Sims Metal (Sims) is a global leader in metal recycling. With facilities across the globe, Sims plays an intrinsic role in the circular economy by making resources available for future use. As a responsible corporate citizen, we continuously seek new ways to broaden our participation in the environmental sector, ensuring that our future is as bright, safe, and secure as at any time in our long history.

Human Resources Manager – Northeast Region

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Human Resources Manager to lead HR operations across our Northeast Region, including Northern New Jersey, New York City, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Eastern Pennsylvania, and Upstate New York.

The Human Resources Manager serves as a strategic business partner responsible for the administration and execution of all Human Resources functions within the region. This role oversees employee relations, labor relations, policy administration, compliance, talent development, and employee engagement initiatives while partnering closely with Talent Acquisition, Payroll, Benefits, and Labor Relations teams.

The ideal candidate will have strong experience in employee and labor relations, a solid understanding of employment law, and the ability to effectively support leaders and employees in a fast-paced, unionized environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Administer and execute HR programs including compensation, benefits, leave administration, performance management, employee relations, disciplinary actions, investigations, training, recognition programs, and talent development.

• Serve as a trusted advisor to managers and employees, providing guidance on employee relations matters and workplace concerns.

• Partner with Talent Acquisition to support onboarding and integration of exempt, non-exempt, and temporary employees.

• Collaborate with Payroll and Benefits teams to ensure efficient processing and support for assigned employee groups.

• Coach and support managers through performance management, disciplinary actions, investigations, and employee separations.

• Conduct workplace investigations and recommend appropriate resolutions.

• Maintain compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws, regulations, and company policies.

• Work closely with Labor Relations to address grievances, support contract administration, and participate in collective bargaining negotiations.

• Build and maintain positive working relationships with union representatives and employees.

• Develop, coordinate, and facilitate HR-related training programs for managers and employees.

• Maintain HR records, organizational charts, employee directories, and departmental reporting.

• Analyze HR metrics and department initiatives, recommending process improvements and best practices.

• Stay informed of industry trends, employment law changes, and emerging HR technologies.

• Participate in administrative meetings and special projects as assigned.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field required.

 Experience

• Minimum of 5 years of Human Resources experience required.

• Experience supporting a unionized workforce strongly preferred.

• Experience handling employee relations investigations, labor relations, and performance management preferred.

 Skills & Competencies

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Bilingual English/Spanish highly preferred.

• Strong interpersonal, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills.

• Exceptional organizational and time management abilities.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.

• High level of professionalism, integrity, discretion, and confidentiality.

• Thorough knowledge of employment laws and HR best practices.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and HRIS systems.

• Ability to quickly learn new HR technologies and talent management platforms.

 Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.

• Regularly required to stand, use hands, and communicate effectively.

• Frequently required to sit, reach, and move throughout office and operational environments.

• Occasionally required to walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, or climb.

• Must be able to lift up to 10 pounds regularly and up to 30 pounds occasionally.

• Specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Core Competencies 

• Demonstrates self-awareness, empathy, professionalism, and the ability to build strong working relationships across all levels of the organization.
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic, complex, and evolving environment while effectively managing change and inspiring others through uncertainty. 
• Committed to operational excellence, innovation, and continuously improving processes, systems, and employee experiences.
• Consistently delivers high-quality results while demonstrating strong technical knowledge, efficiency, safety, and accountability. 

Why Join Us?

This is an exciting opportunity to play a critical role in supporting employees and leaders across a diverse multi-state region. You'll have the opportunity to influence workplace culture, drive employee engagement, support labor relations initiatives, and contribute to the continued success of a growing organization.

A career with Sims provides you with the opportunity to work with an organization whose goal is to be the world’s safest and most responsible recycling company. Our people achieve this by creating a zero-harm workplace, being exemplary members of the communities in which we operate, and being responsible stewards of the environment. We also offer competitive pay and a range of attractive benefits.

Sims is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We value the diversity of all of our employees and are committed to creating an inclusive working environment where everyone can contribute, advance on merit, and realize their full potential. Sims does not discriminate with regard to race, sex, religion, color, national origin, citizenship status, disability, age, marital or familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, housing status, source of income, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local laws. This applies to any employment decision, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.  qualified applicants with a disability in need of a reasonable accommodation may request such without fear of reprisal or discrimination. 

To achieve our purpose to create a world without waste to preserve our planet, we are guided by our Principles of Purpose: Be Safe + Well, Band Together, Be Accountable + Transparent, Consistently Innovate, Inspire with Purpose, Celebrate + Have Fun.