Human Resources Generalist

Summary of position:

The Human Resources Generalist is responsible for assisting the Human Resources department in supporting an employee-oriented, high-performance culture that emphasizes customer service and the ongoing development of a superior workforce. In addition, the Human Resources Generalist assists in the development of policies, programs and services related to employment, performance management, employee relations, recruiting, selection and retention, and compliance with applicable federal, state and local laws. This position may focus primarily on payroll processing or benefits administration and is cross-trained in both areas to ensure seamless departmental coverage.

Key job functions: (Includes current duties, primary objectives, and responsibilities which are critical to the successful performance of the position)

• Provide training, and guidance on human resources matters to the employees and officers of the bank
• Provides administrative assistance to the Human Resources Department
• Schedules meetings/interviews, prepares letters, reports, agenda, etc. as requested
• Assist customers (internal and external) with general human resources questions, answering department phone calls and emails
• Assist in maintaining HR records
• Maintains employee lists, organizational charts, and requested HR metrics
• Assists in conducting new employee orientation and preparation of materials
• Processes and enters payroll and benefits transactions, including payroll data entry and corrections, new benefit enrollments, qualifying life event changes, and terminations, ensuring accurate and timely processing
• Coach, counsel, and consult with employees on HR related topics
• Serves as a positive role model by communicating bank values and upholding bank policies, while fostering employee and public relations and a collaborative team culture
• Assist with the development and maintenance of performance management and improvement systems
• Assist with the research and development of various human resources-related policies, procedures
• Assist with the development and ongoing maintenance of job descriptions for all positions within the bank
• Monitors employee overdrafts in accordance with policy and notifies supervisors when disciplinary action is necessary
• Serves as the point of contact for HR Payroll/Benefits systems, maintaining data integrity, generating reports and HR metrics, coordinating with benefit carriers and vendors, and troubleshooting system issues
• Ensures payroll and benefits transactions comply with applicable federal, state, and local tax and labor regulations, and supports internal and external payroll/benefits audits
• Serves as a cross-trained backup for payroll or benefits processing, as applicable, to ensure continuity of operations between the two HR Generalist positions
• Engages in ongoing personal development
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• Maintain a high level of confidentiality
• Strong analytical and business judgment skills
• Excellent communication skills, including written, verbal, and coaching
• Excellent organizational and computer skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills

• General knowledge of employment laws and practices, including benefits and payroll administration, health and welfare plans, COBRA, FMLA, and ACA compliance requirements
• Working knowledge of HRIS platforms (e.g., UKG, Workday, ADP, Paycom), including payroll processing, data management, reporting, and system configuration
• Experience processing payroll and/or administering benefits strongly preferred

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Management, or related field, preferred.
• Three or more years' experience in a human resource's role or professional experience in a field that provides the background and experience necessary to govern the institution's personnel activities in a financially safe and sound manner
• Preferred training in employment law, compensation administration, workplace safety or security, employee relations, and training

Physical Demands: These physical demands are generally representative of the position.

• Hearing, speech, close vision
• Sitting, including computer use
• Driving with own transportation to other branches for meetings/workshops
• On occasions, may be required to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds
• Job responsibilities may include standing, walking, lifting, kneeling, and crouching

Sovereign Bank is an Equal Opportunity Employer

NOTE: Sovereign Bank does not accept unsolicited resumes through or from search firms or staffing agencies. All unsolicited resumes will be considered the property of Sovereign Bank, and Sovereign Bank will not be obligated to pay a placement fee.