HR Generalist

Upper Lakes Foods, Inc.; Cloquet (MN); On-site; USD 52,000 - 79,000; Full time

Job summary

Upper Lakes Foods, Inc. is seeking an HR Generalist to join our Minnesota team. This role partners with managers to deliver HR services, support onboarding, and help employees navigate benefits, leave, and workplace policies.

You will contribute to a positive, compliant, and productive workplace. The HR Generalist will also assist with payroll-related tasks, training programs, and employee relations, while protecting company values and fostering a respectful culture.

Qualifications

• Strong communication and organizational skills are essential.
• Ability to analyze data and make sound judgments.
• Experience collaborating with managers and HR teams.

Responsibilities

• Assist with onboarding and employee orientation.
• Support benefits enrollment and FMLA processes.
• Help manage payroll-related tasks and records.
• Assist with policy updates and compliance reporting.
• Support investigations and performance coaching as needed.

Skills

Communication

Organization

Analytical thinking

Judgment

Job description

HR Generalist at Upper Lakes Foods

The Heart of the Workplace

Every great company has people who keep everything running smoothly. At Upper Lakes Foods, the HR Generalist is one of those people. They are a trusted advisor, problem solver, and champion for employees, working closely with managers to create a positive, productive workplace. Every day brings new opportunities to help people succeed while ensuring the company continues to grow.

Welcoming New Talent

The journey begins with finding great people. The HR Generalist works alongside the recruiting team to identify talented candidates, attend career fairs, and guide new hires through the onboarding process. Their goal is to make every employee feel welcomed and prepared from day one.

Supporting Employees Every Step of the Way

Life happens, and employees sometimes need guidance through challenges. Whether helping someone enroll in benefits, navigate Family and Medical Leave (FMLA), file a workers' compensation claim, or understand company policies, the HR Generalist is there to provide support and ensure every process is handled with care and accuracy.

Building Strong Teams

Great teams don't happen by accident. The HR Generalist works with leaders to improve employee performance, provide coaching, develop training programs, and recognize outstanding work. They help managers resolve conflicts, conduct investigations, and ensure every employee is treated fairly and respectfully.

Protecting the Workplace

Behind the scenes, the HR Generalist ensures the company follows federal, state, and local employment laws. They stay informed about changing regulations, update policies when needed, and educate managers so the workplace remains compliant, safe, and ethical.

Keeping Operations Running Smoothly

Organization is essential. From maintaining employee records and assisting with payroll to preparing unemployment documentation and compliance reports, the HR Generalist manages countless details that keep the Human Resources department operating efficiently.

Creating a Positive Culture

Culture is more than words on a wall-it is built through everyday actions. The HR Generalist promotes respect, teamwork, integrity, and professionalism while helping employees and managers live the company's core values. They encourage open communication, resolve concerns, and create an environment where people feel valued.

Growing with the Company

The learning never stops. HR professionals continually expand their knowledge of employment law, technology, and best practices. The HR Generalist analyzes workforce trends, recommends improvements, and helps shape strategies that strengthen both employees and the organization.

The Skills That Make It Possible

Success in this role comes from strong communication, organization, analytical thinking, and sound judgment. The HR Generalist builds trusting relationships, manages multiple priorities, solves problems independently, and works confidently with employees at every level of the company.

Making a Difference

At the end of each day, the HR Generalist's greatest accomplishment isn't completing paperwork or updating policies-it's helping people succeed. By supporting employees, guiding leaders, and protecting the company's values, they play a vital role in ensuring Upper Lakes Foods continues to be a workplace where people can grow, contribute, and thrive together.

Final candidates are required to successfully complete a background check, pre-employment lift evaluations (if applicable) and pre-employment drug screening prior to their employment start date.
All offers of employment are conditional and contingent upon the Company's receipt of satisfactory results from a comprehensive background investigation and a negative result on a pre-employment lift evaluation and drug screen.
Failure to successfully complete either requirement may result in withdrawal of the conditional offer of employment, to the extent permitted by applicable federal, state, and local law.