HR Generalist - 1st and 2nd Shifts

About The Role Riverbend Energetics is seeking a 2nd Shift HR Generalist to serve as the primary Human Resources presence for our growing 2nd shift workforce. Reporting to the Director of Human Resources, this role provides hands‑on, floor-facing HR support to production employees and supervisors during 2nd shift operations - ensuring consistent policy application, timely resolution of employee relations matters, and a strong connection between the HR department and the shift where much of Riverbend's production headcount growth is occurring. This is an on‑site role well suited to an HR professional who thrives working independently, builds trust quickly with hourly teams, and is comfortable navigating the compliance demands of a regulated manufacturing environment.
Key Responsibilities Serve as the on-site HR point of contact for 2nd shift employees and supervisors, providing real-time guidance on HR policy, procedure, and employee relations matters
Administer the attendance policy for 2nd shift, including tracking occurrences, coaching supervisors on appropriate documentation, and issuing disciplinary notices in accordance with company policy and progressive discipline standards
Support recruiting and onboarding for 2nd shift positions, including interview coordination, offer logistics, new hire paperwork, and orientation to Riverbend's S.P. values and site expectations; contribute to company-wide recruiting efforts as needed
Conduct first-day and first-week onboarding touchpoints for 2nd shift new hires, ensuring a smooth and consistent transition into production operations
Receive, document, and elevate employee relations concerns and workplace complaints to the Director of Human Resources, participating in investigations as directed
Support the post-offer ATF clearance process for 2nd shift new hires, coordinating required documentation in accordance with Riverbend's obligations as a federal explosives licensee
Maintain accurate, timely employee records in the HRIS, including attendance, disciplinary actions, and status changes
Partner with Quality, EHS/Safety, and production supervisors to reinforce safety and compliance expectations on the shift
Field and triage benefits questions from 2nd shift employees, escalating complex issues to the Director of Human Resources or HR Manager as appropriate
Support the rollout of HR communications, policy updates, and manager training reinforcement to 2nd shift supervisors
Model and promote Riverbend's core values through consistent, positive employee engagement on the production floor
Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
3-5 years of progressive HR Generalist experience, with demonstrated experience supporting an hourly production workforce in a manufacturing environment
Proven experience administering attendance tracking and progressive discipline policies in a manufacturing setting
S. citizen and able to obtain and maintain ATF clearance, consistent with Riverbend's status as a federally licensed explosives manufacturer
Strong interpersonal, conflict-resolution, and written/verbal communication skills, with the ability to build credibility quickly with both supervisors and hourly employees
Ability to work independently during 2nd shift hours, with periodic coordination with the Director of Human Resources and 1st shift HR team
Experience with Replicon or a comparable HRIS platform
Schedule: 2nd Shift, 12:00 PM - 10:30 PM, Monday-Thursday, with occasional flexibility for early-morning overlap meetings with the Director of Human Resources or 1st shift HR team
Location: On-site at Riverbend Energetics' Alton, Illinois manufacturing facility; regular presence on the production floor is expected
Personal protective equipment (PPE) is required in designated production areas in accordance with site safety protocols and ATF compliance standards
The opportunity to play a visible, high-impact HR role within a specialized and growing defense manufacturing operation
A collaborative team environment where HR is a valued partner to operations leadership and the hourly workforce
Key Requirements Manufacturing Floor HR Credibility: This role is the sole HR presence for an entire shift of production employees in a specialized defense manufacturing facility. The ability to build trust quickly with hourly workers and supervisors - without a team around for support - is what separates a generalist who merely fulfills transactions from one who actually moves the needle on culture, compliance, and retention on 2nd shift.
Attendance Policy Administration and Progressive Discipline Execution: In a production environment where shift coverage directly affects output, inconsistent or poorly administered discipline creates legal exposure, supervisor frustration, and morale problems. Riverbend needs someone who can own this process without hand-holding - tracking occurrences, coaching supervisors on documentation, and issuing notices consistently and correctly.
Independent Judgment Under Regulatory and Compliance Pressure: Working 2nd shift means operating largely without real-time oversight from the Director of HR or the 1st shift HR team. A candidate who needs constant escalation or lacks comfort navigating ambiguous compliance situations will create risk rather than reduce it.
Experience in ATF-, ITAR-, or Security-Clearance-Regulated Employment Environments: Riverbend's status as a federal explosives licensee means every new hire must clear an ATF background process before working on-site. An HR professional who has worked in a defense, aerospace, or similarly regulated environment will understand how security and compliance requirements shape the hiring and onboarding process, reducing ramp-up time and compliance risk.
Shift-Adaptive Communication and Stakeholder Management: This role sits at the intersection of two audiences who rarely see each other: 2nd shift production employees and supervisors on one side, and the 1st shift HR leadership team on the other. The HR Generalist must communicate effectively in both directions - translating operational concerns from the floor into actionable information for HR leadership, and bringing HR policy and communications back to a shift that often feels disconnected from company-wide initiatives. Riverbend Energetics is a defense and industrial manufacturer based in Alton, IL. We develop and produce energetic materials and specialty munitions for U.S. defense and allied customers. Our mission-critical work demands precision, safety, and a commitment to excellence.

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