Associate Human Resources Generalist

Kinze Manufacturing, Inc.; Williamsburg (IA); On-site; USD 54,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Kinze Manufacturing, Inc. is seeking an HR Generalist to support the production teams across multiple shifts. You will be the go-to contact for HR policies, employee relations, benefits, and recruitment, ensuring engagement and compliance.

This role partners with HR leadership and plant operations to drive people initiatives in a manufacturing setting. Ideal candidates have 1–3 years of HR experience, a degree in HR or related field, and strong communication skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in HR or related field, or equivalent experience.
• 1–3 years HR experience; manufacturing environment preferred.
• HR certification preferred (PHR, SHRM-CP).
• Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality.
• Proven communication skills and ability to communicate effectively.
• Proficient in Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook and HR software.
• Experience with process improvement, continuous improvement, or change management is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Maintain employee-related databases and HRIS support.
• Prepare standard HR reports and management reports.
• Coordinate full-cycle recruiting logistics and pre-screening; source candidates.
• Coordinate onboarding program and 90-day check-ins for new hires.
• Coordinate co-op program recruiting, career fairs, and housing assistance.
• Coordinate company-wide engagement events and internal communications.
• Respond to routine HR questions and escalate when needed.
• Serve as a point of contact for benefits questions and life events.
• Assist with FMLA administration and HR training materials.
• Support benefits communication and employment processes.
• Participate in training, wellness initiatives, and HR meetings.
• Communicate HR policies and laws as directed by HR Manager.
• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism; handle ambiguity.

Skills

Confidentiality

Communication

Multitasking

Detail-oriented

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR or related field

Tools

HRIS

Excel

PowerPoint

Word

Outlook

Job description

The Human Resources Generalist supports the production team on multiple shifts and serves as a key contact for employees on HR policies, procedures, and functions, including employee relations, recruitment, benefits, FMLA, engagement/retention, and career development. Provides employee relations practices that maintain a positive employer-employee relationship and a high level of employee engagement, while contributing to the department's overall mission and company objectives. The Human Resources Generalist works cross-functionally within the department, exercising judgment and decision-making appropriate to the assigned level and escalating complex or high-risk matters to the HR Manager as appropriate, with final responsibility for HR decisions resting with HR leadership.

General Duties

• Maintain employee-related databases and make full use of Human Resources software; provide employee support for HRIS issues
• Prepare standard HR reports and periodic reports for management, as necessary or requested
• Coordinate full-cycle recruiting logistics (posting, scheduling, assessments, pre-employment); conduct pre-screen interviews; source and pipeline candidates using recruiting tools (LinkedIn, Indeed, ATS)
• Coordinate the onboarding program, including schedules, presenters, and logistics; review new hire paperwork; conduct the new hire 90-day check-in
• Coordinate the co-op program recruiting cycle, career fairs, co-op events and activities, and candidate housing assistance
• Coordinate company-wide engagement events and manage internal communications (newsletter, SharePoint, internal media), ensuring timely and accurate updates
• Respond to routine employee questions on HR policies, procedures, and programs with accurate and timely information, escalating matters requiring interpretation, judgment, or employee relations guidance
• Serve as a point of contact for employee benefit questions, enrollments, and life event changes
• Assist with FMLA administration
• Provide education and materials to managers and employees, including workshops, manuals, employee handbooks, and standardized reports
• Support benefits communication and employment processes
• Participate in training support and wellness initiatives
• Participate in staff meetings and other HR-related meetings
• Communicate HR policies, procedures, programs, and laws as directed by the HR Manager
• Maintain confidentiality and conduct tasks with professionalism in ambiguous situations
• All other duties as assigned

Requirements

• A bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Management, Organizational Development, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
• 1–3 years of relevant human resources experience; experience within a manufacturing environment preferred
• HR certification preferred (PHR, SHRM-CP)
• Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality
• Detail-oriented with the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and work with a high sense of urgency
• Proven communication skills and ability to communicate effectively
• Demonstrated ability to manage projects and tasks to completion
• Ability to work with ambiguity and conduct assigned tasks with professionalism, respect, and integrity
• Proficient computer navigation skills, including Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook, and HR software
• Prior experience with process improvement, continuous improvement, or change management is a plus

Working Conditions

• Standing, sitting, and walking for extended periods of time
• Performing tasks with computers for extended periods of time
• Wearing appropriate PPE and following safety procedures
• Spending some time in a non-climate-controlled manufacturing environment
• Working Time:
• Position may require working outside of regular hours to complete job duties and special assignments
• Must be available to support multiple shift operations
• Travel:
• Requires minimal travel with very few overnight stays
• Kinze provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, national origin, marital status, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Summary

For over 60 years, we've taken pride in our products and worked hard to take row crop technology to the next level. We are in constant pursuit of the next big innovation as team members at all levels collaborate to design, build and market the world's finest planters and grain carts. At Kinze we value the people behind our products and work hard to provide an environment that respects and nurtures our employees' talents. We are looking for highly talented professionals who are ready to work in a fast-paced, innovative, and technology-driven company.