Reports To: Plant Manager

Department: Human Resources

Job Summary: We are seeking an experienced and strategic Human Resources Manager to partner with the Plant Manager and leadership team in building the organizational foundation for a new Rare Earth/ Critical Minerals production facility at our brownfield site in Marion, Indiana. This role will play a pivotal part in supporting rapid scale-up by establishing HR infrastructure, creating job descriptions, driving recruitment and onboarding for both salaried and hourly positions, and transitioning into full day-to-day HR leadership as the facility ramps up operations over the next 6–12 months. The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader with prior HR Manager experience who thrives in a dynamic, fast-paced environment and is excited by the opportunity to build HR systems from the ground up in a growing manufacturing operation.

Key Responsibilities

• Partner closely with the Plant Manager and operations/technical teams to design the organizational structure, define roles, and create comprehensive job descriptions for new positions across salary and hourly levels.
• Lead full-cycle recruitment efforts, including sourcing, screening, interviewing, and selection of candidates for technical, operational, professional, and hourly manufacturing roles.
• Manage the employee onboarding process, including orientation programs, training coordination, and     ensuring a smooth integration into the company culture and safety standards.
• Develop and implement HR policies, procedures, and best practices aligned with business needs, regulatory requirements, and company values.
• Support employee relations, performance management, compensation planning, benefits administration, and compliance with federal, state (Indiana), and local employment laws.
• Collaborate with leadership on workforce planning, talent development, training initiatives, and retention strategies to support facility scale-up and long-term operations.
• Oversee HR administration, including personnel records, payroll coordination (as applicable), leave     management, and reporting.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to managers and employees on HR matters, fostering a positive, safe, and     compliant work environment.
• As the facility ramps up, expand scope to include day-to-day HR operations, employee engagement, diversity     initiatives, and continuous improvement of HR programs.
• Stay current on labor laws, industry trends, and best practices in manufacturing/chemical sector HR.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Organizational Psychology, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• 5+ years of progressive HR experience, with at least 2 years in an HR Manager or equivalent leadership role.
• Proven experience in recruitment, job description development, onboarding, and building HR processes in a     manufacturing or industrial setting.
• Strong knowledge of employment law, compliance, and HR best practices (e.g., EEOC, FLSA, FMLA, OSHA     coordination).
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills with the ability to influence and partner effectively at all levels.
• Self-motivated, organized, and comfortable operating in a fast-paced, ambiguous startup-like environment     with evolving priorities.
• Proficiency in HRIS systems, Microsoft Office Suite, and applicant tracking tools.

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional HR certifications such as SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or SPHR.
• Experience in chemical manufacturing, critical minerals, or other process industries with technical hiring needs.
• Background supporting greenfield/brownfield facility startups or rapid organizational scaling.
• Familiarity with Indiana-specific employment regulations and union-free environments.

What We Offer

• Competitive compensation package with performance incentives and growth opportunities in a high-potential     critical minerals company.
• The chance to build and lead the HR function from early development through full-scale operations.
• Dynamic, entrepreneurial culture with direct impact on company success and employee experience.
• Comprehensive benefits including health, retirement, and professional development support.

This role is ideal for an HR professional eager to take ownership in a transformative industrial project with significant career upside.