Kathi Knoll

Kathi Knoll currently serves as the Human Resources Business Partner for Manufacturing at Red Wing Shoe Co., where she leverages her extensive expertise to drive strategic HR initiatives that support the company's operational excellence. In this role, Kathi plays a pivotal part in fostering a positive labor relations environment, ensuring compliance with labor and employment laws, and facilitating effective communication between management and union representatives. Her deep understanding of union relations and contract interpretation enables her to navigate complex employee/labor issues with tact and professionalism, helping to resolve grievances efficiently and maintain a collaborative workplace culture.

Kathi's key projects often involve developing and implementing targeted recruiting strategies to attract top manufacturing talent, sourcing passive candidates, and creating training programs that enhance employee engagement and compliance. Her proficiency in investigation and conflict resolution ensures that employee concerns are addressed promptly and fairly, which is vital in a highly competitive manufacturing environment. She also provides guidance to supply chain leadership on employee relations, corrective actions, and policy adherence, fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.

With a strong foundation in organizational leadership, project management, and labor law, Kathi is adept at aligning HR practices with business objectives. Her expertise in SHRM standards and union management allows her to serve as a trusted advisor, helping Red Wing Shoe Co. maintain a productive, compliant, and engaged workforce. Her proactive approach and ability to build strong relationships across departments make her an invaluable asset in supporting the company's manufacturing operations and long-term growth.