SkyWater Search Partners is partnering with a privately held food manufacturing company located in Fosston, MN to find their next HR Manager. This is a unique opportunity for a well-rounded HR professional to step into a stand-alone, broad-based generalist position. This HR Manager will serve as the go-to people leader, driving consistency, compliance, and culture across the business. This is an on-site position requiring 4 days/week in office and the ideal candidate is someone who can operate independently and serve as a compassionate, approachable partner to the entire team.
Job Category: Human Resources (HR)
Human Resources Manager
SkyWater Search is excited to partner with a growing, well-established construction and industrial services company as we seek a skilled, relationship-driven HR Manager to support operations across two regions. This is a visible and hands-on leadership opportunity for an experienced HR generalist who thrives in a fast-paced, field-oriented environment.
The ideal candidate is a strategic partner who can build trust across all levels of the organization, drive people initiatives that align with business goals, and bring practical solutions to day-to-day challenges in employee relations, compliance, and leadership development.
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Location: On-site in the South Metro Twin Cities
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Travel: Monthly travel to support regional teams and projects
HR Manager
Human Resources Manager
Privately Held Manufacturing Company | Illinois | Full-Time | On-Site
A long-standing, family-owned manufacturing organization with a 40+ year legacy of craftsmanship, employee commitment, and quality is seeking a Human Resources Manager to build on the early momentum of a newly established HR function. This is a high-impact opportunity for a hands-on HR professional ready to bring structure, strategy, and care to a business that is deeply rooted in tradition and values—but ready for transformation.
About the Role
As the company’s first fully dedicated HR hire, you’ll own and evolve the HR function across three Illinois locations, supporting approximately 235 employees. Reporting to the CFO, you’ll oversee the full scope of HR operations—from compliance, payroll, and benefits to org design and onboarding—while setting the stage for a longer-term culture, talent, and people strategy.
This role is on-site 5 days a week with occasional travel to other locations within a 1-hour drive.
Core Responsibilities:
- Lead HR operations across all locations, providing strategic and administrative support for employees and leadership.
- Own payroll processing and HRIS management, including maximizing use of Paylocity.
- Oversee compliance-related responsibilities, including I-9 verification, OSHA 300 logs, E-Verify, FMCSA and USDOT tracking, and life insurance beneficiary documentation.
- Evaluate and formalize vacation scheduling, employee reporting structures, org charts, and emergency contact records.
- Manage benefits administration, including preparation for 10/1 open enrollment.
- Partner with current staff members performing HR-adjacent duties to assess, clarify, and streamline responsibilities.
- Build a comprehensive onboarding process inclusive of health/drug screenings, documentation, and proper delegation of tasks.
- Review and enhance HR policies and procedures; contribute to updating the employee handbook.
- Maintain and track metrics, including TRIR and DART, for safety and risk management.
- Support HR functions related to maternity leave coverage and employee leave administration (FMLA, disability, etc.).
- Foster an inclusive and positive work environment across multilingual and multicultural employee populations.
- Encourage consistency, compliance, and proactive people practices across all business units.
Required Qualifications:
- 10+ years of progressive HR experience, with at least 3 years supporting multiple locations.
- Proven ability to manage end-to-end HR functions in a privately held, family-run business.
- Bachelor’s Degree in HR, Business Administration, or related field.
- Proficiency with Paylocity (or similar HRIS) and Microsoft Office Suite.
- Solid knowledge of federal and state employment laws, OSHA, and DOT regulations.
- Strong interpersonal skills with a demonstrated ability to build trust across all levels of an organization.
- Able to work independently, handle sensitive information with integrity, and juggle competing priorities.
Preferred:
- Bilingual (English/Spanish) or prior experience working with non-English-speaking employee populations.
- HR certification (SHRM-CP, PHR).
- Experience managing HR during periods of organizational professionalization, transition, or leadership succession.
- Experience in manufacturing or industrial environments.
Compensation
- Salary: $120,000-$140,000
- Informal bonus eligibility.
Culture and Environment
- Join a collaborative, close-knit culture where employees are valued and longevity is the norm.
- Contribute to meaningful projects with real impact across the business.
- Build and professionalize an HR function in a company ready for growth and modernization.
We’d love to hear from you if you’re a proactive HR leader looking for an opportunity to create clarity, consistency, and lasting impact in a values-driven organization.
Human Resources & Payroll Manager
SkyWater Search is excited to be partnering with a leading, growing electrical services provider as they hire for a newly-created HR leadership position due to organizational growth. Please apply to this position directly, or reach The HR & Payroll Manager is responsible for the strategic and operational leadership of all human resources and payroll functions. This includes recruiting, employee relations, benefits administration, compensation, performance management, policy development, compliance, and training for both union and non-union employees. This role ensures the integrity and confidentiality of all personnel and payroll data and supports organizational goals through people-centered initiatives. This position also plays a key role in supporting the ISO 9001 Quality Management System and internal audits.
Key Competencies:
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Expertise in HR and Payroll management across multi-state environments
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Effective, results-driven leadership
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In-depth understanding of federal, state, and local employment laws
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Strategic thinker with strong project execution skills
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Ability to forecast HR needs based on data and organizational goals
Core Responsibilities:
Payroll Management
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Process accurate and timely payroll for union and non-union employees in accordance with federal/state laws and CBAs.
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Maintain employee records, manage changes, tax info, and terminations.
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Resolve payroll discrepancies and serve as the main point of contact for payroll-related inquiries.
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Prepare and distribute recurring payroll reports including PTO balances, earnings, and union wage data.
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Partner with HR and management to ensure proper documentation and compliance.
Human Resources Operations
Recruitment
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Lead talent acquisition strategies in collaboration with department heads and marketing.
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Forecast hiring needs and manage recruiting platforms, job boards, and ATS tools.
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Support orientation and onboarding processes.
HRIS Management
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Maintain HR systems and records in compliance with legal requirements.
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Serve as the point of contact for HRIS/PEO software and train users accordingly.
Compensation & Benefits
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Conduct salary market analysis and develop competitive compensation structures.
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Oversee benefits administration including health, dental, vision, and 401(k).
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Evaluate and recommend cost-effective benefit options.
Policy Development & Strategy
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Develop and implement HR policies aligned with strategic objectives and compliance standards.
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Monitor and apply changes in employment law across multiple states.
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Lead cross-functional HR projects and provide data-driven insights for decision-making.
Compliance & Reporting
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Ensure legal compliance with FMLA, ADA, FLSA, COBRA, ERISA, and more.
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Manage EEO reporting, unemployment claims, and labor audits.
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Prepare HR reports and present insights to executive leadership.
Employee Relations
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Conduct investigations and resolve employee concerns in alignment with company policies.
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Advise managers on employee conflict resolution and progressive discipline procedures.
Training & Development
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Design and implement training programs to support employee performance and retention.
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Advise leadership on development plans and performance metrics.
Performance Management
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Manage the performance review cycle and performance management systems.
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Support goal-setting and track KPIs to measure HR effectiveness.
Additional Responsibilities:
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Participate in ISO 9001 quality audits and process improvement initiatives.
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Remain available during off-hours for emergent HR/payroll needs as required.
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Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
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Bachelor’s degree in HR or related field (Master’s or SPHR preferred)
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5+ years HR generalist experience; 3+ years payroll processing; union experience preferred
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Experience with multi-state employment law and HRIS/PEO platforms (e.g., BambooHR, Vensure)
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Strong understanding of compliance requirements (FMLA, ADA, FLSA, etc.)
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Demonstrated ability to develop and enforce policies, manage HR strategy, and lead investigations
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Excellent communication, organization, and project management skills
Physical Requirements:
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Prolonged sitting/standing; frequent typing and computer use
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Ability to lift up to 25 lbs (occasionally more with assistance)
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Must pass pre-employment drug screening and physical exam
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Ability to work under occasional stress and maintain confidentiality
Sr. Manager, Internal Communications
Founded over 100 years ago, our client is a family-owned company with a storied past and exciting future. We’re looking for an Internal Communications Partner to inform, engage and inspire our 7,500+ employees. You’ll foster a positive, unique employee experience by focusing on internal communications, content and cultural initiatives that impact all geographies and levels of the organization. The ideal candidate will be adaptable and responsive to business needs, and will thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment. Our company purpose is rooted in happier, healthier living. This position will play a meaningful role in bringing this purpose to life internally, ultimately increasing employee retention and supporting the organization as a great place to work.
Job Functions:
- Internal Communication Strategy: Partner with HR and operations to create and execute communication plans that align with business goals, drive engagement, and promote transparency.
- Campaign Strategy & Execution: Develop messaging strategies and lead communication efforts for local and operational initiatives, including large-scale campaigns and change management. Tailor communication for diverse employee groups, especially non-desk employees.
- Executive Communications: Manage communication strategies for executive leadership, supporting presentations, speeches, and internal messaging to enhance visibility and engagement.
- Content Creation: Produce clear, consistent, and engaging content for internal channels, including newsletters, emails, intranet posts, and digital signage.
- Change Communication: Design and implement change communication plans, guiding leaders on best practices to help employees understand organizational changes and their impact.
- Optimize Communication Channels: Assess and enhance internal communication platforms, ensuring they reach and engage employees effectively.
- Operational Communications Engagements: Collaborate with operations leaders to plan and execute town halls and training sessions, ensuring successful events that reinforce key messaging and our client’s culture.
- Strategic Counsel: Advise leaders on internal communication strategies, offering insights to improve alignment, communication, and collaboration across the organization.
*Relocation to Northern MN IS required for the role. Candidates not willing to relocate will not be considered.
The estimated base pay range for this job is:
$115,000.00 – $155,000.00 Pay may vary depending on job-related factors and individual experience, skills, knowledge, etc. More information on base pay and incentives can be discussed with the recruiter leading the search.
Plant HR Generalist
SkyWater Search is partnering with a fast-growing, PE-backed consumer goods manufacturer to find a HR Generalist for its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Haslet, TX. The company specializes in high-quality health and wellness products and operates multiple locations across the U.S. With a strong commitment to employee well-being, operational excellence, and workplace culture, this is an exciting opportunity to join a company with a bright future and strong leadership team.
The Opportunity
We are looking for a proactive and growth-minded HR Generalist to serve as the on-site HR leader at the Haslet facility. Reporting to the Director of HR, this role will be responsible for staffing, employee relations, engagement, and HR compliance while supporting corporate HR programs and process improvement initiatives. With exposure to senior leadership this role provides an excellent opportunity to develop broad HR expertise, build leadership experience, and drive meaningful HR initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
- Staffing & Talent Acquisition – Lead hiring efforts for plant roles, ensuring a stable and engaged workforce.
- Employee Relations – Act as the primary HR contact for plant employees and leadership, fostering a positive, high-performance culture.
- Site Communication & Engagement – Drive employee engagement initiatives, ensuring clear and effective communication between teams and leadership.
- HR Policy & Compliance – Ensure fair and consistent application of company policies while maintaining compliance with employment laws and regulations.
- Safety & Wellness – Support workplace safety programs and HR-related Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) initiatives.
- HR Operations & Process Improvement – Assist in corporate HR programs and projects, helping to streamline HR processes and enhance efficiency.
Ideal Candidate Profile
- 2+ years of HR experience (HR Generalist or advanced HR Coordinator level preferred).
- Experience in a manufacturing or plant environment is a plus.
- Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred but not required.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build relationships at all levels.
- Self-motivated, resourceful, and eager to grow—someone with long-term leadership potential within the organization.
- Comfortable working independently in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
Compensation & Benefits
- Base Salary: $60,000 – $90,000k
- Comprehensive Benefits Package, including:
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- 401(k) with company matching
- Paid Parental Leave (Maternity & Paternity)
- Tuition Assistance
- Paid Time Off (Sick, Vacation, and Holidays)
- Short-Term & Long-Term Disability Insurance
- Life Insurance
- Employee Wellness Programs
Why Join This Company?
- Join a growing, PE-backed company that values people-first leadership and HR innovation.
- Make a tangible impact on employee experience, culture, and HR operations at a cutting-edge facility.
- Grow your career in HR, with opportunities for professional development and long-term advancement.
HR Business Partner
SkyWater is leading the search for an HR Business Partner with one of our top clients. The company is a 450-person, rapidly-expanding construction and manufacturing firm with a very optimistic future. They are adding to the HR function to keep up with the growth of the organization, and are building an HRBP team as a result.
The right candidate will be high-energy, employee-centric, relationship-oriented, who wants to be a trusted partner and strategic advisor. You must be passionate about employee development, leadership coaching and guidance, workforce planning, fostering an inclusive culture and creating solutions that enhance employee experience. It is also important that qualified candidates have robust experience navigating challenging and complex employee relations scenarios.
This is a hybrid work environment, so qualified candidates must be local to the Twin Cities and be willing to work onsite 3 days/week.
The organization offers outstanding benefits, s strong bonus potential, in addition to a competitive base salary.
Human Resources Generalist
SkyWater is representing a privately-owned, highly innovative, growing company as they look to add an HR Generalist to the Corporate HR team. This company has an established business with an optimistic future, and is known as a pioneer in their industry. This is a highly visible and employee-facing role, so it’s best suited for someone who loves interactions with employees and takes a customer-service approach to their business.
The Human Resources Generalist performs duties at the professional level in some or in all of the following functional areas: recruitment and onboarding, maintaining partnerships with trade schools, universities and other educational institutions, employee relations, policy documentation and administration, employment law compliance, compensation and performance management, employee training, OSHA compliance, employee communication.
This position is relied on to assist the HR department with daily operations to
ensure nothing is overlooked. The Generalist must be sensitive to the needs of the business and capable of relating to individuals at all levels in the company. This individual works collaboratively and cross functionally with other company
departments. A strong aptitude for details, the ability to work in a time sensitive environment, and unwavering professionalism are required.
Director of Talent Acquisition
SkyWater Search is embarking on the search for a Director of Talent Acquisition at Cirrus Aircraft —a key leadership role that will shape the future of the organization’s hiring strategy and elevate the talent acquisition function to best-in-class.
Cirrus is the recognized global leader in personal aviation and the maker of the best-selling SR Series piston aircraft and the Vision Jet™, the world’s first single engine Personal Jet and recipient of the 2017 Robert J. Collier Trophy. Located in Duluth, MN (a four-season city ideal for outdoor enthusiasts located on the beautiful shores of Lake Superior). This is an onsite position and will require relocation if not already local to the area. Remote candidates will not be considered.
Reporting directly to the Senior VP & Head of People, this newly-enhanced position will focus on building, attracting, and maintaining a high-quality talent pipeline, expanding upon initiatives that were started in 2024. The Director will set the strategic direction for Talent Acquisition across all Cirrus locations (including future expansions), ensuring they remain a destination employer in every community they serve.
We are looking for an enthusiastic and engaged Talent Acquisition leader with previous track record building a best-in-class function and a passion for employee development.
This is an incredible opportunity for a forward-thinking talent leader to make a lasting impact at Cirrus Aircraft. If you or someone in your network is interested, please apply to this position directly or reach out to Allie Bornstein at abornstein@skywatersearch.com with interest or referrals.
Senior Payroll Specialist
Are you a detail-oriented, experienced payroll professional with a passion for precision and efficiency? Do you thrive in a collaborative, supportive environment where your contributions make a real impact? Are you interested in mentoring others and serving as a role model on a tight-knit team? If so, we have an opportunity for you!
About Us
Our client is a well-established financial services company, known for their stability and commitment to excellence. With decades of experience, they offer a solid foundation for their employees and clients alike, fostering a culture of trust, innovation, and growth.
The Role
As a Senior Payroll Specialist, you’ll be a key player in ensuring accurate and timely payroll processing for a client group of ~500 employees. This role requires a proactive, organized individual who excels at navigating the complexities of payroll systems, compliance, and employee engagement.
This position will be in-office two days/week and work from home three days/week. The company’s office is in Minnetonka, MN. Please apply for this position if you are interested and qualified!
