HR Generalist II

About the role

Southern Companies is looking for an experienced HR Generalist II to serve as a key tactical HR partner across our multi-state operations. You'll work with a high degree of independence while staying closely connected to the HR Manager, handling the full scope of employee relations, leave administration, benefits support, and compliance training for teams across Texas, Oklahoma, and Wyoming.

This is an onsite position based in Kilgore, TX, with regular travel to Southern Companies locations. This isn't a siloed role, you will be the first call for employees and managers alike, and your work, along with the rest of the HR team will directly shape how people experience HR at Southern.

What you'll do

Employee Relations

• First point of contact for ER matters
• Document, investigate, and guide managers through performance issues
• Issue warnings and PIPs with accuracy and care
• Escalate sensitive matters with a clear written summary

Leave & Accommodations

• Administer FMLA, state leave, and personal leave programs
• Manage designation notices, tracking, and return-to-work
• Identify ADA obligations and support the interactive process
• Coordinate with managers on coverage and reinstatement

Benefits & Compliance

• Support HR team during enrollment, open enrollment, and mid-year changes
• Field benefit questions; escalate carrier-level issues
• Maintain documentation across federal, state, and company requirements

Training & Development

• Develop and coordinate compliance and policy training
• Track training completion and identify recurring gaps

General HR Operations

• Support onboarding, offboarding, HRIS, and HR projects

What you bring

·       You have at least 4 years of progressive HR experience, not just time in the seat, but real ownership.

·       You know the difference between a situation you can handle and one that needs to go up the chain, and you act accordingly.

·       Multi-state experience is a must. You're comfortable applying federal law alongside the specific requirements of a state.

·       Experience handling complex ER matters from initial intake and documentation through disciplinary action with consistency, discretion, and sound judgment.

·       Hands-on experience administering leave programs and coordinating ADA accommodation processes, including documentation, notices, and the formal interactive process.

·       Comfortable working with an HR team to assist in fielding enrollment questions, supporting open enrollment, and coordinating with carriers, knowing when to resolve and when to escalate.

Education

·       Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field — or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

·       PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, or SHRM-SCP certification is a plus.

Southern Companies takes care of the people who take care of our teams. We offer a comprehensive benefits package with employer paid and voluntary offerings designed to support your health, your family, and your future.

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Group Life Insurance
• Short-Term Disability
• Long-Term Disability
• 401(k) Plan