Senior Manager, Talent Operations

Senior Manager, Talent Operations

Location: Grand Rapids, MIAlternative Location: Hebron, OHWork Arrangement: Office-based initially; hybrid flexibility may be available after approximately 3–6 monthsCompensation: $125,000–$150,000 base salaryTravel: Up to 15%, primarily to manufacturing locationsAbout the OpportunityWe are seeking a Senior Manager, Talent Operations to help build and strengthen talent programs across a growing manufacturing organization of approximately 800 employees.This is not a traditional HR Manager or pure Talent Acquisition role.

We are looking for a hands-on talent professional who can build programs and processes from the ground up while partnering closely with HR, manufacturing, and business leaders.This person will play a key role in developing a more integrated approach to attracting, developing, assessing, and retaining talent across hourly manufacturing and professional employee populations.What You'll DoDevelop and execute an integrated talent management strategy aligned with business priorities, workforce needs, and the manufacturing environment.Build and improve talent acquisition and sourcing strategies for hourly manufacturing, skilled trades, technical, professional, and leadership positions.Partner with HR and operational leaders to identify workforce needs, talent gaps, and recruiting priorities.Improve recruiting, interviewing, selection, and candidate assessment practices.Develop and enhance onboarding programs that support employee integration, productivity, engagement, and retention.Build a comprehensive learning and development framework for manufacturing and office-based employees.Develop leadership programs for frontline supervisors, managers, and senior leaders.Lead and improve performance management processes, including goal setting, feedback, coaching, performance reviews, and manager capability.Develop talent assessment and succession planning processes, including talent reviews and development plans for critical roles.Establish practical career development and internal mobility programs.Develop talent metrics and analytics to evaluate recruiting, onboarding, learning, development, performance, succession, and retention initiatives.Evaluate and leverage HR technology, learning platforms, talent systems, and other tools to improve efficiency and employee/manager experience.Create tools, resources, communications, and training that help HR teams and business leaders consistently execute talent programs.Build strong relationships with plant and functional leaders and serve as a trusted partner on talent and workforce challenges.Personally lead key initiatives while remaining comfortable with hands-on, tactical execution when needed.Use modern technology and AI where appropriate to improve the speed, quality, and effectiveness of talent programs.What We're Looking ForBachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business, Organizational Development, or a related field.5+ years of relevant HR/talent experience; candidates with approximately 7+ years of broad talent-management experience are strongly aligned.Demonstrated experience across multiple areas of the talent lifecycle, including talent acquisition, performance management, learning and development, leadership development, talent assessment, succession planning, or career development.Proven ability to build and implement talent programs or processes from the ground up.Strong combination of strategic thinking and hands-on execution.Experience partnering with executives, operational leaders, HR teams, and frontline managers.Strong project and program management capabilities.Ability to use workforce data and talent metrics to identify opportunities and measure program effectiveness.Strong communication, facilitation, presentation, coaching, and relationship-building skills.Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment and moving initiatives from concept to implementation quickly.Preferred QualificationsExperience in a manufacturing or industrial environment.Experience supporting both hourly manufacturing and professional/office employee populations.Experience building or significantly redesigning enterprise talent programs.Experience with HR technology, LMS platforms, talent-management systems, and recruiting technology.Experience using AI or other modern technology to improve HR/talent processes.Advanced degree or HR certification such as SPHR, SHRM-SCP, or SHRM-CP.The Ideal CandidateThe ideal candidate is a builder and operator—someone who can create a talent program from a blank sheet of paper, implement it, measure its effectiveness, and continuously improve it.You should be comfortable moving between strategic planning and hands-on execution. One day may involve developing a talent-management roadmap; another may involve partnering with a plant leader to solve a recruiting challenge, facilitating a leadership-development session, or improving an existing process.We are particularly interested in professionals who can demonstrate what they personally built and implemented, rather than simply administering established programs.Why This OpportunityThis is an opportunity to join an evolving HR organization where you will have significant visibility and the ability to directly shape talent practices across the organization.You will have the opportunity to:Build talent infrastructure rather than simply inherit established programs.Partner directly with senior HR and business leadership.Influence talent practices across a multi-site organization.Develop programs that impact recruiting, development, performance, and retention.Bring modern technology and AI into talent operations.See the direct impact of your work across the organization.