Human Resources (HR) Generalist

Human Resources (HR) GeneralistLocation: Sanford, NCReports to: Sanford Plant, Sr. H.R. ManagerPosition SummaryThe HR Generalist provides hands-on Human Resources support across multiple manufacturing locations within the local area. This role supports a fast-paced, seasonal workforce with primary responsibility for staffing, employee relations, employee engagement, employee lifecycle activities, training and orientation, HR compliance, and HRIS administration.The HR Generalist works closely with employees and operational leaders to maintain appropriate staffing levels, support a positive employee experience, address workplace concerns, and ensure consistent application of HR policies and practices. This position requires regular visibility on the production floor and across assigned locations, with the ability to effectively communicate with employees in both English and Spanish.Key ResponsibilitiesStaffing & Workforce PlanningPartner with operations leaders to anticipate staffing needs and execute hiring plans that support seasonal production requirements.Manage full-cycle recruiting for hourly manufacturing, warehouse, and assigned salaried positions, including sourcing, screening, interviews, offers, pre-employment requirements, and onboarding.Maintain candidate pipelines and coordinate with staffing agencies and recruiting partners as needed.Monitor staffing levels, vacancies, turnover, and hiring progress to identify and address potential workforce gaps.Employee Relations & EngagementServe as an accessible HR resource for employees and leaders, maintaining a regular presence across assigned facilities and on the production floor.Provide guidance on policies, attendance, performance, corrective action, workplace concerns, and other day-to-day employee relations matters.Support employee investigations, conflict resolution, and corrective action processes in partnership with HR leadership.Coordinate and support employee engagement, recognition, communication, and retention initiatives, including activities designed to strengthen the employee experience and workplace culture.Identify employee concerns and workplace trends through regular interaction with employees and recommend opportunities for improvement.Employee Lifecycle & HR OperationsSupport employee lifecycle activities including hiring, onboarding, job changes, promotions, transfers, leaves, accommodations, corrective actions, and separations.Maintain accurate employee records and HR documentation while ensuring appropriate confidentiality.Partner with Payroll, Benefits, Safety, and other internal resources to resolve employee issues and ensure timely processing of employee changes.Training & OrientationCoordinate and facilitate new hire orientation in both English and Spanish, ensuring employees understand company policies, workplace expectations, available resources, and required training.Partner with operations and safety leaders to coordinate and document required employee training.Support employee and supervisor training related to HR policies, attendance, performance management, employee relations, and other workplace practices.HRIS, Reporting & ComplianceMaintain accurate employee information within the HRIS, including new hires, employee changes, transfers, and terminations.Support employees and managers with HRIS, employee self-service, timekeeping, and other system-related questions.Prepare and monitor workforce metrics including headcount, staffing, turnover, attendance, and other HR trends.Support compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws, company policies, recordkeeping requirements, I-9 requirements, and internal HR practices.QualificationsBachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Management, or related field preferred.3+ years of Human Resources experience, preferably in manufacturing, distribution, warehouse, or another fast-paced operational environment.Bilingual in English and Spanish required, with the ability to communicate effectively with employees verbally and in writing in both languages.Experience with high-volume recruiting and staffing strongly preferred.Experience supporting employee relations, investigations, corrective action, and employee engagement activities.Working knowledge of federal and state employment laws and HR compliance requirements.Experience with HRIS and timekeeping systems; ADP experience preferred.Strong interpersonal, communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.Ability to build relationships with employees at all levels and maintain a visible, approachable HR presence within the workplace.Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with professionalism and discretion.Ability to regularly travel between assigned locations within the local area.Key CompetenciesEmployee Relations • Recruiting & Staffing • Employee Engagement • Workforce Planning • HR Compliance • HRIS Administration • Communication • Judgment & Problem Solving • Organization & Follow-Through • Operational PartnershipBenefits Package & Employee ProgramsComprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision InsuranceFree Life insurance401kPaid vacation, holidaysEmployee Assistance ProgramAccess to thousands of free online coursesDiscounts on cell phones, movie tickets, gym memberships, and more!Education Assistance (both college degrees and professional certifications)Paid parental leaveCentral Garden & Pet Company (NASDAQ: CENT) (NASDAQ: CENTA) is a leading consumer goods company in the pet and garden industries. Guided by the belief that home is central to life, the Company's purpose is to proudly nurture happy and healthy homes. For over 45 years, its innovative and trusted solutions have helped lawns grow greener, gardens bloom bigger, pets live healthier, and communities grow stronger. Central is home to a diversified portfolio of market-leading brands including Amdro®, Aqueon®, Best Bully Sticks®, Cadet®, C&S®, Farnam®, Ferry-Morse®, Kaytee®, Nylabone®, Pennington®, Sevin® and Zo?con®. With fiscal 2025 net sales of $3.1 billion, Central has strong manufacturing and logistics capabilities supported by a passionate, entrepreneurial growth culture. The Company is headquartered in Walnut Creek, California, and employs over 6,000 people, primarily across North America. Visit to learn more. We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law.