Human Resource Specialist

Our client is seeking an experienced Human Resources Specialist to join their growing manufacturing team in Newaygo, Michigan . This is an excellent opportunity for an HR professional who enjoys being hands‑on, building strong employee relationships, and making a meaningful impact on workplace culture. In this role, you'll partner with leadership and employees across the organization to support recruiting, employee relations, compliance, benefits administration, payroll support, training, and performance management while helping foster a safe, engaged, and productive work environment. This position offers the opportunity to be a trusted HR resource in a fast‑paced manufacturing setting where your expertise will directly contribute to employee success, operational excellence, and continuous improvement. Key Responsibilities Talent Acquisition & Onboarding Coordinate full-cycle recruiting for hourly and salaried positions. Screen applicants, schedule interviews, and coordinate the hiring process. Conduct employment reference and background checks. Prepare offer letters and onboarding documentation. Lead new hire orientation and onboarding activities to ensure a positive employee experience. Employee Relations Serve as a trusted resource for employee questions, concerns, and HR guidance. Partner with supervisors on employee coaching, performance discussions, and disciplinary documentation. Assist in resolving workplace issues with professionalism, confidentiality, and fairness. Support employee engagement initiatives that strengthen workplace morale and retention. Human Resources Administration Maintain accurate employee personnel files and HRIS records. Process new hires, transfers, promotions, and separations. Ensure HR documentation complies with record‑retention requirements. Generate HR reports and workforce metrics to support leadership decision‑making. Benefits & Leave Administration Assist employees with benefit enrollment, changes, and general benefit questions. Coordinate FMLA, ADA accommodations, workers' compensation, unemployment claims, and other leave programs. Partner with benefit providers to ensure timely and accurate administration. Compliance Maintain compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws. Support OSHA recordkeeping requirements and workplace postings. Assist with wage and hour compliance initiatives. Participate in HR audits, policy reviews, and process improvements. Safeguard the confidentiality of employee information. Safety & Workplace Culture Champion a safety‑first culture throughout the organization. Participate in safety audits, inspections, and workplace observations.Assist with workplace incident investigations, documentation, and corrective action plans. Monitor compliance with safety policies, required training, and PPE requirements. Support safety training initiatives and maintain required documentation. Participate in Safety Committee meetings and continuous improvement efforts. Assist with return‑to‑work programs and workplace accommodations. Encourage employee engagement through open communication and proactive hazard reporting. Training & Development Coordinate employee training and orientation programs. Support the performance evaluation process. Maintain employee training records. Assist with leadership development and employee growth initiatives. Payroll Support Review employee timekeeping records for accuracy. Assist with payroll processing, including overtime, PTO, shift differentials, and payroll adjustments. Administer the company's Earned Sick Time (EST) program, ensuring accurate tracking and regulatory compliance. Investigate payroll discrepancies and respond to employee payroll questions. Coordinate with payroll providers and internal teams to ensure timely and accurate payroll processing. Additional Responsibilities Support employee recognition programs and company events. Assist with HR policy development and implementation.Participate in continuous improvement initiatives. Perform additional HR‑related duties as assigned. Qualifications Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field preferred. Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered. Two to five years of Human Resources experience preferred. Manufacturing experience strongly preferred. Experience supporting an hourly manufacturing workforce is highly desirable. Strong understanding of employment law, OSHA regulations, and HR best practices. Experience with HRIS and payroll systems preferred. Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and Outlook). Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills. Strong problem‑solving, coaching, and conflict‑resolution abilities. Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment. Demonstrated ability to maintain strict confidentiality. Preferred Certifications SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM‑CP) Professional in Human Resources (PHR) Physical Requirements Ability to sit, stand, and walk throughout both office and manufacturing environments. Ability to occasionally lift up to 25 pounds. Ability to regularly enter production areas while wearing required personal protective equipment (PPE). This position is primarily office‑based but requires frequent interaction with employees throughout the manufacturing facility. Appropriate PPE is required when entering production areas. Why Consider This Opportunity Direct hire opportunity with long‑term career potential. Collaborative and team‑oriented manufacturing environment. Opportunity to influence workplace culture and employee engagement. Diverse HR responsibilities with opportunities for professional growth. Visible role partnering closely with leadership and employees across the organization. Titles Encouraged to Apply Human Resources Representative HR Business Partner Talent Acquisition & HR Generalist Employee Relations Specialist Human Resources Specialist #J-18808-Ljbffr