Senior HR Generalist

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title:  Senior People & Engagement Generalist

Location: Mishawaka, IN

Department: People & Engagement

Job Type: Exempt

About United Petfood:

United Petfood is a private label producer of high-quality dry & wet pet food, biscuits and snacks. We are a Belgian family business with 25 high-tech pet kitchens in Europe and the US. 

Joining us, means joining an international, passionate and driven team with one common goal: a healthy planet filled with healthy pets! But it doesn’t stop there: we truly care about building encouraging, supportive, long-lasting partnerships, both inside as well as outside of our fast-growing family company. By only working with the very best ingredients and most innovative technology available, we ensure a spot in which you can grow, bloom and make thousands of pets happy worldwide!

Position Summary:

The Senior People & Engagement Generalist serves as the primary People & Engagement representative for the assigned manufacturing facility. This position is responsible for independently managing the day-to-day People & Engagement operations while partnering closely with plant leadership to support business objectives and create a positive employee experience.

This role provides leadership in recruiting, onboarding, employee relations, performance management, compliance, engagement, training, and workforce development. The Senior People & Engagement Generalist exercises sound judgment in managing routine People & Engagement matters while collaborating with the People & Engagement Manager on complex employee relations issues, disciplinary actions, organizational changes, and other high-impact business decisions.

This position plays a critical role in maintaining a culture built on accountability, respect, engagement, and continuous improvement.

Essential Responsibilities:

Talent Acquisition & Onboarding

• Manage full-cycle recruiting for hourly and salaried positions. 
• Coordinate interviews, background checks, offers, and onboarding activities. 
• Facilitate New Hire Orientation and ensure successful onboarding. 
• Maintain staffing levels by partnering with department leaders. 
• Build relationships with staffing agencies, schools, and community organizations. 

Employee Relations

• Serve as the primary People & Engagement contact for employees and supervisors. 
• Coach leaders through performance management and employee concerns. 
• Conduct workplace investigations and recommend appropriate resolutions. 
• Resolve employee issues in a fair, timely, and consistent manner. 
• Foster a positive workplace culture through open communication and trust. 
• Escalate complex employee relations matters and disciplinary recommendations to the People & Engagement Manager. 

Performance Management

• Support leaders with coaching, documentation, and performance improvement. 
• Coordinate performance review processes and development conversations. 
• Promote accountability while recognizing employee achievements. 

Compliance

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws. 
• Maintain accurate employee files and HRIS records. 
• Ensure policies and procedures are consistently administered. 
• Assist with audits and compliance reporting. 

Employee Engagement

• Plan employee appreciation events and recognition programs. 
• Coordinate communication initiatives that strengthen engagement. 
• Support retention strategies and employee wellness initiatives. 
• Encourage employee feedback and continuous improvement. 

Leadership Partnership

• Partner with site leadership to support operational goals. 
• Provide guidance on People & Engagement policies and best practices. 
• Analyze workforce trends and recommend improvements. 
• Support organizational change initiatives. 

Safety & Training

• Coordinate onboarding and required compliance training. 
• Partner with Environmental Health & Safety to support safety initiatives. 
• Promote a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement. 

Qualifications:

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field (or equivalent experience). 
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive Human Resources experience. 
• Manufacturing, food production, distribution, or industrial experience preferred. 
• Strong knowledge of federal and state employment laws. 
• Experience conducting investigations and managing employee relations. 
• Experience with recruiting and onboarding. 
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. 
• Ability to influence leaders and build strong working relationships. 
• High level of integrity and confidentiality. 
• Excellent organizational and time management skills. 
• Experience using HRIS systems and Microsoft Office. 

Preferred

• SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or SPHR certification. 
• Multi-site manufacturing experience. 
• Experience supporting hourly workforces in a 24/7 manufacturing environment. 

Core Competencies

• Employee Relations 
• Leadership Coaching 
• Conflict Resolution 
• Employment Law 
• Recruiting 
• Performance Management 
• Communication 
• Business Partnership 
• Problem Solving 
• Organization & Planning 
• Confidentiality 
• Change Management 

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, and move throughout the manufacturing facility. 
• Ability to travel occasionally between company locations and attend off-site meetings. 
• Ability to work in an environment with exposure to production noise, dust, and varying temperatures. 

Our Values in Action:

• We Aim Higher – Deliver quality and efficiency on every pallet; continuously look for ways to improve our processes.
• We Make It Work – Solve problems quickly and keep production moving; flexibility and a hands-on mentality are key.
• We Grow United – Collaborate with your team and support colleagues to achieve shared goals.
• We Do What’s Right – Follow safety, quality, and operational standards; act responsibly in all tasks.
• We Thrive on Passion – Bring energy, care for animals, and dedication to producing top-quality pet food.

Equal Opportunity Employer:  United Petfood Producers USA Inc. is an equal opportunity workplace. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.