Overview:
The HR Manager leads the Human Resources function for Novia Corporation, with responsibility for the full scope of HR across our Salem and Manchester, NH operations. This is a hands-on role: the HR Manager owns the department's programs and priorities, executes the day-to-day work, and serves as a trusted business partner to the Finance Director, the senior leadership team, and associates at every level. The HR Manager is accountable for building and sustaining a positive, high-performing workplace culture while maintaining progressive, compliant policies and practices. The role begins without direct reports. As Novia continues to grow, the HR Manager is expected to scale the function accordingly — adding structure, building and leading a small HR team, and taking on multi-site responsibility as additional locations join the business.
Essential Duties include, but not limited to:
Function Leadership & Department Ownership
Own the HR function end to end — setting annual goals and priorities aligned to business objectives and reporting progress to the Finance Director and leadership team
Own the HR department budget, including headcount, training spend, recruiting costs, and vendor and broker relationships
Serve as the primary HR decision-maker for day-to-day matters, escalating only what genuinely requires Finance Director or leadership involvement
Build HR processes and documentation that scale with the business and reduce single-point-of-failure risk
Represent HR in leadership meetings and contribute to broader operational and strategic discussions
Recruit, onboard, and lead HR staff as the function grows; extend HR support and consistent practices to additional sites as they join the business
Talent Acquisition & Workforce Planning
Own the full-cycle recruiting process across both sites, for salaried and hourly production roles
Partner with department managers on workforce planning, including shift staffing and coverage requirements
Maintain Applicant Tracking Systems (via Indeed & Dayforce) and continuously improve time-to-fill and quality of hire
Own the onboarding process end to end, including all paperwork, drug & background screening, and new hire orientation
Monitor the 90-day evaluation period in coordination with department managers
Develop and maintain the employer brand and recruiting collateral to strengthen Novia's position in a competitive labor market
Employee Relations & Performance
Own employee relations across the organization, including investigations, coaching sessions, corrective action, and terminations
Advise and coach managers and supervisors on performance management, documentation, and difficult conversations
Drive the annual performance review and merit increase cycle, including calibration across departments
Lead succession planning and associate development, identifying key roles and building bench strength
Maintain an open-door policy and a visible presence on the floor at both sites
Act as an advocate for associates, balancing associate interests with business needs
Compensation, Benefits & Payroll
Own the compensation structure, including job descriptions, salary bands, and regular market compensation analysis
Ensure payroll is processed accurately and on time each week; serve as the escalation point for payroll issues
Facilitate benefits administration, including end-of-year open enrollment activities and ongoing carrier and broker management
Partner with Finance on headcount planning, labor cost analysis, and annual budget preparation
Complete weekly and monthly reporting within the corporation and up to Hill & Smith Holdings, PLC
Compliance & Risk
Own HR compliance across all locations, including multi-state employment law obligations
Monitor Federal and State laws and update Novia policies and practices accordingly
Maintain the employee handbook and update policies as needed
Conduct record audits and mandatory reporting, including I-9 audits, EEO-1 filings, state filings, payroll…