Human Resources Generalist

Thurston Foods, Inc. is a family-owned, full-line food service distributor headquartered in Wallingford, Connecticut. We are proud to serve the Northeast with quality products, personalized service, and a strong commitment to customer satisfaction. At Thurston Foods, our team is the foundation of our success — and we believe in creating an environment where people feel valued, supported, and inspired to grow. POSITION OVERVIEW: Under supervision of the Human Resource Director, the HR Generalist supports various facilities across the organization by independently managing and overseeing comprehensive personnel administration; disability; leaves; workers’ compensation; unemployment; employee relations; benefits; COBRA; and process exiting employees. Provides analysis of HR trends, including compensation, total rewards programs, policy development, etc. PRINCIPLE RESPONSIBILITIES: Administers benefits at the company level; coordinates open enrollment and provides employees withexpertiseat the local level, audit and approve invoices and handles all QLE or other benefits related issues. Maintains and files yearly OSHA 300 and coordinates workers comp claims with 3rd party provider, employee check-ins, ensures files are currentandfollows casesthrough tocompletion.Overseesall leave of absences and direct billing with 3rdparty providers.Oversees compliance with mandatory and non-mandatory training, continuing education, and work assessments. This may include anti-harassment training, professional licensure, and aptitude exams and certifications.May implement new hire orientation and employee recognition programs.Handles employment-related inquiries from employees and supervisors, referring complex and/or sensitive matters to theappropriate staff.Provides support in employee disciplinary meetings, terminations, and investigations.Conducts exit interviews, analyzes data, and makes recommendations to the management team for corrective action and continuous improvement.Attends andparticipatesin employee disciplinary meetings, terminations, and investigations. Manages and tracks all employee disciplinary action.Administers all state and federalleavesand attendance policies. Maintains compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations, and recommended best practices; reviews policies and practices tomaintaincompliance.Maintains digital files for employees and their documents,benefitsand attendance records.Drives/Provides support in employee engagement initiatives.Performs other duties as assigned.REQUIRED SKILLS: Knowledge of general human resources policies and procedures.Strong working knowledge of employment/labor laws.Proficiencywith or the ability to quickly learn theorganizationspayroll, HRIS and talent management system (ADPWFN).Excellent verbal and written communication skills.Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills.Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.Desire to work as a team with aresultsdriven approach.Ability to prioritize tasks andto delegatethem whenappropriate.Ability to act with integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality.EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:BS/BA degree in Business Administration or relevant field (Preferred).5 years of proven experience as an HR Generalist.Experience with Warehouse or manufacturing a plusWORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS: This position will be in an office setting at a desk equipped with computer, monitors, phone, and other applicable resources/equipment. It will require the applicant to routinely sit, stand, stoop, kneel, crouch, and bend for up to 8 hours. Position requires the occasional lifting of objects up to 25lbs. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Other Duties: Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. EOE M/W/Vet/Disabled All of the above duties and responsibilities are essential job functions subject to reasonable accommodation. All job requirements listed indicate the minimum level of knowledge, skills and/or ability deemed necessary to perform the job proficiently. This job description is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements as the employee may be required to perform any other duties as assigned. In the event of an absence where the Human Resources Generalist cannot perform these duties, the manager will establish applicable coverage of these duties. 9a-5p (On-site)