Human Resources Generalist

MCLANE MIDDLETON

JOB DESCRIPTION

Human Resources Generalist

Human Resources Department | Full-Time

Reports To: Director of Human Resources

Department: Human Resources

Location: Manchester, NH (multi-office travel required)

FLSA Status: Exempt

Position Summary

McLane Middleton is seeking a skilled and collaborative Human Resources Generalist to join its growing HR team. Reporting directly to the Director of Human Resources, the HR Generalist serves as a versatile, hands-on contributor who supports and partners with the full HR department, to include the HR Benefits Administrator, HR & Legal Support Manager, HR Coordinator, and Learning & Development Manager — to deliver seamless, high-quality HR services across the firm's five office locations.

The HR Generalist will engage across all core HR disciplines, providing day-to-day operational support, serving as a knowledgeable resource for employees and managers, and helping to advance strategic initiatives under the leadership of the HR Director. This role is ideal for an experienced HR professional who thrives in a fast-paced, service-oriented professional services environment and is equally comfortable with administrative excellence and strategic collaboration.

Key Responsibilities

Generalist & Cross-Functional HR Support

• Serve as a day-to-day resource and operational partner across all HR team functions, ensuring continuity of service and collaboration with the HR Director, Benefits Administrator, HR & Legal Support Manager, HR Coordinator, and Learning & Development Manager.

• Assist with special projects, research initiatives, policy drafting, and the development of HR presentations and materials for firm leadership.

• Contribute to the firm-wide HRIS selection and implementation process; support ongoing system optimization, data integrity, and user adoption post-launch.

• Help maintain and update HR policies, the colleague handbook, and standard operating procedures to ensure alignment with firm standards and applicable law.

• Provide backup coverage and support across HR team roles during periods of high volume, vacancy, or planned leave.

Talent Acquisition & Onboarding

• Support full-cycle recruiting for staff positions, including job posting, applicant screening, interview coordination, reference checks, and offer administration in close collaboration with the HR Director and HR & Legal Support Manager.

• Conduct Zoom screening interviews for entry-level and administrative candidates; coordinate and schedule in-person interviews and follow-up communications.

• Assist with the preparation and distribution of new hire offer materials, onboarding packages, and benefit enrollment documentation in partnership with the HR Benefits Administrator and HR Coordinator.

• Assist the Learning and Development Manager with new hire orientation and onboarding sessions; conduct 30/60/90-day follow-up check-ins with new employees to support a positive integration experience.

Employee Relations & Engagement

• Serve as an approachable and trusted point of contact for employees across all levels, addressing questions, concerns, and workplace issues with discretion and professionalism.

• Conduct and track employee exit interviews; analyze findings to identify trends and share actionable insights with the HR Director to inform retention and engagement strategies.

Performance Management

• Assist with the administration of the firm-wide performance evaluation process, supporting scheduling, communication, and tracking for both staff and attorney/paralegal review cycles.

• Partner with the HR & Legal Support Manager on Legal Administrative Assistant (LAA) performance management activities, including annual review coordination and documentation.

Benefits & General HR Support

• Function as the HR Benefits Administrator's designated backup, providing coverage and support across New Hire Orientation, open enrollment, employee communications, enrollment tracking, and data reconciliation.

• Field employee inquiries related to benefits, compensation, and policies, escalating complex issues to the appropriate HR team member.

HR Compliance & Records Management

• Ensure employee files and HR records are accurately maintained across HRIS, viEval, and other firm platforms in partnership with the HR Coordinator and Benefits Administrator.

• Assist with audits of HR data, records, and processes to ensure accuracy, completeness, and regulatory alignment.

Qualifications

Required

• 2 years of progressive HR generalist experience, ideally within a professional service, legal, or multi-site organization.

• Demonstrated working knowledge across core HR disciplines: recruiting, employee relations, benefits administration, performance management, and compliance.

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, Business Administration, or a related field 

• Familiarity with HR information systems (HRIS) and applicant tracking systems; experience supporting system implementations is a plus.

• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).

• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills, with the ability to interact professionally across all organizational levels.

• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and capable of managing multiple priorities simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.

• Demonstrated integrity and the ability to handle confidential information with the utmost discretion.

Preferred

• PHR or SHRM-CP certification.

• Prior experience in a law firm or professional services setting.

• Exposure to multi-office or multi-state employment environments.

• Experience supporting HRIS implementations or major HR technology transitions.

Key Competencies

• Sound judgment, discretion, and confidentiality

• Collaborative Team Player — Works seamlessly across HR functions and departments

• Servant Leadership Mindset — Approaches every interaction with a genuine desire to support colleagues, employees, and the firm's business objectives.

• Strong interpersonal, relationship-building, and coaching skills — Earns trust quickly and maintains productive relationships at all levels of the firm.

• Adaptability — Responds effectively to shifting priorities, seamlessly adjusting focus across day-to-day HR responsibilities as demands change.

• Continuous Improvement Orientation — Proactively identifies opportunities to streamline HR processes and enhance employee experience.

• Bias Toward Action — Balances thoroughness with a sense of urgency; follows through on commitments and holds themselves accountable.

•      Serve as a day-to-day resource and operational partner across all HR team functions, ensuring continuity of service and collaboration with the HR Director, Benefits Administrator, HR & Legal Support Manager, HR Coordinator, and Learning & Development Manager.

•      Assist with special projects, research initiatives, policy drafting, and the development of HR presentations and materials for firm leadership.

•      Contribute to the firm-wide HRIS selection and implementation process; support ongoing system optimization, data integrity, and user adoption post-launch.

•      Help maintain and update HR policies, the colleague handbook, and standard operating procedures to ensure alignment with firm standards and applicable law.

•      Provide backup coverage and support across HR team roles during periods of high volume, vacancy, or planned leave.