Generalist, Human Resources

Human Resources Generalist

Based in our Corporate Headquarters in Schaumburg, IL, Mizkan America is a subsidiary of the Mizkan Group, a global, family-owned company that has been Bringing Flavor to Life™ for over 220 years. As one of the leading makers of vinegars, condiments, and sauces in the United States, Mizkan America maintains 12 manufacturing facilities that serve the retail, foodservice, specialty-Asian and food-ingredient trade channels. We are committed to following our two core principles: continuously challenging the status quo and delivering only the finest products for our customers. Our leadership seeks out, embraces, and implements ideas for improvement from all of its employees.

Transparency and accountability are two key factors that drive our company's overall management approach.

We are looking for people who are seeking to deliver their best so that we can deliver ours. Above all, we're dedicated to maximizing the potential of our greatest assets—our team members. That's reflected in our ongoing commitment to recruit, develop, reward, and retain our talented, multicultural workforce. We hope to see you as part of our team's future success!

Work Location: Owensboro, KY

What You'll Do

The Human Resources Generalist is a key member of the Owensboro HR team, supporting more than 400 employees in a fast-paced, on-site manufacturing environment. This role is ideal for an HR professional who enjoys variety, problem solving, employee interaction, and partnering with leaders to create a positive, compliant, and high-performing workplace. This role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a large, people-focused manufacturing environment. You will partner closely with employees, supervisors, plant leadership, and corporate HR while building strong experience across employee relations, recruiting, benefits, leave administration, compliance, engagement, and HR operations. The successful candidate will bring strong judgment, attention to detail, a customer-focused mindset, and the flexibility to support occasional off-shift needs.

Essential Functions:

• Perform all duties and responsibilities in accordance with Mizkan America safety policies, OSHA regulations, GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices), and SOP (Standard Operating Procedures).
• Serve as a visible and approachable HR resource for employee inquiries, concerns, conflict resolutions and escalate complex HR issues to the HR Manager.
• Conduct investigations regarding employee complaints, performance, or disciplinary matters in collaboration with the HR Manager.
• Act as HR Liaison to managers, supervisors, and other members of leadership providing coaching and guidance.
• Manage full-cycle recruiting for salaried positions, including requisitions, candidate screening, interviews, selection support, and offer preparation; assist with hourly recruiting as needed.
• Support a strong new-hire experience through HRIS entry, onboarding coordination, orientation support, and timely completion of required documentation.
• Manage termination processes, exit procedures, unemployment claims, and related system updates.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for employee benefits questions, enrollment support, open enrollment activities, wellness programs, and health screening initiatives.
• Coordinate FMLA, leave of absence, and ADA accommodation processes, including documentation, wage sheets and timecard entries.
• Support payroll processes, timekeeping audits, missed punch review, meal compliance, and payroll administration backup needs.
• Create, update, and maintain job descriptions to support accurate, compliant and competitive role documentation.
• Ensure plant level compliance with company policies, employment laws, and assist in preparation for audits and internal reviews.
• Support HR initiatives and cross-functional projects by assisting with rollouts and offering process improvement feedback.
• Perform other duties assigned that support the overall success of the team, department, or organization. This may include participating in cross-functional initiatives, contributing to process improvements, or assisting with special projects as needed.
• This list is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed. This is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities required for this role.
• Regular, predictable, in-person attendance on the business days the Company requires in-person attendance at this facility. (In-person attendance is optional on the other workdays.) For non-required-in-person attendance days, employees are expected to be present and engaged during the designated work hours for this role.

What You Bring - Skills/Competencies

• Strong knowledge of core HR processes, including employee relations, onboarding, HRIS transactions, benefits, and leave administration
• High level of professionalism and discretion in handling confidential information
• Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage competing priorities, deadlines, and frequent interruptions.
• Strong attention to detail in data entry, reporting, and compliance documentation
• Effective written and verbal communication skills across all levels of the organization
• Customer-focused and approachable style with the confidence to engage employees and leaders
• Problem-solving mindset with the ability to assess issues and recommend practical solutions
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook)
• Ability to follow standardized processes, templates, and regulatory requirements while adapting to changing business needs.
• Learning agility, flexibility, and a willingness to support shifting priorities in a plant environment.

Education/Experience/Qualifications/Certifications:

• Bachelor's degree with 3–5 years of HR experience, OR
• Master's degree in HR or related field with 2+ years of experience, OR
• 7+ years of progressive HR experience
• Equivalent combination of education and experience
• Experience with HRIS platforms; Workday experience preferred
• PHR or SHRM-CP certification is a plus
• Prior experience in manufacturing with exposure to large populations and various shifts are preferred
• Ability to work on-site and support flexible scheduling needs as required by the operation

Physical Requirements and Work Conditions (As performed in an 8-hour workday):

• Prolonged periods of sitting while working at a computer and performing administrative tasks
• Frequent use of hands and fingers for typing, handling paperwork, and operating standard office equipment
• Ability to view computer screens and printed materials for extended periods of time with a high level of accuracy
• Occasional standing, walking, bending, reaching, and moving throughout the office
• Ability to lift and move packages and supplies weighing up to 35 pounds
• Ability to communicate effectively in person, by telephone, and through electronic communication
• Ability to maintain focus and attention to detail while managing multiple tasks and frequent interruptions
• Flexibility to support occasional off-shift needs

Compensation & Benefits

• The annual salary range is $53,900 - $70,000
  • Note: Compensation is based on a number of factors including market location and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills and experience.
• This role is eligible for a Short-Term Incentive Bonus
• A full range of medical, dental, vision, 401K plus up-to-four percent (4%) match, profit sharing, wellness program, paid parental leave, long-term-care insurance, critical accident insurance, short- and long-term disability and education assistance are also available.

Mizkan America, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable federal, state, or local law.