HR Generalist II

Job Description

Job Description

Universal Ingredients - Innovative Plant-Based Solutions for Global Industries

Universal Ingredients is a global supplier of high-quality, plant-based specialty ingredients for human and pet consumption. With thousands of products and global sourcing capabilities, we provide customized, value-added solutions – including fruit and vegetable juices and concentrates, dehydrated ingredients, botanical extracts, flavors, and beverage systems – for food and beverage manufacturers worldwide.

Our advanced production capabilities, including aseptic beverage processing and flexible packaging solutions, enable safe, shelf-stable products with no preservatives. At the heart of our innovation is our Application Capabilities Lab, where food science experts collaborate with customers to develop market-ready solutions through product development, flavor analysis, sensory testing, and commercialization support.

Driven by innovation, sustainability, and partnership, Universal Ingredients helps customers stay ahead of evolving consumer preferences while delivering consistent quality, functionality, and performance across global markets.

Job Title: HR Generalist

Division/Department: Human Resources

Location: Grandview, Washington, USA

Reports To: Director of Human Resources

• Salary/Wage: $66,000 -$99,500 annually, DOQ 

• Type of Position: Full-Time Exempt (45+ hours a week)
• Competitive benefit package
• Annual wage review based on individual performance 
• 7.5% Bonus Target, made up of 20% Discretionary (Personal Performance) and 80% company performance (EBITDA) 

GENERAL DESCRIPTION 

The Human Resources Generalist is a key member of the FruitSmart HR team and is responsible for partnering with facility leadership to provide support and oversight of HR responsibilities. The HR Generalist provides hands on support in the areas of employee and labor relations, staffing, performance management, training, and general HR administration. This is a highly interactive role requiring the unique combination of excellent communication, problem solving and task management skills.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:  

• Partner with all levels of management and all employees to communicate various objectives and procedures in compliance with company policy and employment law
• Provide coaching and guidance in areas such as corrective action, dispute resolution, leaves of absence, harassment/discrimination, and terminations
• Act as a first point of contact for line managers and provide prompt and appropriate response. Escalate issues to HR Director when appropriate
• Conduct internal investigations and draft investigative reports and other documents as required

• Work with leaders to create and maintain workforce staffing plans
• Coordinate recruiting efforts to ensure that competent, diverse, and skilled workers are hired, and workload levels are maintained, while minimizing turnover
• Support recruitment activities including job postings and applicant flow, review resumes, conduct interviews and exit interviews

• Support leaders in the employee evaluation process
• Provide training and consultation as necessary
• Assist in the development of Performance Improvement Plans and other performance plans as necessary

• Deliver training on various HR topics, including harassment/discrimination, employment law, policies, and procedures
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws which will require an on-going commitment to continuing education and familiarity with changes in labor laws and regulations
• Provide regulatory reporting as necessary
• Handle FMLA administration, ADA interactive discussions and other employment related activities required by state or federal law.

• Provide support and leadership relative to workplace safety and incident investigation

• Maintain employee files and human resource databases
• Participate in ongoing HR projects and initiatives
• General HR tasks as required
• Consistent and punctual attendance

WORK EXPERIENCE & PERSONAL SKILL REQUIREMENTS

• Keen sense of ethics and confidentiality with regard to employee and business issues
• Understanding   of federal, state, and local employment laws

• Ability to visualize and effectively convey a big picture view of HR and how it fits with FruitSmart’s business strategies 
• Strong consultative, presentation and business communication skills 

• Excellent written and verbal skills 
• Ability to effectively interact with all levels of the organization
• Exceptional follow-up skills and attention to detail
• Excellent time management skills with ability to juggle multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Proficiency in Microsoft office products and experience with HRIS systems 

• 3+ years of HR generalist experience

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS 

• Bachelor’s degree with major or emphasis in Human Resources or related field preferred
• SHRM Certification preferred

Equal Opportunity Employer. All employees are subject to pre-employment drug testing.