Chicago, IL 60632
$85,000 a year - Full-time
The Human Resources Generalist plays a vital role in supporting the full employee lifecycle — from recruitment and onboarding through development, engagement, and offboarding — ensuring a consistent and positive experience at every stage. In this role, the HR Generalist serves as a trusted and accessible point of contact for both employees and managers, providing timely guidance on HR policies, procedures, and best practices. Working cross-functionally across the organization, the HR Generalist partners with leadership to align people strategies with business objectives and foster a workplace culture rooted in respect, inclusion, and continuous growth. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced HR professional who thrives in a dynamic environment and is passionate about making a meaningful impact on the employee experience.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Payroll & HR Systems
- Process and audit bi-weekly payroll to ensure accuracy and timeliness
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date employee records
- Work with plant managers to maintain accurate employee time keeping records & processes.
- Generate HR reports and metrics to support data-driven decision-making
- Ensure data integrity, system compliance, and adherence to recordkeeping standards
- Coordinate with the Finance department on payroll reconciliations and reporting
Recruitment & Onboarding
- Manage full-cycle recruiting including job postings, candidate screening, interviews, and offer letters
- Partner with hiring managers to define role requirements, competencies, and selection criteria
- Coordinate background checks, reference checks, and pre-employment screenings
- Facilitate new hire orientation and structured onboarding programs for a seamless day-one experience
- Maintain and update applicant records and recruiting programs
Benefits & Compensation
- Administer employee benefits programs including health, dental, vision, and 401(k) plans
- Ensure timely onboarding of employee benefit enrollments.
- Support open enrollment processes and respond to employee benefits inquiries with accuracy and care
- Conduct compensation benchmarking and salary analysis to ensure market competitiveness
- Process and manage leave of absence requests including FMLA and personal leaves
- Work with third-party vendors to resolve issues and maintain service quality
Employee Relations & Compliance
- Serve as a trusted resource for employee concerns, providing guidance on conflict resolution and workplace issues
- Conduct thorough, objective workplace investigations and document findings and outcomes
- Ensure organizational compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations
- Maintain and periodically update HR policies, procedures, and the employee handbook
- Support performance management processes including documentation, PIPs, and annual review cycles
Training & Engagement
- Coordinate employee training and professional development programs aligned with organizational goals
- Facilitate manager and employee workshops on topics such as communication, compliance, and leadership
- Support employee engagement survey administration, results analysis, and action planning
- Coordinate recognition programs, culture initiatives, and events that promote a positive work environment
- Track, report, and maintain training completion and compliance records
Operational Support
- Respond promptly to employment verification requests and reference inquiries
- Support HR audits and annual compliance filings including EEO-1, ACA, and OSHA reporting
- Maintain physical and electronic HR files in accordance with document retention schedules and policies
- Assist with HR project management, process improvement initiatives, and departmental goal achievement
- Provide flexible backup support across HR functions to ensure continuity of service
EXPERIENCE & EDUCATION
Education
- Bachelor’s degree required in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field
- PHR, SHRM-CP, or equivalent HR certification preferred
Experience
- 3-5 years of progressive HR generalist experience in a professional environment
- Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish required.
- Proficiency with HRIS platforms such as ADP, Workday, UKG, or equivalent systems
- Strong working knowledge of employment law and current HR best practices
- Demonstrated experience managing full-cycle recruitment processes
- Experience leading or collaborating on employee safety initiatives
- Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills with all levels of the organization
- Superior organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines simultaneously
- Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with the highest level of discretion and professionalism
- Self-starter who can to learn utilize various benefit provider websites
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook
- Experience supporting Code of Conduct audits and related corrective action processes preferred.
BENEFITS OFFERED
- Health Insurance
- 401(k)
- Life Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Paid Time Off
- Annual Bonus Potential
Pay: $85,000.00 per year
- 401(k)
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Experience:
- progressive HR generalist: 3 years (Required)