Human Resources Generalist

The Human Resources Generalist will serve as the sole HR resource for a small, tight-knit organization of approximately 70–72 employees in Poway, CA. This 6‑month contract role offers high visibility and hands‑on ownership of the HR function, working closely with company leadership in a fast‑paced environment. The position focuses on full-cycle HR operations, ADP payroll processing, employee relations, leave and benefits administration, and support for company events and engagement initiatives. Job Title: Human Resources Generalist The Human Resources Generalist will serve as the sole HR resource for a small, tight-knit organization of approximately 70–72 employees in Poway, CA. This 6‑month contract role offers high visibility and hands‑on ownership of the HR function, working closely with company leadership in a fast‑paced environment. The position focuses on full-cycle HR operations, ADP payroll processing, employee relations, leave and benefits administration, and support for company events and engagement initiatives. Responsibilities Manage day‑to‑day HR operations, including hiring, onboarding, and terminations for a workforce of approximately 70–72 employees. Process payroll in ADP, ensuring accurate handling of commissions, mileage reimbursements, and expense components beyond basic hourly and salary pay. Administer leave of absence programs, benefits, and company policies, ensuring compliance with applicable regulations and internal standards. Serve as the primary HR point of contact for employees and leadership, providing guidance on HR policies, procedures, and employee relations matters. Handle employee relations issues independently, including conflict resolution, performance concerns, and workplace matters in a small company environment. Enforce company policies consistently and fairly, maintaining documentation and supporting leadership in HR‑related decision‑making. Recruit and manage the hiring process end to end, including job postings, screening, interviewing, and coordinating onboarding activities as needed. Support and coordinate company events and employee engagement initiatives, including planning a holiday meal and potential luncheons, while balancing day‑to‑day HR responsibilities. Maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive HR information with discretion in a close‑knit, fully onsite environment. Partner directly with company leadership on HR strategy, providing weekly updates and participating in regular HR meetings with ownership. Collaborate with leadership to refine HR processes, improve employee engagement, and support a professional, personable, and adaptable culture. Ensure accurate and timely completion of HR administrative tasks, including records management, benefits enrollment changes, and leave tracking. Operate as a solo HR resource without extensive oversight, demonstrating initiative, sound judgment, and the ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities. Essential Skills 3–7 years of experience in a Human Resources Generalist role, with more senior‑level experience preferred. Demonstrated experience handling the full range of HR generalist duties, including hiring, terminations, leave of absence administration, and benefits management. ADP payroll experience is required, with proven ability to process payroll that includes commissions, mileage reimbursements, and expense components. Strong employee relations background, with the ability to manage matters independently in a small company setting. Comfort operating as the sole HR resource, managing HR operations without extensive oversight or hand‑holding. Experience enforcing company policies and managing HR compliance‑related activities. Ability to work directly with ownership and senior leadership, including participation in regular HR strategy and update meetings. Professional, personable, and adaptable communication style, with a strong focus on culture and relationship‑building. Demonstrated ability to handle confidential information with discretion in a close‑knit environment. Additional Skills & Qualifications HR certification such as PHR, SHRM‑CP, or equivalent is preferred and may be considered in lieu of a degree. A college degree is a plus but not required; certification or equivalent experience is accepted. Experience with commission structures and their processing specifically through ADP is highly desirable. background in recruiting, including managing the hiring process from job posting through screening, interviewing, and onboarding. Ability to move quickly on open roles and manage urgent hiring needs in a small team environment. Experience with event and party planning, including organizing a holiday meal and company luncheons as part of the HR function. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, especially when balancing event planning with daily HR responsibilities. Demonstrated commitment to the HR profession and comfort working in a solo HR environment with high ownership. Ability to support employee engagement initiatives and contribute to a professional, agreeable, and adaptable company culture. Work Environment This role is fully onsite in Poway, CA, within a small organization of approximately 72 employees. The Human Resources Generalist will be the sole HR resource on site and will work closely with company leadership, including regular weekly HR meetings with ownership. The schedule runs Monday through Friday with a flexible early start between 6:00 AM and 7:30 AM, ending at 3:30 PM. The environment is fast‑paced, hands‑on, and highly visible, with direct access to decision‑makers and minimal bureaucracy, allowing for quick decision‑making and impactful contributions across the organization. The culture is professional, personable, agreeable, and adaptable, with a strong emphasis on collaboration and a small company feel. A background check and drug screen are required as part of the onboarding process. Job Type & Location This is a Contract position based out of Poway, CA. Pay And Benefits The pay range for this position is $33.00 - $38.00/hr. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre‑tax and Roth post‑tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long‑term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave) Workplace Type This is a fully onsite position in Poway,CA. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Aug 5, 2026. About Aston Carter Aston Carter provides world‑class corporate talent solutions to thousands of clients across the globe. Specialized in accounting, finance, human resources, talent acquisition, procurement, supply chain and select administrative professions, we extend the capabilities of industry‑leading companies. We draw on our deep recruiting expertise and expansive network to meet the evolving needs of our clients and talent community with agility and excellence. With offices across the U.S., Canada, Asia Pacific and Europe, Aston Carter serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® Platinum Award winner for both client and talent service. The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law. If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on click.appcast.io for other accommodation options. San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability. Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools. #J-18808-Ljbffr