Human Resources Specialist

Job Summary:

The Human Resources Specialist is responsible for supporting the day-to-day administration of human resources functions, including recruitment, onboarding, employee relations, benefits administration, HR compliance, performance management, and training.

This role partners with managers and employees to foster a positive workplace culture while ensuring compliance with employment laws, food safety standards, and company policies.

The HR Specialist plays a key role in supporting a fast-paced food manufacturing environment by maintaining accurate employee records, assisting with staffing initiatives, and promoting employee engagement and retention.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Recruitment & Staffing

• Coordinate full-cycle recruiting for hourly and salaried positions.
• Post job openings, screen applicants, schedule interviews, and coordinate hiring activities.
• Conduct employment reference and background checks.
• Prepare offer letters and new hire documentation.
• Coordinate orientation and onboarding for new employees.

Employee Relations

• Serve as a resource for employees regarding HR policies and procedures.
• Assist supervisors with employee coaching, corrective actions, and conflict resolution.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding employee matters.
• Support employee recognition and engagement initiatives.

Benefits & Leave Administration

• Assist employees with benefit enrollment and changes.
• Coordinate open enrollment activities.
• Administer leave programs including FMLA, ADA accommodations, workers' compensation, and other company leave policies.
• Maintain benefit records and communicate with benefit providers.

HR Compliance

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws.
• Maintain personnel files and HRIS records.
• Assist with I-9 verification, E-Verify (if applicable), and employment eligibility documentation.
• Support OSHA, EEOC, FLSA, FMLA, ADA, and other employment compliance requirements.
• Assist during internal and external HR audits.

Performance Management

• Coordinate annual performance review process.
• Track performance evaluation completion.
• Assist managers with goal setting and performance improvement plans.
• Maintain performance documentation.

Training & Development

• Coordinate required employee training programs.
• Maintain training records and certifications.
• Support leadership development initiatives.
• Assist with safety and food manufacturing compliance training.

HR Administration

• Maintain employee personnel files and HRIS data.
• Prepare HR reports and workforce metrics.
• Assist with payroll processing and employee status changes.
• Process employment verifications and other HR documentation.

Employee Engagement

• Support employee appreciation programs and company events.
• Coordinate employee communication initiatives.
• Assist with employee surveys and action plans.
• Promote company culture and core values.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field preferred.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Experience

• 2–5 years of Human Resources experience.
• Manufacturing or food manufacturing experience preferred.
• Experience with recruiting and employee relations.
• Experience using Human Resource Information Systems (HRIS).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of employment laws and HR best practices.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Strong interpersonal and conflict-resolution skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and HRIS software.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to analyze HR metrics and prepare reports.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with HRIS systems such as Paycor, ADP, UKG, Paycom, Paylocity, or similar platforms.
• Experience supporting multi-shift manufacturing operations.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods.
• Ability to move throughout manufacturing and office environments.
• Occasionally lift up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to work in varying temperatures while visiting production areas.
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) in production areas.

Work Environment

This position works in both an office and food manufacturing environment. The employee will routinely interact with production employees, supervisors, and management while complying with all food safety, quality, sanitation, and safety requirements.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Time-to-fill open positions
• New hire retention (90-day and 12-month)
• Employee turnover rate
• Performance review completion rate
• HR compliance audit results
• Training completion rate
• Employee engagement participation
• HRIS data accuracy
• Workers' compensation claim management
• Employee response time to HR inquiries

Core Competencies

• Integrity and Confidentiality
• Customer Service Orientation
• Communication
• Teamwork and Collaboration
• Problem Solving
• Adaptability
• Accountability
• Continuous Improvement
• Organizational Skills
• Attention to Detail

Candidate must be able to work a flexible schedule to ensure the needs of all shift workers are adequately met. Candidate must be active on the production floor.

Salary will be commensurate with experience.