Human Resources Specialist

JOB TITLE: Human Resources Specialist
EMPLOYER: VAG USA, LLC | GA Industries brand
DEPARTMENT: Human Resources

REPORTS TO: President

ABOUT US:

GA Industries, founded in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 1895, is a leader in the manufacture of valves for industrial and municipal water and wastewater industries in North America. GA Industries is owned and operated by VAG USA, LLC in Mars, Pennsylvania, USA. VAG USA, LLC is a member of Georg Fischer headquartered in Schaffhausen, Switzerland.

VAG USA, aka GA Industries, plays a leading role wherever water is purified, conveyed, stored, and distributed. With a robust and growing valve-focused product line, our innovative and customized solutions are used in multiple applications and industries. With a focus on the customer, we set new standards in quality and service and strive for manufacturing excellence. 

THE ROLE:

We are seeking a dynamic and detail-oriented Human Resources Specialist to support daily HR operations within a manufacturing environment. This key role is responsible for a broad range of functions including recruitment, onboarding, benefits administration, payroll support, employee relations, and policy enforcement. The ideal candidate will serve as a trusted partner to exempt and nonexempt employees, fostering a positive work environment that promotes engagement, collaboration, and compliance.

The Human Resources Specialist will act as an Employee Advocate, playing a crucial role in cultivating strong relationships across all levels of the organization. Success in this position requires exceptional communication skills, sound judgment, and the ability to manage sensitive information with the highest level of confidentiality and professionalism.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Performs routine tasks required to administer and execute human resource programs including but not limited to compensation, benefits, time & attendance, disciplinary matters, disputes and investigations, performance, talent management, productivity, recognition, morale, leave of absence, and training and development.
• Reviews, tracks, and documents compliance with mandatory training, continuing education, and work assessments. This may include safety training, anti-harassment training, professional licensure, and other required and compliance training.
• Tracks, analyzes, and reports key HR metrics, including headcount, turnover, absenteeism, recruiting activity, vacancies, and other workforce trends to support management decision-making.
• Recruits, interviews, and facilitates the hiring of qualified job applicants for open positions, collaborates with departmental managers to understand skills and competencies required for openings.
• Coordinates new hire orientation and employee recognition programs.
• Conducts or acquires background checks and employee eligibility verifications.
• Acts as a primary point of contact for HRIS-related inquiries and issues, ensuring accurate data entry, optimal system performance, responsive user support, and the integrity of employee information.
• Handles employment-related inquiries from applicants, employees, and supervisors, referring to complex and/or sensitive matters to the appropriate staff.
• Attends and participates in employee disciplinary meetings, terminations, and investigations.
• Coordinates employee accommodation requests and the interactive process, including medical restrictions, return-to-work needs, and reasonable workplace accommodations, in accordance with applicable laws and company policies. Partners with employees, managers, and appropriate resources to identify and implement effective solutions.
• Maintains compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations, and recommends best practices, reviews policies and practices to maintain compliance.
• Maintains knowledge of trends, best practices, regulatory changes, and new technologies in human resources, talent management, and employment law.
• Coordinate local office administrative and workplace support functions, including facility coordination, office resources, and employee support services, to maintain an efficient and professional work environment.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, business administration, or a related field, with 3 years HR industry experience
• Knowledge of employment law and HR best practices.
• PHR or SHRM-CP, a plus.

SKILLS REQUIRED:

• Working knowledge and understanding of applicable government regulations regarding HR compliance, local, state, and federal law.
• Experience working with HRM software - Paycom, Workday, and ADP a plus.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Acts as Company representative at other company locations, or at other companies.
• Presents a professional appearance as well as presents a professional attitude with employees and external personnel.
• Proficient in MS Office (Outlook, Word, and PowerPoint)
• Ability to prioritize and multi-task.
• Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, data driven environment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Office-based position, Monday through Friday.
• Primarily works in an office environment within a manufacturing facility, with regular interaction on the production floor to support employees, managers, and business operations. Requires adherence to all company safety policies and the use of required personal protective equipment (PPE) when entering manufacturing or warehouse areas.
• Minimal travel may be required for meetings, conferences, or training sessions, up to 5%.
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift 15 pounds at times.

EXCEPTIONAL BENEFITS:

• Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance
• Short-Term Disability & Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Health Savings Account
• Matching 401K Program

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT:  VAG USA, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.