Onsite HR Manager-Hayward

Morgan Advanced Materials is a business rich in history and innovation. Founded in the UK in 1856, we have grown into a global organization with 70 sites in 18 countries. Our model to serve our customers where they need us has led to a diversified product range using our unparalleled expertise in ceramic and carbon materials, which we exploit to solve difficult problems for our customers across a diverse range of markets.

We are a purpose driven organization. Our purpose is to use advanced materials to make the world more sustainable and to improve the quality of life. We deliver on that purpose through the products that we make, and the way that we make them.

The Technical Ceramics business of Morgan Advanced Materials engineers high performance functional and structural ceramic materials, components and sub-assemblies to address customer-specific technical challenges.

Key Figures: Revenue £1,100.7m (2024), ~8,000 employees, manufacturing in 20+ countries, and a global customer portfolio. A UK PLC with head office located in Windsor, Berkshire UK.  Listed on London Stock Exchange; Member of the FTSE 250 Index.

Location: Hayward, CaliforniaSchedule: Fully Onsite | 30–40 Hours Per WeekCompensation: $150,000–$180,000 USDEmployment Type: 24-Month 1099 Consulting Engagement

Morgan Advanced Materials is seeking an experienced and highly adaptable HR Manager to support two manufacturing operations in Hayward, California. This is a fully onsite, multi-site leadership role supporting both a non-union metals manufacturing operation and a unionized ceramics manufacturing facility within a shared site footprint.

This engagement is expected to span 24 months, with a gradual wind-down period toward the conclusion of the assignment. The ceramics operation is currently projected for closure in 2028, making this a critical role focused on workforce transition planning, organizational change management, labor relations, and operational HR leadership during a period of transformation.

This fast-paced role balances hands-on operational execution with tactical and strategic HR leadership. The successful candidate will bring strong manufacturing HR expertise, sound judgment, resilience, and the ability to effectively navigate both union and non-union environments.

As the onsite HR Leader, supported by an HR Representative, you will partner closely with three site leaders and their management teams to deliver a high-quality, compliant, and employee-focused HR function across two manufacturing groups totaling approximately 250 employees.

Responsibilities include:

• Leading all people-related activities across both manufacturing operations
• Managing the full employee lifecycle including:
  • Recruitment and onboarding
  • Employee engagement and communications
  • Performance management
  • Reward and recognition programs
  • Employee relations and investigations
  • Labor relations and union engagement
  • HR administration and compliance
• Supporting workforce transitions, restructuring activities, and future site closure planning
• Providing professional HR guidance and coaching to people leaders
• Ensuring compliance with all federal, California, and labor regulations
• Administering employee health, welfare, and benefit programs, including 401(k)
• Managing disciplinary procedures, grievances, and union negotiations
• Driving continuous improvement initiatives and supporting organizational change projects
• Collaborating with global HR colleagues and cross-functional business leaders

The ideal candidate will possess:

• Minimum 5 years of HR Generalist experience, ideally within manufacturing environments
• Multi-site HR leadership experience, preferably within a large multinational organization
• Minimum 3 years of experience administering employee benefits, welfare plans, and 401(k) programs
• Strong experience supporting workforce reductions, restructures, or site closures
• Excellent knowledge of:
  • US and California labor laws
  • Trade union relations
  • Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) compliance
  • COBRA, ERISA, FMLA, and related regulations
• Proven experience managing employee relations, grievance processes, disciplinary matters, and labor negotiations
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence and coach at all levels
• Strong organizational skills with high attention to detail and compliance standards
• Advanced proficiency with:
  • Microsoft Office
  • Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)
  • Learning Management Systems (LMS)
  • Human Resource Information Systems (HRIS)
• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, or related field preferred
• SHRM Certification strongly preferred

• Accountability & Ownership
• Agility
• Business Acumen
• Clear Communication
• Continuous Improvement Mindset
• Customer Focus
• Flexibility
• Global Collaboration
• Problem Solving & Solutions Orientation
• Sound Judgment

This is a unique opportunity to play a meaningful leadership role within a complex manufacturing environment undergoing significant organizational evolution. You will have the opportunity to directly influence workforce strategy, employee experience, labor relations, and business continuity during a critical transition period.

Morgan Advanced Materials Careers is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.

Applicants must be ITAR compliant and meet one of the following criteria:

• Citizen of the United States
• Permanent Resident Alien of the United States
• Protected Individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. §1324b(a)(3) and 22 CFR 120.15

Morgan Advanced Materials is an EEO/AA/M/W/D/V Employer.