Human Resources Generalist

Job Location York MW (IL) - Elgin, IL 60124 Salary $75,000.00 - $90,000.00 Shift Any Title Human Resources Generalist (Bilingual Spanish) Reports To Human Resources Manager Employment Status Exempt Core Purpose Always Meet Customers’ Expectations Core Values Exceptional Customer Experiences... always Work as One Team Our people are our Family Your word is your Bond Think and act as an Owner Environmental Leadership Job Summary The Bilingual Spanish Human Resources Generalist serves as a strategic and hands‑on HR partner within a manufacturing environment. The role provides advanced HR support across employee relations, compliance, talent management, and workforce planning while partnering closely with plant leadership to drive engagement, performance, and operational excellence. The HR Generalist plays a key role in maintaining a safe, compliant, and productive workplace for both hourly and salaried employees. The position requires strong Spanish and English communication skills to support a diverse workforce. Essential Job Functions Strategic HR Partnership & Plant Leadership Support Serve as an HR advisor to plant leadership, providing both strategic and hands‑on HR support aligned with operational and business objectives Partner with operations leaders on workforce planning, headcount management, labor cost control, and staffing strategies to support production demands Identify people‑related risks, talent gaps, and retention challenges; recommend and implement solutions Support organizational change initiatives, including restructuring, growth, automation, and process improvements Employee Relations & Workplace Culture Lead employee relations matters, including investigations, corrective actions, terminations, and conflict resolution Ensure consistent, fair application of company policies and employment practices Coach and advise supervisors and managers on performance management, documentation, employee communication, and effective people leadership Promote a positive, inclusive, and accountable workplace culture aligned with company values and safety expectations Serve as a trusted resource for employees and management on HR‑related concerns Talent Acquisition, Workforce Planning & Retention Lead full‑cycle recruitment for hourly and technical roles Partner with plant leadership to forecast workforce needs based on production schedules, attrition trends, and business growth Develop and execute recruiting strategies to attract skilled manufacturing talent Enhance onboarding and orientation programs to support safety, engagement, and early retention Analyze turnover, absenteeism, and exit interview data to identify trends and implement retention strategies Compliance, Risk Management & Policy Administration Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations (FLSA, FMLA, ADA, EEOC, OSHA, wage and hour, etc.) Partner with subject matter experts on employee leave programs, including FMLA, ADA accommodations, and workers’ compensation coordination Lead or support internal investigations, audits, and corrective action initiatives to mitigate legal and compliance risk Interpret, implement, and maintain HR policies, procedures, and employee handbook updates Compensation, Pay Practices & Benefits Support Support compensation programs, including job evaluations, pay adjustments, incentive programs, and annual merit cycles Ensure consistent application of wage practices, shift differentials, attendance policies, and pay programs Support benefits administration, open enrollment, and employee inquiries HR Operations, Systems & Analytics Maintain data integrity and effective use of HRIS, timekeeping, and personnel record systems Analyze HR metrics such as turnover, absenteeism, engagement, safety, and hiring effectiveness Prepare HR reports, dashboards, and recommendations for plant and HR leadership Partner with payroll to ensure accurate pay practices and timely issue resolution Safety, Workers’ Compensation & Manufacturing Integration Maintain a strong and visible presence on the plant floor across shifts Partner with EHS and operations teams to support safety initiatives, investigations, audits, and corrective actions Manage workers’ compensation claims, return‑to‑work programs, and transitional duty assignments Support safety training and continuous improvement initiatives Partner with the EH&S Manager to support safety programs and initiatives to ensure a safe and compliant work environment Employee Engagement, Communication & Continuous Improvement Support employee engagement, recognition, and culture-building initiatives Support internal communications related to HR programs, policy updates, and organizational changes Participate in continuous improvement and Lean initiatives from a people-focused perspective Assist with the coordination and administration of employee service awards and recognition programs Support planning and execution of company events and employee engagement activities Participate on cross-functional committees and plant initiatives as a Human Resources representative Attend company functions and events as a representative of the Human Resources Department Vendor Management, Special Projects & Business Support Coordinate with external vendors, including staffing agencies Support crisis management, business continuity planning, and employee communications during critical incidents Lead or participate in cross-functional and company-wide HR projects Perform other duties as assigned to support plant and business needs Additional Expectations Demonstrate honesty, integrity, and respect in all interactions with clients and co‑workers Conduct oneself in a professional manner, maintain a positive attitude, and communicate effectively across all levels of the organization Work with accuracy, efficiency, and attention to detail May be required to perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned to support operational and organizational objectives Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field 5–8+ years of progressive Human Resources experience, preferably in a manufacturing or industrial environment Strong working knowledge of employment law and employee relations practices Proven ability to influence leaders, exercise sound judgment, and handle sensitive and confidential matters independently Demonstrated commitment to confidentiality and high ethical standards Ability to function effectively in a fast-paced, high-volume environment while maintaining attention to detail Flexible and adaptable; able to shift priorities and manage multiple initiatives simultaneously Experience administering FMLA and Workers’ Compensation matters preferred PHR, SHRM-CP, or other HR certification(s) preferred but not required Strong computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); experience with Paycom preferred Exceptional customer service mindset with the ability to build trust and credibility Strong verbal, written, organizational, and interpersonal communication skills; able to communicate effectively at all levels of the organization Comfortable working on and walking the production floor to engage directly with employees Bilingual in English and Spanish (written and verbal) required Tools & Equipment Computer, basic office equipment (copier, printer, calculator, fax, etc.) Safety Employees are expected to follow all facility safety guidelines that include adhering to GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices), and Food Safety as outlined during their training. Working Conditions Primarily a controlled office environment; regular exposure to loud manufacturing environment (hearing protection required in many areas of the plant); occasional travel for seminars, errands, other locations, etc. Benefits 401(k) + matching Dental insurance Vision insurance Health insurance – PPO and HDHP plans available Life insurance Employee Assistance Program Employee Referral Program Tuition Reimbursement Paid Time Off Bonus Program 9 Paid Holidays Pay $75,000-90,000 Equal Opportunity Employer We strive to create and maintain an inclusive and diverse workforce where everyone feels valued, respected, and included. We consider applicants for all positions without regard to age, race, color, religion, creed, sex, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, citizenship, veteran status, gender identity or any other legally protected status. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of a job. #J-18808-Ljbffr YORK CONTAINER COMPANY MIDWEST