Human Resources Associate

On-site, in-office role located in Kansas City, MO. POSITION SUMMARY Reporting to the Chief Human Resources Officer and also taking day-to-day direction from the VP of People Systems and Development, the HR Associate provides hands‑on administrative and operational support across core HR processes, including employee lifecycle activities, HR systems, benefits, leaves of absence, recruiting coordination, reporting, and employee communications. This support‑focused individual contributor role is approximately 70-75% HR administration, coordination, documentation, scheduling, reporting, and follow‑through, with 25-30% focused on first‑level HR support, routine employee relations, leave coordination, policy guidance, and problem‑solving within established processes. The role supports the company’s headquarters in Kansas City, MO, remote offices in Colorado, Texas, Oregon, Quebec, Alberta, and Ontario, and future locations as the company grows. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES HR Operations & Employee Support Serve as a first point of contact for employee questions related to policies, benefits, leave, HR processes, and general employment matters, escalating more complex issues as appropriate. Provide high‑quality internal customer service with professionalism, responsiveness, and discretion. Address routine employee relations concerns using sound judgment, established policies, and appropriate documentation, while escalating complex or sensitive matters as needed. Support day‑to‑day HR administrative processes and help maintain consistent execution across locations and business units. Assist with HR integration activities related to acquisitions, including coordinating employee information, communications, onboarding needs, and transition‑related follow‑up across newly added locations or teams. Employee Lifecycle, Records & Payroll Support Coordinate onboarding activities, including pre‑employment documentation, offer letter creation, new hire setup, onboarding introductions to key stakeholders, orientation logistics, and follow‑up tasks to support a positive employee experience. Process employee changes in HR systems, including status, pay, department, manager, and personal information updates, while maintaining data accuracy. Partner with Payroll to help ensure employee pay‑related information is accurate, timely, and properly documented. Maintain employee records and HR documentation in accordance with company standards and confidentiality requirements. Support offboarding activities such as termination documentation, system notifications, and asset collection coordination. Complete employment verification requests and reference letters in accordance with company standards and confidentiality requirements. Provide recruiting administrative support, including maintaining job postings, supporting LinkedIn and Indeed administration, tracking candidate activity, and assisting with recruitment‑related documentation. Coordinate interview scheduling, calendars, meeting invitations, and related communications to support a timely and organized candidate experience. Provide administrative support to the Chief Human Resources Officer, including calendar coordination, expense reporting, meeting preparation, follow‑up tracking, presentation materials and other ad‑hoc administrative tasks. Benefits & Leaves of Absence Support Administer FMLA and other leaves of absence, including tracking leave activity, supporting required documentation, and coordinating related communications. Support benefits administration and open enrollment activities, including sending monthly benefit newsletters for U.S. and Canada employees. Coordinate quarterly 401(k) meetings for employees, including scheduling, communications, and related follow‑up. HR Systems, Reporting & Compliance Support Assist with Paycor HRIS and related system administration, including employee setup, data audits, report generation, and troubleshooting routine issues. Prepare recurring and ad‑hoc HR reports, rosters, spreadsheets, and employee communications with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail. Update handbook policies, maintain HR intranet content, and coordinate employee communications to keep HR information current and accessible. Serve as the primary HR contact for translation requests and coordinate translated employee communications as needed. Promote employee engagement activities by supporting communications, coordination, and follow‑through for HR‑sponsored initiatives. Assist with process documentation, audits, and continuous improvement efforts to strengthen HR operations and employee experience. Support compliance with federal, state, provincial, and local employment laws and regulations by maintaining accurate records, tracking required activities, and escalating questions as needed. Manage compliance postings at all locations. Perform other duties as assigned. REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES Strong verbal and written communication skills Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast‑paced environment Working knowledge of HR processes, employee recordkeeping, and HR systems Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, Outlook and PowerPoint Proficiency with mail merges and document preparation for employee communications, letters, and HR correspondence Effective problem‑solving skills and sound judgment when handling routine issues Ability to handle confidential information with discretion and professionalism KEY COMPETENCIES Applies foundational HR knowledge to execute core employee lifecycle processes accurately and consistently. Uses working knowledge of employment policies and procedures to support compliant, practical HR guidance across locations. Independently addresses routine employee relations questions and concerns, with appropriate documentation and escalation. Maintains reliable HR data, records, reports, and communications to support daily operations and decision‐making. Coordinates recruiting and administrative support in a way that keeps processes organized, timely, and well‑communicated. Serves as a dependable HR support partner who anticipates needs, resolves routine issues, and helps remove obstacles for employees, managers, and the HR team. SUCCESS MEASURES Accurate and timely processing of employee data changes and HR transactions Positive onboarding and offboarding experiences supported by strong follow‑through Well‑maintained employee records and HR documentation Reliable reporting, communication, and administrative support for HR initiatives Consistent, service‑oriented support to employees, managers, and the HR team BEHAVIORAL COMPETENCIES Pays close attention to quality standards Is highly attentive to details Carefully follows rules and regulations Comfortably communicates through different mediums Collaborates comfortably with different groups of people Follows through with established requirements Works well with clearly defined structures Embraces changing strategies or priorities EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field a plus 2 years of HR experience or closely related experience for a midsized company (50+ employees) preferred. 5 years preferred, minimum of 2 years administrative support experience Experience supporting onboarding, HRIS systems (Paycor huge plus), employee records, benefits, or related HR processes preferred PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Ability to move throughout office and warehouse environments, including walking through operational areas as needed to support employees, events, communications, or HR activities. Ability to stand and walk for periods of time when supporting employee events, onboarding activities, facility communications, or engagement initiatives. Occasionally lift, carry, move, or distribute boxes, supplies, engagement gifts, or other materials related to HR activities, generally up to 25 pounds. Equal Opportunity Employer We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, or any other status protected by law or regulation. Selection decisions are based on job‑related factors. #J-18808-Ljbffr Midland Industries