Manager Human Resources

Communication & Relationship Building – Exceptional written, verbal, and presentation skills paired with the ability to build trusted relationships with employees, strategic partners, and external stakeholders; skillfully navigates and resolves conflict to maintain productive working relationships. The role partners with managers and employees to provide guidance on workforce planning, talent management, employee relations, performance management, organizational effectiveness, change management, and employee engagement.

About Us:

At Ajinomoto Health & Nutrition, we are making significant advances in food and health with new ideas and innovative technologies. We are seeking candidates with energy and enthusiasm to be part of our growing team throughout North America. As an Ajinomoto Health & Nutrition employee, you are part of a diverse, innovative, and collaborative community committed to enhancing lives through nutrition and health. Our team is committed to providing amino acid-based solutions that create better lives for all.

 

We do not use AI to screen applications. Applications and resumes of qualified applicants are reviewed by a real person because we value your time and believe each qualified applicant deserves thoughtful, human consideration. It’s an old‑fashioned approach—done with purpose.

Why Join Us:

Our people are the key ingredient to our success. We offer a collaborative, innovative environment where you can grow your career and make an impact on global food and health solutions.

 

We provide a comprehensive and competitive total rewards package, including:

• Competitive Pay and Annual Bonus Opportunity
• 401(k) with Company Contributions 
• Medical, Dental, and Vision — Effective Day 1
• Paid Time Off, Company Holidays, and Floating Holidays

• Paid Parental Leave
• Wellness Programs and Yearly Wellness Reimbursement
• Work Flexibility
• Company-Paid Life and Disability Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Tuition Reimbursement Opportunities
• Career Growth and Development within a Global Organization

• Company-Provided Mental Health and Care giving support

Overview:

The HR Manager is responsible for overall management of the HR function for their location. The HR Manager provides HR support, guidance, and people development opportunities while maintaining compliance with all relevant laws and regulations. Additionally, the HR Manager serves as a strategic advisor to business leaders, aligning people strategies with organizational goals to drive business performance. The role partners with managers and employees to provide guidance on workforce planning, talent management, employee relations, performance management, organizational effectiveness, change management, and employee engagement. The HR Manager leverages data-driven insights to develop and implement people solutions that foster a high-performing, inclusive, and compliant workplace while supporting business growth and operational excellence.

Qualifications:

EDUCATION, CERTIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:
•    Bachelor's degree from four-year college or university; or five plus years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience
•    Experience in manufacturing is preferred

 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
•    Compliance – Audits and monitors work quality against established policies and procedures, ensuring consistent delivery of the highest standards of performance and accountability.
•    Communication & Relationship Building – Exceptional written, verbal, and presentation skills paired with the ability to build trusted relationships with employees, strategic partners, and external stakeholders; skillfully navigates and resolves conflict to maintain productive working relationships.
•    Work Style & Organizational Agility – Operates independently with strong attention to detail; brings a collaborative, adaptable, solutions-focused approach while managing multiple tasks, deadlines, and competing priorities effectively.
•    Confidentiality – Demonstrates sound judgment and discretion in handling sensitive information across all aspects of the role.
•    Technical Proficiency – Skilled in Microsoft Office applications, including advanced Excel functions for reporting and analysis; hands-on experience with UKG or a comparable HRIS platform preferred.

Working Conditions / Physical Requirements:

WORKING CONDITIONS:
· Typical office setting working inside a controlled temperature environment
· Regular walk through/time spent in a manufacturing setting
· Occasional work required outside
· May perform activities in an environment containing hazardous elements and requiring safety awareness and adherence to all safety policies and guidelines
· Work must be performed in a safe manner for personal protection and for the protection of other team members 
· All safety procedures, procedures described in SOPs, JHAs, and support of the ISO standards in all functional areas must be followed, enforced, and strictly complied with
· Occasional travel required

 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
•    Position requires the ability to sit for a minimum of 6 hours per day 
•    Will stand, walk, bend over, and reach above head less than an hour a day 
•    Minimal lifting or carrying of 10 pounds occasionally and repetitive use of hands/arms for writing and computer work

Responsibilities:

1.    Partner with Corporate Recruiter in full-cycle recruitment process. 
2.    Ensure legal compliance for required new hire federal and state forms (I-9, etc.)legal and regulatory compliance with respect to recruiting, applicant, and on-boarding process. 
3.    Resolve general benefits, policy, and compensation questions from team members, escalating to the appropriate subject matter experts when necessary.
4.    Oversee leave of absence cases, providing guidance on leave policies, coordinating with employees and managers, maintaining compliance with applicable laws, and supporting successful employee return-to-work and accommodation processes.
5.    Ensure organizational compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws, company policies, and HR best practices.
6.    Evaluate existing policies and procedures, identify areas for improvement relevant to site location, and develop recommendations for new or modified policies to support business objectives, mitigate risk, and enhance the employee experience. .
7.    Collaborate with Payroll Department regarding any payroll corrections or issues as they are discovered and ensure resolution
8.    Serve as the primary contact for the Payroll and HRIS functions regarding any team member related issues or questions
9.    Provide HR consultation and guidance regarding workplace incidents, return-to-work programs, accommodations, and compliance with applicable policies and regulations.
10.    Lead the management and resolution of all employee relations matters, including workplace concerns, policy violations, performance issues, complaints, and misconduct allegations. 
11.    Conduct prompt, thorough, and impartial investigations; assess findings; recommend appropriate corrective action
12.    Partner with managers to address employee performance and conduct issues by providing guidance on disciplinary processes, documenting corrective actions, ensuring consistency in decision-making, and maintaining compliance with company policies and employment laws.
13.    Conduct exit interviews and review and analyze relevant trends.
14.    Maintain employee personnel, medical and I-9 files in accordance with federal, state, and local laws
15.    Receive and respond to unemployment claims and verification of employment in a timely manner
16.    Partner with leaders to identify training needs and create development plans that support business objectives and employee growth by position.
17.    Manage the performance review process, giving feedback and support when needed, including partnering with managers to implement performance improvement plans, individual development plans, and other performance tools as necessary
18.    Partner with leadership to manage succession planning processes; Assist management to identify, assess, and prepare high-potential employees for critical roles within the organization.
19.    Collaborate with local HR team and Benefits Manager to create plans to fully utilize the wellness budget and benefits offerings/perks
20.    Regularly review and analyze absenteeism and turnover KPIs. Partner with Management team and recommend initiatives for improvement.
21.    Other duties as assigned. 

Salary Range: n/a EEO Statement:

Ajinomoto is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis protected by state, federal, or local law.  All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.