Sr. HR Generalist

Shafer Vineyards is a renowned, historic Napa Valley estate, that has crafted world-class, sustainably produced wines for nearly 50 years. The estate encompasses nearly 250 acres of top vineyards, sources for Shafer’s wines. We are committed to treating all employees equally and fairly and providing an inclusive and collaborative working environment. Our dynamic team is hardworking and dedicated, and the robust benefits package offered focuses on the overall mental, financial, physical, and environmental wellbeing of employees. So, if you are interested and qualified for this role apply now and find out for yourself!

SENIOR HUMAN RESOURCES GENERALIST POSITION SUMMARY: 

We are seeking a detail-oriented, experienced, and proactive Senior HR Generalist to join our team in the wine industry. This role is essential for delivering comprehensive HR support across the organization, ensuring a positive employee experience, accurate administration of payroll and benefits, compliant HR practices, and strong partnership with employees and leadership. The Senior HR Generalist will handle a full spectrum of operational HR functions independently, provide trusted guidance on employee relations and policies, support recruitment and onboarding, and contribute to maintaining our inclusive and collaborative culture.

THE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS FOR THIS ROLE: 

• Serve as the primary, trusted HR partner for employees and executive leadership, providing guidance on HR policies, procedures, employee relations, and workplace concerns while maintaining confidentiality and professionalism. 
• Administer payroll processes bi-monthly with high accuracy, including maintaining employee records, processing deductions/adjustments/garnishments, verifying PTO, onboarding into HRIS/payroll systems, coordinating 401(k)/pension contributions, and supporting Finance with reporting. 
• Oversee benefits administration, including health insurance, 401(k), and other programs; lead annual open enrollment; educate employees on options and resources; resolve benefits inquiries and paperwork issues. 
• Manage leave programs (vacation, medical/FMLA/CFRA, other protected leaves) and ensure accurate tracking and compliance. 
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of federal, state (California), and local HR laws/regulations; ensure compliance with policies, safety standards (including OSHA), and employment practices; update and administer the employee handbook as needed. 
• Plan and coordinate employee celebrations, team-building events, company gatherings, and corporate guest events to foster engagement and culture. · Maintain accurate, confidential personnel files and HR documentation; perform regular audits for compliance and data integrity. 
• Support performance management, employee relations inquiries, conflict resolution, and policy interpretation; conduct investigations as needed and recommend solutions. 
• Drive HR-related process improvements, special projects, and ad-hoc analyses; identify opportunities for efficiency, automation, and enhanced employee experience. 
• Collaborate with other departments to integrate HR processes and provide timely HR insights and support. 
• Manage full-cycle recruitment and onboarding processes, including job postings, candidate coordination, interview scheduling, reference/background checks, offer preparation, new hire paperwork, benefits enrollment, IT setup coordination, office tours, and team introductions. 

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field, or equivalent experience. 
• At least 4–7 years of progressive HR generalist experience, preferably in a small-to-mid-sized organization or winery/agriculture setting. 
• Strong knowledge of HR best practices, employment law (including California-specific regulations), payroll processing, benefits administration, and compliance requirements. 
• Experience working with HRIS, payroll, and related systems.
• Proven ability to handle confidential information with discretion and maintain high standards of accuracy and attention to detail. 
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills; able to interact professionally with all levels of the organization, both verbally and in writing.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite: Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, and PowerPoint. 
• Ability to manage multiple priorities independently, meet deadlines, and thrive in a collaborative, fast-paced environment. 
• Commitment to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and positive workplace culture.

WHY JOIN US:

• 401(k) program with company matching 
• Health benefits - medical, dental, vision, disability & life insurance 
• Profit sharing 
• Paid time off and paid holidays 
• Annual wine allocation and wine discounts 
• A supportive and collaborative work environment 
• Professional growth and development opportunities

Shafer Vineyards is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. All hiring decisions are made based on qualifications, skills, and business needs.