Human Resources Generalist

Join a Leader in Pet Hospitality

At Wag Hotels, we don’t just offer pet care, we create unforgettable experiences for furry family members. As a fast-growing leader in pet hospitality, we blend operational excellence with a deep passion for dogs and cats. If you’re looking to make an impact in a place that moves fast, values structure, and truly loves its four-legged guests, you’ve found your next home.

Role Summary

The HR Generalist is the operational backbone of the HR function. This is not an administrative support role, it is a versatile, hands-on position responsible for managing the full spectrum of HR activities across a multi-location, multi-state business. This role bridges HR leadership and hotel operations, translating compliance requirements and people priorities into consistent, reliable execution.

From recruitment and employee relations to benefits administration, performance management, and regulatory compliance, this person ensures the HR function runs cleanly, accurately, and in alignment with both company standards and applicable employment law.

What You Will Own

Employee Relations & Conflict Resolution

• Address employee concerns and provide timely, practical guidance on HR-related issues.
• Mediate and resolve conflicts to maintain a positive, productive work environment.
• Conduct workplace investigations when necessary, ensuring proper documentation and compliance.

Recruitment & Staffing Support

• Collaborate with hiring managers to understand staffing needs and support the end-to-end recruitment process.

Benefits Administration

• Administer employee benefit programs including health insurance and retirement plans.
• Ensure enrollments and terminations are processed correctly with each plan administrator.
• Conduct monthly benefits reconciliation audits, working closely with accounting and the broker to resolve discrepancies promptly.
• Assist employees with benefit inquiries and facilitate open enrollment.

Performance Management

• Support performance appraisal processes including 90-day and annual review launches on the review platform.
• Provide guidance to managers and assist in developing performance improvement plans when needed.

Compliance & Reporting

• Stay current on relevant employment laws and regulations across all operating states.
• Ensure company policies align with legal requirements; assist the HR Manager in annual guidebook review.
• Complete all required annual reporting prior to due dates, including ACA reporting, EEOC reporting, and any state-mandated filings.
• Partner annually with accounting to confirm and update all minimum wage changes by state, city, and county—providing budgeting reports reflecting cost impact.
• Process all terminations for assigned region in full compliance with applicable state laws.
• Provide cross-coverage for HR team members during absences, with working knowledge of multi-state compliance differences.

Training & Development

• Identify training needs and coordinate professional development opportunities.
• Facilitate training sessions on HR policies and procedures.

HR Systems & Recordkeeping

• Maintain accurate, up-to-date employee records.
• Generate HR reports and analytics to support decision-making.

What Success Looks Like

• HR transactions are processed accurately and on time with no compliance gaps.
• Employee concerns are addressed promptly and documentation is complete.
• Hotel and operations leaders receive consistent, reliable HR guidance.
• Annual reporting and minimum wage updates are completed ahead of deadlines.
• Multi-state compliance is managed confidently across assigned regions.

What This Role Is Not

This role exists to drive HR execution and compliance across a growing multi-location business. It is not:

• A purely administrative or clerical support position.
• Responsible for setting compensation strategy or HR policy direction (owned by HR leadership).
• A role that waits to be told what to do—this person identifies what needs doing and makes it happen.

Required Skills & Experience

Experience

• 3+ years of experience in HR roles demonstrating broad functional knowledge.
• Solid understanding of employment laws and regulations, to include specifically Illinois, with multi-state experience preferred.
• Hands-on experience with benefits administration, performance management, and employee relations.
• Strong organizational discipline and ability to manage multiple workstreams simultaneously.
• Experience collaborating cross-functionally with operations, accounting, and external vendors.
• High accountability and ownership mindset.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field preferred, or equivalent experience.

Technical Skills

• Proficiency in HCM systems and MS Office Suite.
• UKG experience a plus.

Preferred Experience

• SHRM certified.
• Multi-location or multi-state employer background.
• Experience with benefits reconciliation and broker coordination.
• Familiarity with ACA reporting, EEOC reporting, and state-specific compliance requirements.
• Comfort supporting HR operations in a fast-paced, service-based business.

Competencies

• Exceptional attention to detail and ability to manage competing priorities without losing accuracy.
• Strong written and verbal communication across employee-facing and leadership audiences.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making capabilities.
• Collaborative and low-ego—earns trust through reliability and consistency.
• Calm under pressure; thrives in a fast-moving, accountability-driven environment.
• Must be comfortable working in an environment with dogs and cats.

Physical & Office Requirements

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift 15 pounds at times.
• Must be able to commute to the three Illinois locations 1 – 2 times each per month and as needed.
• Must be able to travel to the two Texas locations for 1 -2 overnight stays per month and as needed.
• Ability to be around dogs and cats for extended periods.

About Wag Hotels

Wag Hotels began in 2005 when our founders couldn’t find a place they felt good about leaving their own pets. What started as a personal search has grown into a trusted destination for dogs and cats across California, Colorado, Illinois, and Texas.

We’re dedicated to providing a safe, fun, enriching environment for pets and exceptional service for their parents. Our hotels offer climate-controlled rooms, webcams, all-day play, enrichment activities, grooming services, and 24/7 care from trained caregivers. Whether it’s a vacation stay, daycare visit, spa appointment, or enrichment session, we make every day better for pets.