Human Resources Generalist

Description Reports To: Director of Human Resources Company: MML Hospitality Employment Type: Full-Time, Salary Exempt Location: New York City, NY Position Summary MML Hospitality is seeking a highly organized and service-oriented Human Resources Generalist to support our New York City hotel operations. This position serves as a trusted partner to hotel leadership and employees by providing comprehensive HR support in the areas of employee relations, onboarding, compliance, leave administration, payroll support, employee engagement, and HR administration. The ideal candidate is a proactive HR professional with strong communication skills, sound judgment, and the ability to build positive relationships while maintaining confidentiality. Experience in the hospitality industry and a unionized environment is preferred. This role plays a critical part in fostering a positive workplace culture while ensuring compliance with federal, New York State, and New York City employment laws and company policies. Key Responsibilities Employee Relations Serve as the primary HR contact for employees and managers regarding workplace concerns, policies, and employment practices. Build strong working relationships with leaders and employees to promote a positive, respectful, and inclusive work environment. Conduct prompt, thorough, and confidential investigations into employee complaints, workplace concerns, policy violations, and misconduct. Partner with department leaders to resolve employee relations matters while minimizing risk and maintaining consistency. Coach managers on performance management, attendance, corrective action, documentation, conflict resolution, and employee development. Prepare and maintain disciplinary documentation, performance improvement plans, counseling records, investigative files. Support grievance administration and labor relations activities, including working with union representatives and ensuring compliance with applicable collective bargaining agreements. Assist with unemployment claims, employment verifications, and other employment-related matters. Identify employee relations trends and recommend proactive solutions to improve engagement, retention, and workplace culture. New Hire Process & Onboarding Manage all new hire documentation, ensuring accuracy and compliance with company policies and legal requirements. Prepare offer letters, onboarding materials, and employment documentation. Conduct new hire orientation and facilitate a welcoming onboarding experience. Coordinate pre-employment requirements, including background checks and employment eligibility verification. Ensure all required documentation is completed and maintained accurately within the HRIS. Compliance Maintain compliance with federal, New York State, and New York City employment laws and regulations. Administer I-9 employment eligibility verification and maintain required documentation. Assist with compliance audits and recordkeeping requirements. Ensure completion of required workplace trainings, including anti-harassment, food safety, and other regulatory training. Support OSHA and workplace safety initiatives as needed. Leave Administration Administer employee leaves of absence, including: FMLA New York Paid Family Leave (PFL) New York Paid Sick Leave ADA accommodations Workers' Compensation Personal leaves of absence Maintain accurate leave records and communicate with employees and managers throughout the leave process. Payroll Support Partner with Payroll to ensure employee information is accurate and processed timely. Process employee status changes, wage changes, promotions, transfers, and terminations. Review payroll reports for accuracy and resolve discrepancies. Assist employees with payroll-related questions. Employee Engagement & Recognition Coordinate employee recognition programs, including Employee of the Month, service anniversaries, birthdays, and other engagement initiatives. Assist with employee appreciation events and morale-building activities. Promote a culture that values teamwork, recognition, and employee satisfaction. HRIS Administration Maintain employee records within the HRIS, ensuring accuracy and confidentiality. Process personnel changes and maintain digital personnel files. Generate reports and analyze HR metrics, including turnover, vacancies, onboarding, attendance, and other key performance indicators. Assist with HR reporting and workforce analytics. Policy Administration Assist in developing, updating, and communicating HR policies and procedures. Ensure policies remain compliant with changing employment laws. Educate employees and managers on company policies and HR best practices. Requirements Qualifications Education Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field preferred. Certifications SHRM-CP, PHR, or similar HR certification preferred. Experience Minimum of 3 years of Human Resources experience. Hospitality experience strongly preferred. Experience supporting unionized workforces and interpreting collective bargaining agreements preferred. Experience conducting employee investigations and managing employee relations matters. Skills Strong knowledge of federal, New York State, and New York City employment laws. Knowledge of labor relations and collective bargaining agreements preferred. Excellent employee relations and conflict resolution skills. Strong organizational and time management skills. Excellent written and verbal communication. Experience with HRIS systems (Paylocity preferred). Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities. Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment. Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred. Physical Requirements Primarily office-based with frequent computer use. Ability to sit, stand, and walk throughout hotel operations. Ability to occasionally lift up to 25 pounds. Frequent interaction with employees, managers, and guests. Ability to conduct orientations, meetings, investigations, and training sessions. #J-18808-Ljbffr