Business Partner

Job Summary

The People Business Partner (PBP) partners with manufacturing and operations leaders across multiple Southeast facilities to deliver people strategies that support operational effectiveness and workforce stability. Reporting to the Director of People Operations, this role focuses on policies and procedures, compliance, performance management, people metrics, compensation support, employee relations, HR systems integrity, leave administration support, and employee engagement in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

• Partner with operations and plant leadership to align people strategies with workforce needs, succession planning, and operational priorities
• Serve as a trusted advisor across multiple manufacturing sites, providing data-driven insights and recommendations
• Develop, implement, and ensure consistent application of people policies, procedures, and employment practices
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and support internal and external audits
• Lead performance management processes, including coaching leaders on feedback, documentation, and corrective action
• Support compensation programs, merit cycles, job evaluations, and incentive plans in partnership with operational leaders, Finance and the People Team
• Manage employee relations matters, investigations, and conflict resolution with fairness, consistency, and thorough documentation
• Maintain data integrity across HRIS and ERP systems and support reporting, audits, and system enhancements
• Provide guidance on leave administration (FMLA, ADA, military leave, etc.) and support complex leave situations
• Support employee engagement initiatives, culture improvement, and retention efforts
• Track, analyze, and report key people metrics such as turnover, absenteeism, performance, and engagement to drive continuous improvement

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience
• 5+ years of HR or People Operations experience, preferably in a manufacturing or industrial environment

• HR certification (PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, or SHRM-SCP)
• Experience supporting audits, compliance reviews, or regulated manufacturing environments
• Strong analytical skills with experience using people data and metrics
• Experience partnering closely with plant and operations leadership

• Experience supporting multi-site, hourly and salaried work forces
• Strong working knowledge of employment law, compliance, and employee relations
• Experience working with HRIS and ERP systems
• Willingness to travel regularly between sites in the region

• Upholds Safety and Quality Standards
• Embodies Team Spirit
• Relentless Customer Focus
• Conveys Integrity, Trust, and Professionalism
• Executes with Excellence and Velocity

• Occasional travel between the Ladson, Goose Creek and Yonges Island locations required

• May require standing, walking, or front desk coverage for extended periods
• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer
• Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds at times (e.g., files, office supplies, etc)
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with production team members, leadership, and visitors, both verbally and in writing
• Occasionally required to stand, walk, bend, or reach within the office setting

• On-site role in a manufacturing facility, regular work environment will be in an office setting
• When on manufacturing floor, possible exposure to moving mechanical parts and airborne particles. Eye protection is required. Fumes, machine vibration, noisy conditions, high temperatures, and occasional potential to a restricted space work area possible
• All Keel locations are tobacco free where appropriate

Keel provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all team members and applicants for employment without regard to race, including traits historically associated with race such as hair texture and protective hairstyles, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender…