Benjamin W. Towne

About Benjamin W. Towne

I am an accomplished Human Resources professional with over 13 years of professional experience in the public and private sector. I consider myself to be proficient in several aspects of human resources practices including benefits administration, employee and union relations, learning and development, performance management, and talent acquisition. I also maintain intermediate level user knowledge of ADP Workforce Now, Cornerstone LMS, SAP Success Factors HRIS, Vizio, R, R Studio, and project management principles. In 2010, I graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from SUNY Brockport in History and Political Science. In 2012, I received a Master of Public Administration degree from Marist College with a concentration in Public Management. I also passed the Professional in Human Resources (PHR) certification exam in June 2017 scoring in the top percentile in 4 of 6 functional areas.In August 2020, I enrolled in the Master of Business Administration program at St. Bonaventure University. I completed the MBA program in August 2022.

Experience

1. Human Resources Manager

   Saint-Gobain North America

   Aug 2024 — Present · Watervliet, NY, US

   Currently serving as the Human Resources Manager for a manufacturing facility, collaborating closely with the site leadership team to implement HR programs, enhance employee engagement, and drive business outcomes while managing all site-level HR functions.Key responsibilities include developing, implementing, and overseeing company initiatives and policies; educating leaders on legal and policy requirements; fostering a positive workplace culture; and managing performance processes such as annual reviews and disciplinary actions. I am responsible for recruiting and staffing, ensuring effective candidate sourcing and hiring, and supporting compensation processes including payroll and incentive programs. I also lead the development of training procedures and documentation.Compliance with employment regulations and union contracts is a core focus of the role, encompassing grievance management and participation in contract negotiations. Additionally, I contribute to World Class Manufacturing (WCM) and Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) initiatives and provide support to other sites and HR professionals as needed.As a member of the site management team, I report directly to the Senior Human Resources Business Partner in Worcester, MA, as well as to the local Site General Manager.In December 2025, I assumed additional HR management responsibilities for the Poestenkill, NY plant, a medical sciences manufacturing facility with approximately 40 employees, providing full-spectrum HR leadership and support.

Education

• Mayfield Central Jr.-Sr. High School

  Regents Diploma

• SUNY Brockport

  B.S, History; Education; Minor: Political Science; Coaching Athletics

• Nazareth University

  B.S., History; Education; Minor: Political Science

• St. Bonaventure University

  Master of Business Administration - MBA, Business Analytics

• Marist University

  Master of Public Administration - MPA, Public Management