Senior HR Generalist - Employee Relations & Development

Senior Human Resources GeneralistBlacksburg, VirginiaDepartmentHuman ResourcesReports ToHuman Resources ManagerEmployment TypeFull-TimeFLSA StatusExemptWork LocationBlacksburg, VirginiaEnvironmentManufacturing FacilityPosition SummaryThe Senior Human Resources Generalist is a key member of the plant Human Resources team and provides hands-on HR support to employees and leadership in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. This position serves as a trusted HR resource and supports employee and labor relations, recruiting and onboarding, performance management, attendance, training and development, workforce planning, policy administration, and HR compliance.The ideal candidate is comfortable working directly on the manufacturing floor, building relationships with employees and supervisors, addressing employee concerns, and balancing employee needs with operational and business requirements.Key ResponsibilitiesEmployee & Labor RelationsServe as a primary HR resource for employees, supervisors, and managers regarding workplace concerns, policies, and HR practices.Support positive employee relations through consistent, fair, and timely application of company policies and practices.Assist with employee investigations, corrective actions, attendance concerns, and other employee relations matters.Support labor relations activities in a unionized manufacturing environment, including grievance administration, contract interpretation, and preparation for labor-management discussions.Recruiting, Staffing & OnboardingPartner with operations leadership to understand hourly and salaried staffing needs.Coordinate recruiting, interviewing, selection, pre-employment activities, and onboarding.Support new-hire orientation and ensure employees receive a positive and organized onboarding experience.Coordinate with staffing partners and hiring managers regarding temporary and direct-hire staffing needs.Performance & Talent ManagementSupport the performance management process and coach supervisors on providing timely, effective employee feedback.Assist leaders with employee development plans, succession planning, and talent-development activities.Coordinate employee training and track completion of required programs.Help identify development opportunities for hourly employees, supervisors, and emerging leaders.Attendance, Payroll & HR AdministrationSupport administration of attendance policies and related employee documentation.Maintain accurate employee records and HR documentation.Prepare and analyze HR reports and metrics related to headcount, absenteeism, turnover, staffing, training, and other workforce measures.Compliance & Policy AdministrationEnsure HR practices are administered consistently and in accordance with company policies and applicable employment laws.Support HR audits, recordkeeping requirements, and compliance initiatives.Partner with HR leadership on implementation of corporate HR programs and plant-specific initiatives.HR Business PartnershipBuild strong working relationships with plant leadership, supervisors, employees, and union representatives.Provide supervisors with practical HR guidance and coaching.Participate in plant meetings and workforce-planning discussions.Maintain regular visibility on the production floor and proactively identify employee and organizational concerns.Perform additional HR responsibilities and projects as business needs require.QualificationsRequiredBachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Industrial Relations, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant HR experience.Progressive Human Resources Generalist experience.Demonstrated experience handling employee relations matters.Working knowledge of federal and state employment laws and HR practices.Ability to appropriately manage confidential and sensitive information.Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and HR information systems.PreferredHR experience within a manufacturing, distribution, or industrial environment.Experience supporting high-volume recruiting and hourly workforce staffing.Experience utilizing HR data and metrics to identify workforce trends and recommend solutions.Key Competencies• Employee & Labor Relations• Manufacturing HR Support• Sound Judgment & Decision-Making• Conflict Resolution• Coaching & Influencing• Relationship Building• Recruiting & Workforce Planning• HR Compliance• Confidentiality• Organization & Follow-Through• Data Analysis• Continuous ImprovementWork EnvironmentThis position supports an active manufacturing facility and requires regular interaction with employees and supervisors on the production floor. The Senior HR Generalist must be comfortable working in both office and manufacturing environments and adjusting work hours periodically to provide HR support across plant operations and shifts.Role ScopeThis role is positioned above a traditional HR Generalist and below the Human Resources Manager. The Senior HR Generalist is expected to independently manage employee and labor relations matters, staffing, investigations, supervisor coaching, onboarding, and HR metrics while serving as a strong secondary HR leader for the plant.