HR Plant Manager

Your role

We're seeking a
HR Plant Manager
to join our Mantova factory's leadership team. This pivotal role will be your chance to act as the
key People Partner
, bringing our company's people strategy to life within the plant. You'll be instrumental in driving our HR initiatives, ensuring full alignment with both the factory's operational goals, long-term vision, and our overarching Manufacturing Excellence Program.

Your biggest challenge will be ensuring a safe, efficient, and
high-performing work environment
while deeply embedding our company culture. You'll play a crucial role in facilitating the implementation of our operational excellence program and
leading the ongoing organizational and cultural transformation
.

What You Will Do

• Strategic HR Partnership & Change Management:

• Act as a trusted advisor to the Factory Director and the plant's leadership team, contributing to the overall business strategy and decision-making from an HR perspective.

• Lead and implement HR strategies to support significant organizational and cultural transformation initiatives within the factory, ensuring smooth transitions and employee buy-in.
• Champion a culture of continuous improvement, agility, and employee engagement.

• Lead internal communication within the plant, ensuring transparency and effective change management.

• Employee Relations & Social Dialogue:

• Build and maintain strong, constructive relationships with employee representatives (CSE) , leading negotiations and ensuring compliance with French labor law and collective bargaining agreements.
• Proactively manage and resolve employee relations issues, fostering a fair and respectful workplace.
• Talent Acquisition & Onboarding:
• Develop and execute recruitment strategies to attract and retain top talent for all factory roles (operatives, technicians, supervisors, etc.) in a competitive market.
• Design and implement effective onboarding programs, particularly for industrial profiles, to ensure successful integration and early engagement.
• Talent Management & Development:
• Implement performance management processes, ensuring fair and effective employee evaluations and development plans.
• Identify training and development needs, designing and delivering programs that enhance technical skills, leadership capabilities, and support the cultural transformation.
• Support career development and succession planning within the factory.
• HR Operations & Administration:
• Oversee HR administrative processes, ensuring compliance with local regulations and internal policies.
• Collaborate with H&S area to meet workplace safety standards, fostering a safe and compliant work environment.
• Partner with central HR functions (e.g., Compensation & Benefits, Talent Development) to ensure seamless service delivery.
• Manage HR data and analytics to provide insights for strategic decision-making.
• HR Leadership & Team Collaboration:
• Be an active and influential member of the factory's leadership team, representing HR in all strategic discussions.
• Collaborate effectively with the wider HR team, sharing best practices and contributing to group HR initiatives.

What We Are Looking For

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Psychology, or a related field.
• Minimum 8-10 years of progressive HR experience, with at least 3-5 years in a manufacturing or industrial environment.
• Proven experience in managing HR within contexts of significant organizational and cultural change .
• Strong expertise in Italian labor law and social dialogue with employee representatives (CSE) , with a track record of successful negotiation.
• Demonstrated ability to operate as a strategic HR Business Partner to senior leaders.
• Experience in talent acquisition, training & development, performance management, and employee relations.
• Fluent in Italian and English (written and spoken) is essential.

Skills & Competencies

• Strategic Thinking & Business Acumen: Ability to understand business priorities and translate them into effective HR strategies.
• Transformational Leadership: Strong ability to inspire, influence, and guide employees and leaders through periods of change.
• Communication & Influence: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Negotiation & Conflict Resolution: Proven ability to navigate complex situations and achieve mutually beneficial outcomes, especially with employee representatives.
• Emotional Intelligence & Empathy: Strong interpersonal skills, with the capacity to build trust and rapport across the organization.
• Analytical & Problem-Solving: Data-driven approach to identify HR trends and develop effective solutions.
• Resilience & Adaptability: Thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

What we offer

• Discount on Amazon products
• Affinity University platform: Professional development opportunities for employees at different stages of their career, recognising different career paths.
• Celebration and fun

If you don't meet all the requirements, don't worry. We value diverse backgrounds and encourage you to apply anyway. Your application will be thoughtfully reviewed

We cultivate an inclusive culture that celebrates diversity. We firmly believe that embracing a variety of perspectives is essential to the success of our company and the strength of our team. That is why we are committed to providing equal opportunities for all.

Our company

Affinity Petcare is much more than an international petfood company. For over 60 years we have been dedicated to nurturing healthy bonds between dogs, cats and people to make the world a better place.

We are very proud of our innovative brands, including Ultima, Advance, Brekkies, Nature's Variety, Nature's Menu, Natural Trainer, Libra and others. Currently, we have more than 1,200 professionals working with this purpose from Barcelona, Paris, Milan and London, as well as 4 production sites with which we supply the more than 70 countries where our brands are present.

So, what are you waiting for? Join our team to make your mark

Want to know more about us?

Follow us on LinkedIn for the latest updates and job opportunities. You can also follow us on Instagram @affinitycareers to find out more about life at Affinity and hear stories from our team.