HR Generalist

Watlow; Columbia Township (MO); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual Incentive Program

401(k) with company match

Wellness incentives

Employee Personal Assistance Program

Dental, medical, vision, disability

Paid holidays, personal time, vacation

Parental leave

Job summary

Watlow in Columbia, MO is seeking a passionate Human Resources Generalist to join our Manufacturing Center of Excellence. You will support HR service delivery across the U.S.

region and act as a dedicated partner for the Columbia site, handling onboarding, offboarding, payroll administration, and benefits management. You will work with site leadership to address employee relations, compliance with HR policies, and lead engagement initiatives while driving continuous improvement in HR operations

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in HR, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 5+ years HR experience in manufacturing or production.
• Experience supporting engagement programs and leadership development for site leaders.
• Strong employee relations experience for hourly and corporate workforce.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with ability to build trust across levels.
• Hands-on experience administering LOA programs (FMLA, ADA).
• Proactive, team-oriented approach with focus on continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Align HR strategy with site and regional leadership to drive business success.
• Serve as primary HR contact, resolving Tier I & II employee relations issues.
• Coach site leadership on employee relations, performance management, and corrective actions.
• Enhance team member engagement and retention through programs and initiatives.
• Support payroll, benefits, compensation administration, and leaves of absence.
• Monitor compliance with laws and internal policies, conduct audits as needed.
• Maintain HR data, generate reports, and support leadership with metrics.
• Drive continuous improvement in HR operations and service delivery.

Skills

Employee relations

Communication skills

Leave administration

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR/Business

Tools

Dayforce

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Description

Working at Watlow

Watlow is a global technology and manufacturing leader who provides world class engineering expertise through innovative thermal products and systems, enabling our customers to thrive. We are making a positive impact every day as our solutions enrich the lives of people everywhere. We have been providing breakthrough thermal solutions for over 100 years! Our corporate values guide us uncompromisingly to always do the right thing, continually learn and improve, respect everyone, and lead with service and humility.

About the Role

Watlow is looking for a passionate and driven Human Resources Generalist to join our team at our Manufacturing Center of Excellence in Columbia, MO.

In this role, you will support HR service delivery across the U.S. region as part of a broader HR-Services team, while also serving as a dedicated HR partner for the Columbia Missouri site. You’ll play a critical role in areas like team member engagement, employee relations, compliance, and leadership development.

In addition, you will support key HR processes such as onboarding, offboarding, payroll administration, and management of compensation and benefits programs. You’ll work closely with site leadership to address team member relations and ensure compliance with HR policies and employment regulations.

If you are someone who thrives in a fast-paced, hands‑on environment and enjoys making a meaningful impact every day, this could be the perfect role for you.

Your Key Responsibilities

• Align HR Strategy with Business Goals . Partner with site and regional leadership to align HR services and programs with operational objectives and drive business success.
• Serve as a Primary HR Contact. Act as the first point of contact for team member inquiries, resolving Tier I and II employee relations issues and providing policy guidance.
• Partner with Site Leadership on Employee Relations. Coach and advise plant supervisors and leadership on employee relations matters, performance management, and corrective action processes.
• Enhance Team Member Engagement and Retention. Support engagement programs and initiatives that promote a positive workplace culture and improve morale and retention.
• Support Payroll, Benefits, and Compensation Administration. Address team member questions and manage administrative processes related to payroll, benefits, compensation, and leaves of absence (LOA).
• Ensure Compliance with Laws and Policies. Monitor HR practices for compliance with employment laws and internal policies, conducting audits and managing any compliance issues that arise.
• Manage HR Data and Reporting. Maintain accurate HR records, team member data, and produce reports and metrics to support operational and leadership needs.
• Drive Continuous Improvement and HR Service Excellence. Identify and implement process improvements within HR operations to improve efficiency, service delivery, and team member satisfaction.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
• 5+ years of HR experience, preferably in a manufacturing or production environment
• Experience supporting engagement programs and leadership development initiatives for site leaders.
• Strong employee relations experience supporting an hourly and corporate workforce
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trust and collaborate across all levels of the organization
• Hands-on experience administering leave of absence programs, including FMLA, ADA, and related compliance requirements
• A proactive, team-oriented approach and a passion for supporting people and driving continuous improvement

Desired Qualifications

• Proficiency in HCM and Microsoft Office Suite
• Ability to manage multiple priorities with attention to detail in a dynamic environment
• Proficiency with HR systems and tools; experience with Dayforce or similar HRIS is a plus

Benefits: The Watlow Total Compensation Plan

The health, well-being and financial stability of you and your family is a high priority to us. T he Watlow Total Rewards Plan includes competitive compensation and a full range of life and career enhancing benefits :

• Annual Incentive Program
• 401(k) plan that includes a company match on your contribution and an annual company contribution that is tied to company performance
• Wellness incentives
• Employee Personal Assistance Program
• Dental, medical, vision and short-term and long-term disability insurance
• Paid holidays, personal time, and vacation
• Parental leave

Diversity & Inclusion

We proactively embrace diversity in all its dimensions across our company and cultivate a culture of inclusion and forward thinking that respects and reflects each team member's individual strengths, views, and experiences. Watlow takes pride in being an inclusive equal opportunity employer and considers for employment qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

Please let us know confidentially if you need or require any special accommodations to participate in our recruiting process by emailing us at [e-mail] .