General Manager of Human Resources, General Affairs, EHS

General Manager, Human Resources / General Affairs / EHS – Madison, AL (On-site)

• Full-time | $110,000–$145,000 DOE
• Lead HR for a global automotive manufacturer with a growing U.S. operation backed by an established Japanese parent company

Overview

This is a senior leadership role overseeing HR, General Affairs, and EHS within a 500+ employee automotive manufacturing environment. You’ll serve as a strategic partner to executive leadership, balancing day-to-day operations with long-term HR strategy in a cross-cultural (U.S.–Japan) organization.

This role requires strong leadership, sound judgment, and the ability to align people strategy with operational and production goals.

Key Responsibilities

HR Leadership & Employee Relations

• Lead all HR functions including employee relations, performance management, and policy implementation
• Advise leadership on workforce strategy, retention, and organizational development
• Oversee investigations, compliance, and HR best practices across the organization

Legal, Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with federal/state employment laws (FLSA, EEOC, OSHA, ADA, etc.)
• Partner with legal counsel on employment matters, claims, and regulatory updates
• Maintain strong internal controls and documentation standards

Compensation, Benefits & Payroll

• Oversee total rewards strategy (salary, benefits, incentives)
• Manage payroll processes and vendor relationships
• Lead benefits planning, insurance programs, and open enrollment

Financial Oversight & Controls

• Manage HR budgets, vendor contracts, and financial approvals
• Ensure audit readiness and proper authorization controls
• Maintain transparency and accountability across HR operations

Talent Acquisition & Development

• Lead recruiting strategy for hourly and salaried roles
• Oversee onboarding, training programs, and succession planning
• Partner with leadership on workforce planning and leadership development

Operations HR Support

• Act as HR partner to manufacturing operations
• Support production staffing, restructuring, and leadership development
• Build supervisory capability across the plant

General Affairs

• Oversee facilities, administration, vendor management, and company events
• Manage corporate communications and community engagement
• Support coordination with Japan HQ and cross-cultural initiatives

EHS (Environmental, Health & Safety)

• Lead all safety and environmental compliance programs (OSHA, EPA)
• Oversee safety training, incident investigations, and reporting
• Manage workers’ compensation and regulatory interactions

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in HR, Business, or related field
• 7+ years HR experience, including 5+ years in leadership
• Experience in manufacturing (automotive/Tier 1 preferred)
• Strong knowledge of employment law and compliance frameworks
• Experience managing HRIS, payroll systems, and vendor relationships
• Proven leadership, communication, and cross-functional influence

Preferred

• PHR, SPHR, or GPHR certification
• Experience in Japanese or global manufacturing environments
• Exposure to General Affairs and/or EHS oversight

Why This Role

• Executive-level impact across HR, operations, and safety
• Lead within a stable global company with a growing U.S. footprint
• High visibility with senior leadership and international stakeholders
• Opportunity to shape culture, systems, and long-term workforce strategy