Senior Human Resources Generalist

Job Title: Senior Human Resources Generalist

Location: Lebanon, TN

Employment Type: Full-Time, Direct Hire

Salary: $53,800 - $89,400

POSITION SUMMARY:

We are seeking a skilled and motivated Senior Human Resources Generalist to join our Operations team at our Lebanon, Tennessee facility. This mid-career role is integral to supporting the full spectrum of human resources functions within a fast-paced, high-volume automotive manufacturing environment. The Senior HR Generalist will serve as a key resource for both management and associates, ensuring that HR policies, procedures, and programs are implemented effectively and consistently across the plant. Reporting to the Human Resources Manager, this individual will be responsible for fostering a positive workplace culture aligned with the company’s core values of collaboration, integrity, and continuous improvement.

The ideal candidate will hold a 4-year degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field, and will bring 5 to 7 years of progressive HR generalist experience, preferably within an automotive or manufacturing environment. Strong knowledge of employment law, HR best practices, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic, fast-paced setting are essential for success in this role.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Senior Human Resources Generalist will be responsible for a broad range of HR functions including, but not limited to, the following:

• Recruitment and Onboarding: Manage the full-cycle recruitment process for hourly and salaried positions, including job postings, candidate screening, interviewing, offer letters, and onboarding. Partner with department managers to identify staffing needs and develop effective talent acquisition strategies.
• Compliance and Policy Administration: Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations, including FMLA, ADA, EEOC, and OSHA requirements.
• Maintain and update HR policies and procedures in accordance with legal requirements and company standards.
• Benefits Administration: Administer employee benefits programs including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), and paid time off. Serve as a resource for associates regarding benefits enrollment, changes, and inquiries.
• Training and Development: Coordinate and facilitate new hire orientation, on-the-job training programs, and ongoing learning and development initiatives. Support the use of the company's learning management system to track and report on training completion.
• HRIS and Recordkeeping: Maintain accurate and up-to-date employee records in the HRIS system. Generate HR reports and metrics to support data-driven decision-making by plant leadership.
• Performance Management: Support the annual performance review process, including goal-setting, mid-year check-ins, and year-end evaluations. Coach managers on effective performance management techniques and documentation practices.
• Safety and Workers Compensation: Collaborate with the safety team to support workers compensation claims management, return-to-work programs, and workplace safety initiatives.
• HR Projects and Initiatives: Participate in and lead HR projects and continuous improvement initiatives that support the overall strategic goals of the Lebanon facility and the company as a whole.

REQUIRED SKILLS:

• Strong knowledge of federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations including FMLA, ADA, EEOC, and OSHA
• Proficiency in HRIS systems and HR reporting tools
• Full-cycle recruitment and talent acquisition expertise
• Employee relations and conflict resolution skills
• Benefits administration and open enrollment management
• Performance management and coaching capabilities
• Training and development program coordination
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Data analysis and HR metrics reporting
• Organizational and time management skills
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion
• Workers compensation and return-to-work program management
• Knowledge of automotive or manufacturing industry HR practices
• Workforce planning and organizational development skills
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships at all levels of the organization
• Problem-solving and critical thinking abilities
• Familiarity with learning management systems (LMS)
• Continuous improvement mindset aligned with lean manufacturing principles

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE:

• 5 to 7 years of progressive Human Resources Generalist experience
• Experience working in an automotive or manufacturing environment strongly preferred
• Demonstrated experience managing employee relations matters including investigations, disciplinary actions, and performance improvement plans
• Proven track record in full-cycle recruitment for both hourly and salaried positions
• Experience administering employee benefits programs including medical, dental, vision, and 401(k)
• Experience ensuring compliance with federal and state employment laws and regulations
• Experience supporting or leading HR projects and continuous improvement initiatives
• Experience maintaining and auditing employee records within an HRIS platform
• Experience coordinating and facilitating new hire orientation and onboarding programs
• Experience supporting performance management processes including annual reviews and goal-setting
• Experience collaborating with plant or operations leadership to support workforce planning activities
• Experience managing workers compensation claims and coordinating return-to-work programs
• Bachelor's degree (4-year degree) in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field required
• PHR or SHRM-CP certification preferred but not required
• Experience working in a multi-shift manufacturing facility is a plus

BENEFITS OVERVIEW:

• Competitive Wages and Comprehensive Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k) with Company contribution match, and up to 15 paid holidays annually, thanks to our generous holiday and holiday bridge schedule.
• Relocation Assistance: Our company offers comprehensive relocation assistance, including coverage for temporary housing and travel costs for salaried positions.
• Work-Life Balance: Many of our Associates have stayed with us for 25+ years! It takes a good work-life balance to make it that far. We support your personal and professional priorities as they impact your well-being.
• Growth Opportunities: Take your career to the next level through tuition reimbursement programs, on-the-job training, learning management systems, and advancement opportunities from within our organization.
• Learning and Development: We empower all our Associates — from entry-level to senior-level — with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in their current roles and beyond

About Spark Talent Acquisition:

Spark Talent Acquisition is a Michigan-headquartered recruiting and staffing company that connects great talent with great employers. We understand that building the right team is vital to success. Listening to our clients and creating customized workforce strategies is at the core of what we do. We pride ourselves in team development as it matches our purpose as an organization to help people grow.