Leader, Human Resources
LOCATION: Bowling Green / Kentucky (US-KY), United States | BRAND: Bendix | REQUISITION ID: 10500 | JOB GRADE: 16
| ON-SITE/REMOTE: On-site
Want to help shape tomorrow? At Bendix, we set the standard with advanced dynamic solutions that drive improved commercial vehicle performance and safety. We’re part of the Knorr-Bremse Group, the global leader in braking technologies. As part of our team, you’ll collaborate with a world of talented and dedicated colleagues whose sense of purpose complements your own. You’ll find rewarding opportunities, diverse experiences, partnerships, and an unwavering commitment to ethics and integrity.
Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. It is the policy of the Company to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.
JOB DESCRIPTION:
Position Summary
The Plant Human Resources Leader will lead end-to-end HR for a manufacturing site of approximately 50 salaried and 300 hourly non-union employees. This role is the primary HR business partner to the Plant Leadership Team and drives a strong employee relations culture, legal compliance, talent acquisition, and consistent application of company and global (German HQ) HR standards. The role requires a high floor presence, strong judgment, and the ability to coach leaders in a fast-paced operational setting.
Essential Functions:
A. Employee Relations & Leadership Coaching (Core)
- Serve as the primary point of contact for employee relations matters, including investigations, corrective action, performance management, conflict resolution, and employee engagement.
- Coach plant leaders and frontline supervisors on consistent application of policies, documentation standards, and effective communication.
- Maintain a positive employee relations environment to support a union-free workplace through proactive engagement, consistent practices, and rapid issue resolution.
B. Staffing, Recruiting & Workforce Planning
- Own hourly recruiting strategy and execution (high-volume recruiting, onboarding, retention actions); partnering with TA and shared services.
- Support salaried recruiting and selection; ensure strong hiring manager capability and compliant processes.
- Drive workforce planning: headcount, shift coverage, overtime/attendance patterns, and critical skill pipelines.
C. Compliance, Policy & Risk Management
- Ensure compliance with federal/state employment requirements and company policies across wage/hour, leave, accommodations, and employee documentation.
- Maintain audit-ready employee files, accurate HRIS data, and disciplined case management practices.
- Partner with Safety/EHS and Operations on incident response, workers’ comp coordination, and safety culture.
D. Talent, Performance & Development
- Lead performance management, feedback, coaching routines, and talent review support for salaried and hourly leadership roles.
- Implement leadership and supervisor development initiatives focused on front-line effectiveness.
E. Compensation & Total Rewards Support
- Administer plant compensation practices (hourly wage structures, shift premiums, differentials, attendance programs if applicable) in alignment with corporate guidelines.
- Support annual compensation planning cycles and short-term incentive processes.
F. Culture, Engagement & Change Leadership
- Lead engagement actions and communications; create simple mechanisms for employee voice and continuous improvement.
- Execute plant change management for organizational changes, policy rollouts, and global initiatives.
Qualifications (Required):
- Bachelor’s degree in HR, Business, or related discipline.
- 5+ years HR experience with significant time in manufacturing / industrial / high-volume environments.
- Demonstrated expertise in employee relations, investigations, performance management, and supervisor coaching.
- Working knowledge of U.S. employment fundamentals (wage/hour, leave, accommodation processes, documentation standards).
- Strong communication skills and ability to influence in an operational setting.
Preferred Qualifications:
- HR certification (PHR/SPHR/SHRM-CP/SCP).
- Experience in automotive, Tier 1 supplier, industrial manufacturing, or multi-shift operations.
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Experience working within a global organization and matrix reporting structures.
Position Requirements:
The demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The anticipated salary range for candidates who will work in Bowling Green, KY is $89,900–$134,900 per year. The final pay offered to a successful candidate will be dependent on several factors that may include but are not limited to the type and years of experience within the job, the type of years and experience within the industry and education. Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC is a multi-state employer, and this pay scale may not reflect positions that work in other states or locations. Provided they meet all eligibility requirements under the applicable plan documents, employees (and their eligible dependents) will be eligible to enroll in group healthcare plans that offer medical, dental, vision, and basic life and disability insurance. Employees also will be able to enroll in our company’s 401k plan. Employees will also receive 120 hours of vacation leave and 40 hours of Personal Paid Absence every year. Employees will also enjoy 12 paid holidays, and 1 floating holiday throughout the calendar year, subject to relevant terms outlined in the employee handbook. 6 weeks of paid parental leave will also be available for use. Requirements for these benefits will be controlled by applicable plan documents and policies. Employees working on federal contracts covered by the Federal Paid Sick Leave requirements will be notified and will receive benefits consistent and compliant with the FPSL requirements. Hired applicant will be able to purchase company stock, subject to the relevant plan documents and annual bonuses based on achievement of certain metrics of up to 7% of annual salary. This is intended to provide a general description of benefits and other compensation and is not a substitute for applicable plan documents or company policies. Applications for this position are accepted on an ongoing basis.
Please note: At this time, we are not able to offer immigration sponsorship for new hires. All applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without the need for current or future employment-based visa sponsorship.
EOE-Disability/Veterans
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Nearest Major Market: Bowling Green