What are the responsibilities and job description for the Human Resources Generalist position at Schwieters Chevrolet of Cold Spring?
Schwieters Chevrolet of Cold Spring is seeking a Human Resources Generalist who is eager to advance their career in HR!
As a family owned business, our Core Values are a part of our every day operation; Teamwork, Growth, Customer Satisfaction, Accountability, Honesty, Family and Fun! If you are a hard-working individual who believes in our Core Values, we want to meet you!
The HR Generalist will be responsible for managing day-to-day human resources operations, including recruitment, onboarding, employee relations, benefits administration, compliance, and fostering a positive workplace environment. This role is essential to maintaining our people-first culture and supporting the continued growth and success of Schwieters Chevrolet of Cold Spring.
Responsibilities
Recruitment & Onboarding
- Coordinate full-cycle recruitment efforts, including job postings, candidate screening, interviews, and onboarding
- Partner with department managers to develop clear job descriptions and hiring strategies
- Post job openings, screen applicants, coordinate interviews, conduct reference checks, and manage offers
- Oversee and enhance the onboarding experience to ensure smooth transitions
Employee Relations & Culture
- Serve as a point of contact for employee relations issues; provide guidance to managers and employees on HR policies and best practices
- Promote a positive and inclusive workplace culture rooted in respect, accountability, and teamwork
- Organize employee recognition and engagement initiatives, team-building activities, and morale-boosting events
Benefits & Compensation
- Manage employee benefits administration, including health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and leave policies
- Lead annual open enrollment processes and coordinate with benefits brokers and providers
- Provide guidance to employees regarding benefit options, claims, and plan changes
- Assist in compensation benchmarking and coordinating salary adjustments and promotions
Compliance & Policy Administration
- Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws, including FMLA, FLSA, ADA, OSHA, EEO, and others
- Maintain and update employee handbook, policies, and procedures as needed
- Stay current with changes in employment law and proactively recommend adjustments to leadership
- Conduct internal audits of HR practices and personnel files to maintain compliance and accuracy
HR Operations & Systems
- Maintain accurate employee records; ensure confidentiality and data integrity
- Manage time and attendance tracking, paid leave balances, and employee status changes.
- Oversee workplace safety processes in collaboration with department managers; support any necessary incident reporting or workers’ compensation claims
- Coordinate employee exit processes including offboarding, final pay, exit interviews, and documentation.
- Assist with special HR projects, dealership initiatives, and continuous improvement efforts
- Other duties as assigned
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field preferred
- 3 years of progressive HR experience, with a strong foundation in all core HR functions
- Experience in the automotive industry, retail, or other fast-paced, customer-facing environments is a plus
- Prior experience as a solo HR professional or in a highly autonomous HR role is strongly preferred
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint)
- Working knowledge of applicant tracking systems, benefits administration portals, and timekeeping software
- Solid understanding of employment laws and HR best practices, including FMLA, FLSA, ADA, EEO, OSHA, and state-specific labor laws
- Ability to interpret and apply policies consistently and fairly across a diverse team
- Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain confidentiality in handling sensitive employee information
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trust and credibility at all levels of the organization
- Confident in delivering tough conversations professionally and empathetically
- Skilled at diffusing conflict, mediating disputes, and finding balanced resolutions
- Highly organized with the ability to prioritize, multitask, and follow through in a dynamic environment
- Demonstrated ability to take initiative, work independently, and proactively identify and solve problems.
- High level of integrity, professionalism, and accountability
We are an equal opportunity employer and prohibit discrimination/harassment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.