HR Project Manager

Human Resources Manager

Branford, CT | Full-Time | On-Site -Great work/life

A growing, mid-sized manufacturing company is seeking a hands-on Human Resources Manager to lead the HR function for a 100+ employee organization. This is a high-impact role reporting directly to the President and overseeing one HR Generalist.

This person will be both strategic and tactical, partnering with leadership on workforce planning, employee engagement, compliance, and organizational growth, while also staying close to day-to-day HR operations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead all HR functions, including recruiting, employee relations, performance management, benefits, compensation, compliance, training, and payroll oversight.
• Partner with leadership and hiring managers on staffing needs, workforce planning, job descriptions, compensation ranges, and hiring strategies.
• Manage employee relations matters, investigations, coaching, documentation, and corrective action processes.
• Ensure compliance with federal, Connecticut, and local employment laws, including FMLA, ADA, EEO, OSHA, wage/hour regulations, and leave requirements.
• Oversee onboarding, orientation, retention initiatives, employee engagement, and training programs.
• Administer benefits, open enrollment, workers’ compensation, unemployment claims, HRIS data, and bi-weekly payroll through ADP.
• Support audits and compliance initiatives tied to regulated manufacturing, aerospace, customer standards, and government contracting requirements.

Ideal Background:

• 5–8+ years of progressive HR experience, ideally within manufacturing, aerospace, defense, precision manufacturing, or another regulated environment.
• Experience supporting both hourly and salaried employees.
• Strong employee relations, compliance, recruiting, payroll, benefits, and HR operations experience.
• ADP and Microsoft Office 365 experience preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• SHRM, PHR, or SPHR certification a plus.
• Experience with ISO/AS9100, government contractor compliance, lean manufacturing, or continuous improvement environments is a plus.
• This is a great opportunity for an HR leader who enjoys being close to the business, building strong relationships with leadership and employees, and helping shape a positive, compliant, high-performance culture.