Senior HR Generalist

Job Description

Job Description

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.

Essential Responsibilities:

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
• Conflict Resolution
• Employment Law
• Recruiting
• 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.