Who will you be working with?
The HR Manager reports to the Senior Director - HRBP and will serve as the on-site HR/UR support for one of our several Wabtec Kansas City manufacturing operations. The role provides hands-on HR support to both hourly and salaried employees across a fast-paced, multi-shift manufacturing operation.
The HR Manager partners closely with front-line supervisors, managers, and fellow HR team members to deliver consistent, compliant, and employee-centered HR and Union Relations services. This position operates as the HR/UR leader for a standalone plant within Wabtec’s manufacturing network.
How will you make a difference?
The HR Manager serves as a front-line HR partner responsible for executing core HR processes and addressing day-to-day people needs within the manufacturing environment. This role plays a critical part in fostering positive employee and union relations, ensuring policy and legal compliance, supporting staffing and onboarding, and reinforcing performance and attendance expectations.
The HR Manager balances responsiveness with sound judgment, supports leaders in people-related decision-making, and escalates complex or high-risk issues to the Senior Director - HRBP as appropriate.
What will your typical day look like?
Employee Relations & Workforce Support
· Serve as the first point of contact for employees and supervisors on HR-related questions, concerns, and policy interpretation.
· Support employee relations matters including attendance, performance coaching, corrective action, conflict resolution, and grievances.
· Conduct preliminary investigations and fact-finding for employee concerns, escalating complex or sensitive cases as needed.
· Promote a respectful, inclusive, and compliant workplace culture through consistent policy application and employee engagement.
Union Relations
· Maintain positive working relationships with union representatives and plant leadership.
· Support grievance administration, investigations, and responses in accordance with the collective bargaining agreement.
· Participate in labor-management meetings and contract administration activities.
· Assist leaders in interpreting and applying collective bargaining agreements.
Manufacturing & Operations Partnership
· Provide daily HR support to manufacturing leaders across assigned shifts and departments.
· Partner with supervisors to reinforce expectations related to attendance, performance, safety, and conduct.
· Support workforce planning efforts including shift coverage, staffing changes, and internal movement coordination.
Staffing, Onboarding & Employment Administration
· Support hourly and salaried staffing activities including requisition support, interviews, offers, new hire onboarding, and orientation.
· Administer employment life-cycle processes including transfers, promotions, leaves of absence, and terminations.
· Ensure accurate and timely documentation within HR systems and personnel files.
Compliance & Policy Administration
· Support administration of FMLA, ADA accommodations, and attendance programs in coordination with the Senior HR Manager and corporate partners.
· Ensure compliance with company policies, local/state/federal employment laws, and audit requirements.
· Assist with policy communication and training at the employee and supervisor levels.
HR Programs & Continuous Improvement
· Support site and campus-wide HR initiatives such as engagement activities, training delivery, communications, and culture-building efforts.
· Participate in process improvement efforts to enhance HR service delivery, consistency, and employee experience.
· Prepare reports, track metrics, and assist with data collection related to employee relations, staffing, and compliance.
Team Collaboration & Development
· Work closely with other HR Managers and supporting functions to ensure consistent execution with Wabtec policy and practices.
. Take coaching and direction from the Senior Director - HRBP and actively seek opportunities to build HR capability and manufacturing business understanding.
What do we want to know about you?
· Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
· 2–5 years of HR Generalist or similar HR experience, preferably in a manufacturing, operations, or industrial environment.
· Experience supporting hourly employee populations.
· Working knowledge of employment law fundamentals, including FMLA, ADA, attendance administration, and corrective action.
· Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build trust across all levels of the organization.
Preferred Qualifications
· Manufacturing or high-volume operational HR experience.
· PHR or SHRM-CP certification.
· Experience working in multi-shift or 24/7 environments.
· Union Relations experience
Key Competencies
· Employee Relations & Conflict Resolution
· Operational Execution & Follow-Through
· Sound Judgment & Escalation Awareness
· Collaboration & Team Orientation
· Clear Communication & Documentation
· Confidentiality & Compliance Mindset
· Learning Agility & Continuous Improvement
#LI-AM1
Our job titles may span more than one career level. The salary rate for this role is currently $79100-112800 The actual salary offered to a candidate may be influenced by a variety of factors, such as: training, transferable skills, work experience, education, business needs, market demands and work location. The base pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future. More information on offered benefits, which include health, welfare, and retirement, are available at mywabtecbenefits.com. Other benefit offerings for this role may include annual bonus, if eligible.
What could you accomplish in a place that puts People First?
At Wabtec, it’s not just about a job - it’s about the impact you make. When our people come together, we’re Expanding the Possible by continuously improving what we do and how we do it - for our clients and each other.
If you’re ready to revolutionize how the world moves for future generations, Wabtec is the place for you.
Who are we?
Wabtec is a leading global provider of equipment, systems, digital solutions, and value-added services for the freight and transit rail sectors. Drawing on more than 150 years of experience, we are leading the way in safety, efficiency, reliability, innovation, and productivity. Whether it’s freight, transit, ports, logistics, mining, industrial, or marine, our expertise, technologies, and people together – are accelerating the future of transportation. With roots that date back to George Westinghouse, Thomas Edison, and Louis Faiveley, Wabtec has always built technologies and implemented solutions for a variety of sectors that are critical to meeting the needs of customers and governments alike.
Our global team of about 30,000 employees worldwide delivers performance that moves the world forward. We’re lifelong learners, obsessed with better. Learn more at www.WabtecCorp.com.
Culture powers us and the possibilities.
We believe the best ideas come from a mix of experiences and backgrounds. At Wabtec, we strive every day to create a place where everyone belongs. We’re building a culture where leadership, inclusion and your unique perspective fuel progress.
We’re proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome talent of all backgrounds, experiences, and identities, including race, gender, age, disability, veteran status and more.
Need accommodation? Just let us know - we’ve got you.
