Senior Human Resources Manager

Job Type: Location Type: Remote: open to residents of any country

 

Human Resources Manager

Location: Onsite – Oceanside and Carlsbad, CA

Company: Hydranautics and Kinovate Life Sciences (A Nitto Group Company)

Hydranautics, a global leader in advanced membrane technologies and part of the worldwide Nitto Group, is seeking a strategic and globally minded Human Resources Manager to guide HR operations across two U.S. sites while partnering closely with our corporate teams in New Jersey and Japan. This is a rare opportunity to shape HR strategy within a truly international organization-one that values innovation, sustainability, and cross-cultural collaboration.

If you thrive in a dynamic environment, enjoy building strong relationships across borders, and want to influence both local and global HR initiatives, this role offers a uniquely impactful career path.

Why Hydranautics?

As part of the Nitto Group, Hydranautics is at the forefront of water treatment innovation-delivering reverse osmosis, nanofiltration, ultrafiltration, and microfiltration solutions used on all seven continents. Our technologies support seawater desalination, industrial high-purity water, wastewater treatment, and specialty process applications.

We believe diversity fuels creativity and competitive advantage. We proudly maintain a Drug-Free, E-Verify, and EEO workplace and offer a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, FSA/HSA options, 401(k) and Roth plans, 12 paid holidays, generous PTO, tuition reimbursement, career development programs, and more.

About the Role

You will design, implement, and oversee tactical HR programs and processes across two U.S. sites while serving as a key liaison to Nitto HR teams in New Jersey and Japan. This role requires frequent participation in global audits, and alignment with Nitto’s HR philosophies and business practices.

This is a hands-on leadership role with responsibility for a high-performing HR team and a broad portfolio of HR functions including talent management, workforce planning, compensation & benefits, employee relations, change management, and compliance.

Key Responsibilities

Tactical Leadership & Collaboration

• Lead HR operations across two U.S. sites.
• Participate in audits (JSOX, NIMS, CLC, NIMS.)
• Develop and execute HR processes aligned with both local business needs and Nitto’s global direction.

Team Leadership

• Provide day-to-day leadership to HR staff, including hiring, coaching, mentoring, performance management, and professional development.
• Oversee departmental budgeting and ensure effective fiscal management.

Talent & Organizational Development

• Drive workforce planning, succession planning, and organizational design initiatives.
• Champion recruitment excellence.
• Guide performance management, employee relations, conflict resolution, and change management efforts.

Compensation

• Design and implement compensation, including incentive plans.

Compliance & HR Operations

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws.
• Oversee HR policies, reporting, audits, and continuous improvement of HR systems and processes.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Benefits and Leaves of Absence Specialist
• Recruiter
• HRIS Analyst

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, HR, or related field; or equivalent experience.
• 10+ years of HR experience with at least 5 years in HR management.
• Experience in manufacturing and foreign-owned companies strongly preferred.
• Experience working with Japanese corporate entities is a significant plus.

Skills & Competencies

• Deep expertise in HR strategy, employment law, talent management, and HR technology.
• Strong leadership, communication, and cross-cultural collaboration skills.
• Ability to navigate complex issues, analyze data, and drive solutions.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, HRIS platforms (ADPWFN, SAP, SuccessFactors), and benefits systems.
• Bilingual or multilingual capabilities (especially languages used within the Nitto Group) are a plus.

Certifications

• SPHR or SHRM-SCP strongly preferred.
• CCP certification is a plus.

Join a Global Team Making a Global Impact

This role is ideal for a seasoned HR leader who wants to operate on an international stage, influence global HR strategy, and support teams across cultures and continents. If you’re ready to bring your expertise to a mission-driven organization shaping the future of water treatment, we’d love to hear from you.