Human Resource Generalist

The Human Resources Generalist is responsible for supporting day-to-day human resources operations and providing professional HR support across multiple functional areas. This role serves as a key partner to managers and employees by supporting payroll administration, employee relations, leave of absence management, unemployment claims, onboarding, compliance, and general HR administration.

The HR Generalist works closely with supervisors and leadership to promote employee engagement, policy compliance, consistent people practices, and a positive workplace culture. This position requires strong communication skills, sound judgment, attention to detail, and the ability to manage confidential information with professionalism and discretion.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Employee Relations & Manager Support

• Serve as a resource to employees and managers regarding HR policies, procedures, and employee concerns.
• Partner with managers and supervisors to provide coaching and guidance on employee performance, attendance, conduct, and workplace issues.
• Assist with conflict resolution, investigations, corrective actions, and documentation.
• Support employee engagement initiatives and promote a positive work environment.
• Ensure consistent application of company policies and practices.

Payroll Administration

• Process and support payroll activities accurately and timely.
• Review employee timecards, attendance records, and payroll changes for accuracy.
• Coordinate with managers to ensure approvals and corrections are completed prior to payroll processing.
• Assist employees with payroll-related questions and resolve discrepancies.
• Maintain payroll records and support audits as needed.

Leave of Absence & Unemployment Administration

• Administer employee leave programs including FMLA, personal leave, disability, and other applicable leave programs.
• Track leave documentation, approvals, and employee communications.
• Coordinate return-to-work processes and ensure compliance with company policy and applicable laws.
• Manage unemployment claims, responses, hearings, and related documentation.
• Maintain accurate and confidential leave and unemployment records.

Recruitment & Onboarding

• Support recruiting activities including posting positions, scheduling interviews, and coordinating candidate communications.
• Assist with onboarding and orientation processes for new hires.
• Prepare new hire paperwork and ensure completion of required employment documentation.
• Coordinate pre-employment activities including background checks and onboarding requirements.
• Help create a positive onboarding experience for new employees.

HR Administration & Compliance

• Maintain employee files, HRIS records, and confidential documentation in compliance with company policies and legal requirements.
• Assist with implementation and communication of HR policies, procedures, and programs.
• Support compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.
• Prepare HR reports, metrics, and documentation as requested.
• Assist with audits, record retention, and compliance activities.
• Support benefit administration activities including enrollments, employee questions, and open enrollment coordination.

Training & Organizational Support

• Support training initiatives and employee development activities.
• Assist managers with performance management processes and documentation.
• Participate in HR projects and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support employee communication programs and HR-related events.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years of Human Resources experience in a Generalist or related HR role preferred.
• Experience with payroll processing, employee relations, leave administration, and HR compliance strongly preferred.
• Experience in a manufacturing environment preferred.
• HR certification (SHRM-CP, PHR, or equivalent) preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong understanding of HR principles, employment laws, and HR best practices.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with professionalism and discretion.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and conflict resolution skills.
• Ability to build effective working relationships with employees at all levels of the organization.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Detail-oriented with strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and HRIS/payroll systems.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.