Employee Relations Generalist

Position: Employee Relations Generalist

We are seeking a dynamic and detail-oriented Employee Relations Generalist to support HR/LR operations in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. This role plays a critical part in maintaining a positive workplace culture ensuring compliance with labor laws supporting employee relations and driving initiatives that align with business goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Recruitment & Onboarding: Partner with Talent Acquisition to manage the hiring process for hourly positions coordinating with Hiring Managers and Labor Relations to fill vacancies. Support onboarding both pre- and post-employment.

• Compliance Reporting & Audits: Ensure HR practices comply with federal state and local regulations (OSHA FMLA FLSA etc.); maintain accurate employee records.

• Training & Development: Lead training initiatives for plant employees and coordinate internal and external training activities.

• ADA Interactive Process: Partner with Medical Labor Relations Hiring Managers and Unions to navigate accommodations for returning employees and new hires.

• Performance Management: Support managers in evaluations disciplinary actions and corrective plans through coaching and counseling.

• HR Projects: Contribute to initiatives such as employee engagement diversity and inclusion efforts and process improvements at corporate and local levels.

• Community Affairs: Participate in community initiatives (career fairs food/toy drives ERG programs etc.). Act as liaison for local technical/vocational schools with Talent Acquisition and Training.

• Departmental Support: Serve as backup to HR Manager for key HR processes such as succession planning talent management staffing models incentive programs and compliance reporting.

• Negotiations: Assist in negotiating implementing and interpreting collective bargaining agreements (CBAs).

• Grievance & Complaint Investigation: Investigate and resolve employee grievances internal and agency complaints thoroughly and expeditiously.

Requirements

• Bachelors degree in Human Resources Labor Relations Business Administration or related field.

• 710 years of HR Generalist experience preferably in a unionized heavy manufacturing or 24/7 operational environment.

• Strong understanding of HRIS systems (Oracle preferred).

• Knowledge of manufacturing plant organizations structures and business drivers.

• Excellent interpersonal and influencing skills with ability to handle sensitive issues confidentially.

• Strong written verbal and presentation communication skills.

• Organizational skills to manage competing priorities effectively.

• Ability to work independently and make informed decisions with limited information.

• Advanced Excel and analytical skills for data analysis and trend identification.

• Strong knowledge of labor laws union contracts and dispute resolution processes.

• Excellent negotiation and relationship-building skills.