HR Generalist

POSITION SUMMARY:   

Reporting to the Human Resources Manager, the Human Resources Generalist plays a key role in supporting a dynamic, fast-paced, and growth-oriented manufacturing environment. This position serves as a trusted partner to plant leadership, helping drive business results through effective Human Resources practices and employee support. The HR Generalist supports a broad range of plant-level HR functions, including employee relations, compliance, payroll, recruiting, and day-to-day HR administration. This role is instrumental in fostering a positive workplace culture and supporting company values, operational goals, and overall employee engagement. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:   

• Ensures accurate and timely bi-weekly payroll processing, including related reporting and reconciliation. 

• Supports the Human Resources Manager with employment transactions and employee relations. 

• Assists in the administration of Workers’ Compensation, benefits, disability claims, and leave of absence programs (FMLA, OFLA, PLO, Workers’ Comp, Personal Leave, etc.). 

• Maintains HR data integrity by managing the HRIS system (UltiPro) and ensuring records are complete, accurate, and up to date. 

• Ensures compliance with all local, state, and federal labor laws as well as internal HR policies and procedures. 

• Provides functional HR expertise and leadership to plant leadership and employees, fostering consistent and compliant HR practices. 

• Assists with annual HR programs, including but not limited to Benefits Open Enrollment, performance review processes, and internal audits. 

• Leads recruiting and onboarding efforts to ensure a smooth and compliant hiring process. 

• Serves as a point of contact for employee relations, acting as an advocate while guiding resolution of issues in alignment with company policies. 

• Partners with union leadership and participate in activities related to the interpretation and administration of the collective bargaining agreement, supporting positive labor relations and contract compliance. 

• Provides verbal and written English/Spanish translation support as needed. 

• Promotes a positive workplace culture by supporting teamwork, accountability, and professional communication. 

• Guides employees and leaders through problem-solving, dispute resolution, and compliance with employment regulations to mitigate risk and support workplace harmony. 

• Enforces company policies consistently and fairly across all departments. 

• Ensures the plant remains compliant with J&J Snack Foods' Food Safety Plan (FSP), Safe Quality Food (SQF) Program, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), and Good Documentation Practices (GDPs). 

• Follows all applicable OSHA safety regulations and food safety laws. 

• Performs all other duties as assigned by the Supervisor. 

COMPETENCIES: 
To perform this job successfully, the HR Generalist must be able to carry out each essential duty effectively. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. 

• Strong knowledge of Human Resources principles and practices, including employee relations, recruiting, onboarding, performance management, and compliance. 

• Working knowledge of federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations. 

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build relationships and interact effectively with employees at all levels of the organization. 

• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with professionalism and discretion. 

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment. 

• Strong problem-solving and conflict resolution skills, with the ability to exercise sound judgment and provide practical solutions. 

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and HRIS systems; experience with UKG preferred. 

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:  

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field preferred. 

• Minimum of five (5) years of relevant Human Resources experience required, preferably in a Generalist role. 

• Experience supporting hourly employee populations and plant leadership in a manufacturing environment strongly preferred. 

• Experience working with HRIS platforms preferred; UKG experience strongly preferred.