Senior HR Generalist

Senior HR Generalist Full Time Mishawaka, IN, US Salary Range: $75,000.00 To $85,000.00 Annually Job Title: Senior People & Engagement Generalist Location: Mishawaka, IN Department: People & Engagement Job Type: Exempt About United Petfood: United Petfood is a private label producer of high-quality dry & wet pet food, biscuits and snacks. We are a Belgian family business with 25 high-tech pet kitchens in Europe and the US. Joining us, means joining an international, passionate and driven team with one common goal: a healthy planet filled with healthy pets! But it doesn’t stop there: we truly care about building encouraging, supportive, long-lasting partnerships, both inside as well as outside of our fast-growing family company. By only working with the very best ingredients and most innovative technology available, we ensure a spot in which you can grow, bloom and make thousands of pets happy worldwide! Position Summary: The Senior People & Engagement Generalist serves as the primary People & Engagement representative for the assigned manufacturing facility. This position is responsible for independently managing the day-to-day People & Engagement operations while partnering closely with plant leadership to support business objectives and create a positive employee experience. This role provides leadership in recruiting, onboarding, employee relations, performance management, compliance, engagement, training, and workforce development. The Senior People & Engagement Generalist exercises sound judgment in managing routine People & Engagement matters while collaborating with the People & Engagement Manager on complex employee relations issues, disciplinary actions, organizational changes, and other high-impact business decisions. This position plays a critical role in maintaining a culture built on accountability, respect, engagement, and continuous improvement. Talent Acquisition & Onboarding Manage full-cycle recruiting for hourly and salaried positions. Coordinate interviews, background checks, offers, and onboarding activities. Facilitate New Hire Orientation and ensure successful onboarding. Maintain staffing levels by partnering with department leaders. Build relationships with staffing agencies, schools, and community organizations. Employee Relations Serve as the primary People & Engagement contact for employees and supervisors. Coach leaders through performance management and employee concerns. Conduct workplace investigations and recommend appropriate resolutions. Resolve employee issues in a fair, timely, and consistent manner. Foster a positive workplace culture through open communication and trust. Escalate complex employee relations matters and disciplinary recommendations to the People & Engagement Manager. Performance Management Support leaders with coaching, documentation, and performance improvement. Coordinate performance review processes and development conversations. Promote accountability while recognizing employee achievements. Compliance Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws. Maintain accurate employee files and HRIS records. Ensure policies and procedures are consistently administered. Assist with audits and compliance reporting. Employee Engagement Plan employee appreciation events and recognition programs. Coordinate communication initiatives that strengthen engagement. Support retention strategies and employee wellness initiatives. Encourage employee feedback and continuous improvement. Leadership Partnership Partner with site leadership to support operational goals. Provide guidance on People & Engagement policies and best practices. Analyze workforce trends and recommend improvements. Support organizational change initiatives. Safety & Training Coordinate onboarding and required compliance training. Partner with Environmental Health & Safety to support safety initiatives. Promote a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement. Qualifications: Required Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field (or equivalent experience). Minimum of 5 years of progressive Human Resources experience. Manufacturing, food production, distribution, or industrial experience preferred. Strong knowledge of federal and state employment laws. Experience conducting investigations and managing employee relations. Experience with recruiting and onboarding. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to influence leaders and build strong working relationships. High level of integrity and confidentiality. Excellent organizational and time management skills. Experience using HRIS systems and Microsoft Office. Preferred SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or SPHR certification. Multi-site manufacturing experience. Experience supporting hourly workforces in a 24/7 manufacturing environment. Core Competencies Employee Relations Leadership Coaching Employment Law Performance Management Communication Business Partnership Problem Solving Organization & Planning Confidentiality Change Management Physical Requirements Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, and move throughout the manufacturing facility. Ability to travel occasionally between company locations and attend off-site meetings. Ability to work in an environment with exposure to production noise, dust, and varying temperatures. Our Values in Action We Aim Higher – Deliver quality and efficiency on every pallet; continuously look for ways to improve our processes. We Make It Work – Solve problems quickly and keep production moving; flexibility and a hands-on mentality are key. We Grow United – Collaborate with your team and support colleagues to achieve shared goals. We Do What’s Right – Follow safety, quality, and operational standards; act responsibly in all tasks. We Thrive on Passion – Bring energy, care for animals, and dedication to producing top-quality pet food. Equal Opportunity Employer: United Petfood Producers USA Inc. is an equal opportunity workplace. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. #J-18808-Ljbffr