USA-IN-Fremont

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Human Resources Manager

301 W Pearl St, Fremont, IN, 46737, United States

Job Description

Dexter is the premier manufacturer and supplier of axles, suspension, brakes, doors, venting products, trailer parts, accessories, and towing components serving the commercial trailer, RV, heavy-duty, marine, agriculture, and manufactured housing markets has an opportunity for an onsite HR Manager at our manufacturing facility located in Fremont, IN.

Headquartered in Elkhart, Indiana, Dexter has manufacturing and distribution locations throughout the U.S. and Canada. Employing state-of-the-art robotics, precision welding equipment, and automated machining processes, Dexter has achieved many years of success through a commitment to the principles of superior quality, continuous improvement, and unparalleled customer service.

For more information about our company, access Dexter's web site at www.dextergroup.com.

Reporting directly to the Plant Manager, the Human Resources Manager serves as the strategic and operational HR lead for a unionized, medium-sized manufacturing facility. This role is responsible for aligning people strategies with plant performance objectives, maintaining compliant and effective labor relations, and driving initiatives across workforce planning, engagement, and safety culture. The position requires strong leadership and execution in a hands-on, fast-paced environment.

The HR Manager will support both 1st and 3^rd shifts in a Union environment with Collective Bargaining in place.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead day-to-day HR operations at the plant, supporting 100+ employees across multiple shifts.
• Administer the collective bargaining agreement and manage union relations, including grievances and labor communications.
• Partner with plant leadership to drive talent strategies, improve culture, and support production goals.
• Oversee hourly and salaried recruitment, onboarding, performance management, and compliance.
• Lead employee engagement and retention strategies for hourly and salaried roles. Maintain staffing levels aligned to production needs.
• Drive programs that build employee morale, safety culture, and team communication. Support recognition, training, and employee feedback mechanisms.
• Monitor and report HR metrics including turnover, absenteeism, and labor cost trends.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws, as well as company policies, OSHA standards, and collective bargaining agreements.
• Guide supervisors and staff through coaching, documentation, and progressive discipline processes. Facilitate annual performance reviews and PIP execution.
• Assess training needs and coordinate technical, compliance, and leadership development programs.
• Act as an advisor to plant leadership, contributing to business planning, workforce design, and change management.
• Serve as a coach to supervisors and a trusted advisor to operational leadership.

Ideal Candidate:

• Brings experience, not just exposure, to core HR functions and labor relations.
• Operates with maturity, discretion, and a hands-on leadership style.
• Thrives in fast-paced, operationally focused environments where relationships matter.

Working Conditions

• Environment: Office and production floor; PPE required in designated areas
• Physical Demands: Standing/walking plant floor; occasional lifting or material inspections
• Travel: Minimal, <10% (for training, regional support, or corporate HR summits)
• Hours: Flexibility for multiple shifts (some 1st/3rd shift presence expected)

Minimum Qualifications

Qualifications:

This position is ONSITE in , IN.  Candidates must be within the local/region vicinity or willing to relocate to be considered.

• Minimum 7 years of progressive HR experience in a manufacturing setting.
• At least 3 years of direct experience in a union environment is required.
• Demonstrated ability to lead HR at the plant level with independence and confidence.
• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, business, or a related field.
• System Knowledge: Familiarity with HRIS (e.g., Workday, ADP), timekeeping (e.g., Kronos), and compliance tracking platforms
• Prior experience in steel manufacturing, axle components, or trailer/automotive parts very strongly considered
• Preferred certifications include SHRM-CP/SCP or PHR/SPHR.

Dexter is driven by our core values committed to Safety, Quality and Integrity:

• Execute with Determination - Be curious, work together, break new ground, find solutions, fulfill our commitments, surpass expectations!
• Connect with People – Empower employees to grow, engage and collaborate; build lasting customer partnerships; care for our communities.
• Do the Right Thing – For our people, for our customers, and for the business. 

We care for our people.  Here are some of our great, comprehensive Benefits:

• Dexter offers a competitive wage
• Full benefits package including Health, Dental, Vision, Life, STD, LTD, FSA, HSA
• 3% profit sharing in our Safe Harbor program
• 401(k) Plan with company contributions
• Opportunities for internal career development and growth

Apply now to join an industry leader and make a difference in what we do for the customers we serve!

Equal Opportunity Employer

Offers of employment are contingent upon successfully passing a background check and drug screen. Dexter Axle Company is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants are considered for positions without discrimination on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, disability, veteran status, citizenship status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.