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.