Human Resources Generalist

HR Generalist

Location: Appleton, WI (On-Site)

Reports To: Human Resources Director

Direct Reports: None

Position Summary

A client of mine is seeking an experienced and proactive HR Generalist to support a growing multi-location organization. This position serves as a key resource for employee relations, labor relations, compliance, benefits administration, training and development, and HR operations. The ideal candidate will be a hands-on human resources professional who can balance strategic initiatives with day-to-day HR responsibilities while ensuring compliance with applicable employment laws and organizational policies across U.S. and Canadian operations.

Key Responsibilities

Employee Relations & Labor Relations

• Serve as a trusted HR resource for employees and managers regarding workplace concerns, policies, and procedures.
• Investigate and document employee relations matters, including workplace complaints, policy violations, performance concerns, and harassment allegations.
• Assist in conflict resolution through coaching, mediation, and effective communication.
• Maintain confidentiality while managing sensitive employee information and workplace issues.
• Support positive relationships between employees, management, and union representatives.
• Interpret and administer collective bargaining agreements and labor-related policies.
• Escalate complex employee or labor relations matters to HR leadership as appropriate.

Training & Development

• Coordinate and facilitate employee onboarding, orientation, and training programs.
• Partner with leadership to assess organizational training needs and identify development opportunities.
• Maintain training records and documentation to ensure compliance with regulatory and organizational requirements.
• Evaluate training effectiveness through employee feedback, performance outcomes, and organizational objectives.
• Support leadership development and employee growth initiatives.

Benefits Administration

• Administer employee benefit programs, including medical, dental, vision, retirement, leave programs, and ancillary benefits.
• Assist employees with benefit enrollment, changes, and benefit-related questions.
• Coordinate annual open enrollment activities and benefits communications.
• Ensure compliance with applicable benefit regulations, including ACA, COBRA, ERISA, and related requirements.
• Work closely with benefit vendors and brokers to resolve issues and improve employee experience.

Compliance & Reporting

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, provincial, and local employment laws and regulations in both the United States and Canada.
• Prepare and submit required employment and workforce-related reports, including OSHA logs, workers’ compensation documentation, EEO-1 reporting, ACA reporting, and other regulatory filings.
• Assist with 401(k) audits and benefit plan compliance activities.
• Monitor regulatory changes and recommend updates to policies, procedures, and practices.
• Conduct periodic HR audits to ensure consistency, accuracy, and compliance.

HR Operations & Administration

• Maintain accurate employee personnel records, HR databases, and documentation.
• Ensure all required labor law postings and HR notices are current and displayed appropriately across locations.
• Support recruiting, hiring, and workforce planning initiatives.
• Assist in the development and implementation of HR programs that align with business objectives.
• Prepare reports and analyze HR metrics to support decision-making.
• Participate in special projects and perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Labor Relations, or a related field required.
• PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, or SHRM-SCP certification preferred.

Experience

• Minimum three years of progressive Human Resources experience in a Generalist, Employee Relations, or HR Business Partner role.
• Experience supporting unionized environments and labor relations activities preferred.
• Strong knowledge of benefits administration, compliance reporting, and employment law.
• Experience supporting multi-site operations is highly desirable.
• Exposure to both U.S. and Canadian employment practices is a plus.

Required Skills & Competencies

• Strong knowledge of federal and state employment laws, labor relations practices, and HR compliance requirements.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and conflict-resolution skills.
• Ability to conduct investigations and manage sensitive employee matters professionally and confidentially.
• Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Ability to prioritize multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency with HRIS systems, Microsoft Office Suite, and HR reporting tools.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to build relationships and influence stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
• Sound judgment and professionalism when handling confidential and sensitive information.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of sitting and working at a computer.
• Ability to communicate effectively in person, by phone, and through electronic communications.
• Occasional lifting of office materials weighing up to 15 pounds.
• Ability to travel occasionally between company locations, as needed.