Human Resource Generalist

Human Resources Generalist

The HR Generalist is responsible for supporting the full range of Human Resources functions in a union setting. This position serves as a trusted HR resource to plant leadership, supervisors, managers, union employees, and union representatives.

The HR Generalist provides day-to-day HR support across employee and labor relations, recruitment, onboarding, benefits, payroll coordination, attendance, performance management, training, compliance, investigations, employee engagement, and HR administration.

This position requires a strong understanding of HR needs in a manufacturing environment, including hourly production employees, multiple shifts, overtime, attendance requirements, workplace safety, food safety, and the administration of a collective bargaining agreement (CBA).

Essential Responsibilities

• Serve as a primary HR contact for non-union and union employees & representatives, while partnering with plant management to maintain a safe and productive labor-management relationship.
• Assist with grievance administration, including researching facts, documenting issues, preparing responses, and tracking grievances through resolution.
• Coordinate recruitment and hiring of hourly and salaried employees.
• Post positions, review applications, conduct interviews, coordinate testing, and facilitate the selection process.
• Coordinate and conduct new employee orientation and onboarding.
• Ensure new employees understand workplace expectations, benefits, policies, and applicable union requirements.
• Monitor attendance and provide guidance to supervisors regarding attendance issues and applicable CBA provisions correctly and consistently.
• Assist with administration of FMLA, ADA accommodations, workers' compensation leave, and other applicable leaves in coordination with the appropriate HR resources or third-party administrators and the corporate office.
• Assist employees with benefit enrollment, changes, and general benefit questions.
• Coach supervisors on documenting performance issues and providing effective feedback.
• Maintain accurate training records and documentation.
• Support compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.
• Partner with the management team to support compliance with company policies, food safety requirements, GMPs, sanitation requirements, and other plant standards.
• May be required to work outside of normal business hours at times, this may include travel which is reimbursed by the company
• Other duties as assigned

Required

• 1-3 years of HR or administrative experience, preferably in manufacturing or another hourly workforce environment.
• Working knowledge of basic employment laws and HR practices.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment.
• Ability to work effectively with employees, supervisors, management, and union representatives.
• Strong documentation and investigative skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and HRIS/timekeeping systems.

Preferred

• Post secondary degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Industrial Relations, or a related field; or equivalent HR experience.
• Experience working in a unionized manufacturing environment.
• Experience working with a collective bargaining agreement.
• Experience with FMLA, ADA accommodations, workers' compensation, and other leave administration.
• PHR, SHRM-CP, or similar HR certification.
• Experience in dairy, food processing, beverage, or other regulated manufacturing environments.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong understanding of HR fundamentals and employee relations.
• Ability to interpret and apply a collective bargaining agreement.
• Strong conflict-resolution and negotiation skills.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with employees from diverse backgrounds and experience levels.
• Ability to establish trust and credibility with both employees and management.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

• Will typically in an office setting but will at times need to visit the plant floor and production areas where there can be loud noise which may cause the worker to shout in order to be heard above the ambient noise level. There is exposure to a variety of physical conditions such as proximity to moving mechanical parts, electrical current, and exposure to heat/cold temperature changes. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be required to sit, stand, or walk for prolonged periods of time. The employee is required to use hands and fingers to operate, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls and reach with hands and arms on a repetitive basis. The employee must be able to lift, push, pull, and move up to 50 pounds. All jobs require visual acuity to review written documentations; ability to hear and understand speech.

Prairie Farms is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law