Associate HR Generalist

Ready for more than just a job? Build a career with purpose.

At Lactalis in the USA, we’re committed to providing meaningful opportunities for our people to learn, grow, and thrive—whether you’re just starting your journey with us or looking to take the next step in your career. From day one, we offer the tools and support to help you succeed.

As the world leader in dairy, Lactalis is a family-owned company with over 85,000 pragmatic and ambitious professionals across the globe. Each day, we’re proud to produce award-winning dairy products that bring people together.

In the US, we proudly offer an unrivaled house of beloved brands, including Galbani® Italian cheeses and ricotta, Président® specialty cheeses and butters, Kraft® natural and grated cheeses, Breakstone’s® cottage cheese, Cracker Barrel®, Black Diamond® cheddar, and Parmalat® milk. Our yogurt portfolio includes siggi’s®, Stonyfield Organic®, Brown Cow™, Oui®, Yoplait®, Go-Gurt®, :ratio®, Green Mountain Creamery®, and Mountain High®, along with a growing family of ethnic favorites like Karoun®, Gopi®, and Arz®.

At Lactalis, we live by our core values—Ambition, Engagement, and Simplicity. We foster a workplace where innovation thrives, diverse perspectives are celebrated, and everyone’s unique background and ideas are valued.

Even if you don’t meet every qualification, we encourage you to apply. We want to hear about your PASSION, your STORY, and how your EXPERTISE can help us shape the future of dairy.

From your PASSION to ours

Lactalis American Group, part of the Lactalis family of companies, is currently hiring an Associate HR Generalist position based in Buffalo, NY.

The Associate HR Generalist is a key member of the Human Resources team, supporting employees and business leaders across the full employee lifecycle. This role partners closely with HR colleagues to deliver exceptional employee support while contributing to performance management, HRIS administration, employee engagement initiatives, leave management, and HR reporting. The ideal candidate enjoys building relationships, improving processes, and serving as a trusted resource to help create a positive and engaging workplace culture.

From your EXPERTISE to ours

Key responsibilities for this position include:

• Support the administration of performance management processes, HR systems (HRIS), reporting, employee engagement initiatives, and leave management programs.
• Ensure the accuracy of time and attendance records to support payroll processing, including reviewing payroll and unemployment claims, updating timesheets, and processing employee status changes.
• Assist with HR projects by conducting analyses, coordinating activities, and ensuring timely and accurate completion.
• Support the administration of employee recognition programs that foster engagement and celebrate employee achievements.
• Manage the employee separation process with a high degree of accuracy, professionalism, and confidentiality.
• Serve as a trusted resource for employees by answering HR-related questions, interpreting policies, and providing guidance on company programs and procedures.
• Generate HR reports, conduct data audits, maintain employee records, and ensure the accuracy and integrity of HR information.
• Provide hands-on support for employee engagement initiatives and other HR programs as they are launched across the organization.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of HR processes by following established procedures and documenting standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Travel and occasional work outside of normal business hours may be required based on business needs.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

From your STORY to ours

Qualified applicants will contribute the following:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Associate degree or higher in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field preferred.
• 1 years of experience in Human Resources, HR administration, or a related field required.
• Experience in the food manufacturing or consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry is preferred.
• 1 years of experience working with Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS); experience with Paylocity and/or UKG is preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including the ability to analyze data, generate reports, and maintain accurate records.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with excellent attention to detail.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills with a customer-service mindset.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
• Demonstrated ability to handle confidential information with professionalism and discretion.

At Lactalis, we offer a comprehensive Total Rewards Program with a variety of affordable benefits and coverage options. We support insurance costs significantly, contribute generously to retirement plans, and offer Paid Time Off from day one. We are committed to your professional growth, providing training and development opportunities, including Education Reimbursement. Join us and grow your career.

Lactalis is an equal employment opportunity employer. We will not discriminate against applicants with regard to any legally-recognized basis including, but not limited to: veteran status, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, and physical or mental disabilities. Further, any division of the Company that is an Affirmative Action Employer will comply with all related legal obligations.