employee surveys, and workforce planning with a focus on developing frontline talent.
- Support employee engagement initiatives on the floor, including communication, recognition, and plant-level events.
- Ensure compliance with all employment laws, company policies, and workplace standards in a non-union environment.
- Partner with HR peers across CFS Brands to share best practices and ensure consistency across locations.
- Handle sensitive employee matters with professionalism, confidentiality, and sound judgment.
- Perform additional duties as needed to support plant operations and leadership.
Education & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, or related field preferred
- 5+ years of progressive HR experience in a manufacturing, distribution, or similar high-volume environment
- Experience using ADP Workforce Now
- Proven ability to operate independently as the on-site HR leader
- Strong working knowledge of federal and state employment laws
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced, production-driven environment with shifting priorities
- Ability to address issues directly, make sound decisions, and support leadership with confidence
- Strong communication skills with the ability to connect with employees on the floor and influence supervisors
- Ability to build trust quickly while holding employees and leaders accountable
- Strong organizational skills with excellent attention to detail
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint)
- Ability to handle confidential information with discretion and professionalism
About CFS Brands: CFS Brands is committed to creating an inclusive work environment with a diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age or veteran status. This employer participates in E-Verify. The employer will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with information from each new employee’s I-9 to confirm work authorization.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business, or a related field
- 5+ years of progressive HR experience in manufacturing, distribution, or a similar high-volume environment
- Experience using ADP Workforce Now
- Ability to operate independently as the on-site HR leader
- Strong working knowledge of federal and state employment laws
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, production-driven environment with shifting priorities
- Ability to address issues directly, make sound decisions, and support leadership confidently
- Strong communication skills and ability to influence supervisors and connect with production employees
- Ability to build trust while holding employees and leaders accountable
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint
- Ability to handle confidential information with discretion and professionalism
What We Do
Since 1954, CFS Brands cemented its passion for design with many industry firsts, including the commercial-grade plastic beverage pitcher and, more notably, the Bains Marie bin - forever transforming food storage and handling. Today, CFS Brands is one of the largest partner suppliers to the FoodService, Healthcare and Hygiene industries. Our goal is to provide customers with innovative solutions, quality service and a comprehensive shopping experience - increasing success while reducing costs. CFS Brands identifies the problem and invents the solution, expanding on inspiration from the past to reshape industries using today’s technology. While simultaneously harnessing the power of our best-in-class brands like San Jamar, Dinex and Sparta, to establish customer-centric solutions, the heart of our innovation. Our worldwide team of dedicated employees drives CFS Brands as the single-source and most trusted partner for integrated solutions and support, helping deliver our brand promise: Designing Value. Delivering Success.
