HUMAN RESOURCE GENERALIST

HR Generalist | Competitive Pay | Carter Lake, IA

Owen Industries – Carter Lake, IA (Near Downtown Omaha) | Full-Time | Exempt | Mon–Fri, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Be the HR Heartbeat of a Growing Steel Manufacturing Operation.

Owen Industries is looking for an HR Generalist who can do it all — recruiting, payroll, safety, and employee relations — in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. This is a plant-level HR role with real variety and real impact, reporting directly to the Director of HR and partnering closely with plant leadership every day.

If you're an HR professional who thrives when no two days are the same, isn't afraid to walk the shop floor, and brings equal parts organizational discipline and people skills — this is the role for you.

The Details

• Pay: Competitive, based on experience
• Schedule: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Location: Carter Lake, IA — near downtown Omaha
• Reports to: Director of HR
• FLSA Status: Exempt / Salaried

What You'll Do

Payroll

• Assist in processing bi-weekly payroll for hourly and salaried plant employees — hours, overtime, deductions, and adjustments
• Maintain timekeeping system records; audit time punches and resolve discrepancies with supervisors
• Process new hire, termination, leave, and status changes within the payroll/HRIS system
• Ensure payroll compliance with federal, state, and local wage and hour laws (FLSA)
• Respond to employee questions regarding pay, deductions, and benefits

Recruiting

• Manage full-cycle recruiting for hourly production roles — job postings, sourcing, screening, interviewing, and extending offers
• Partner with department managers to develop accurate job descriptions
• Build and maintain talent pipelines through job boards, staffing agencies, schools, and community/job fairs
• Conduct new hire orientation, onboarding, and I-9 verification
• Maintain applicant tracking system records and recruiting metrics (time-to-fill, source of hire, etc.)
• Conduct background checks, drug screens, and reference checks per company policy

Safety

• Develop, implement, and maintain plant safety programs and procedures in compliance with OSHA and applicable regulations
• Conduct routine safety audits, inspections, and job hazard analyses; recommend and track corrective actions
• Lead incident and near-miss investigations; determine root cause and implement corrective action plans
• Maintain OSHA recordkeeping (300/300A logs) and all required safety documentation
• Develop and deliver safety training — new hire orientation, PPE, lockout/tagout, forklift, and hazard communication
• Chair the plant safety committee and coordinate safety recognition and incentive programs
• Manage workers' compensation claims, coordinate return-to-work programs, and liaise with insurance carriers
• Track and report safety metrics (TRIR, DART rate, near misses)

General HR

• Administer employee benefits enrollment, changes, and inquiries
• Support employee relations matters, workplace investigations, and performance management processes
• Maintain accurate and confidential personnel files and HR records
• Support employee engagement, recognition, and retention initiatives

What We're Looking For

• 3 years of progressive HR generalist experience — manufacturing or industrial environment strongly preferred
• Hands-on experience processing payroll for hourly and salaried employees
• Demonstrated experience managing full-cycle recruiting
• Working knowledge of OSHA regulations and plant safety practices
• Proficiency with HRIS/payroll systems (ADP, Kronos, or similar) and Microsoft Office Suite
• Knowledge of full-cycle recruiting practices, sourcing strategies, and ATS platforms
• Strong organizational skills with keen attention to detail and accuracy
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills — able to interact effectively at all levels of the organization
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion
• Strong problem-solving, conflict-resolution, and decision-making skills
• PHR, SHRM-CP, or similar HR certification preferred

What's In It For You

✅ Competitive pay — commensurate with experience ✅ Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM — consistent, predictable schedule ✅ A high-impact, high-variety role at a growing multi-division manufacturer ✅ Direct partnership with plant leadership and visibility to senior HR leadership ✅ Health, Dental & Vision insurance ✅ Life/AD&D and Disability coverage ✅ 401(k) with company match ✅ PTO and paid holidays — accrual begins immediately ✅ Wellness program with premium incentives ✅ Opportunities for professional growth within Owen Industries

Benefits begin the 1st of the month after 30 days of employment.

Why Owen Industries?

Owen Industries has been a leader in the steel industry for decades — driven by a commitment to excellence, innovation, and the people behind our work. We operate multiple divisions across Iowa, Nebraska, and North Dakota, and our HR team plays a critical role in building and sustaining the workforce that makes it all happen. You'll work in a collaborative environment where your contributions are visible, your expertise is valued, and there's real room to grow.

🇺🇸 Veterans — You Belong Here

The leadership, discipline, and mission-driven mindset developed in service translate directly to a role like this. Owen Industries is proud to be a Veteran-friendly employer committed to providing opportunities and a supportive environment for those who have served.

Apply Now

Plant-level HR roles with this much scope and variety don't come around often. Apply today and let's talk about what you bring to the table.

Owen is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs — without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.