HR Generalist

Arthur Schuman Master; Elgin (IL); On-site; USD 58,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) with employer contribution

Paid time off

Holidays

Professional development opportunities

Employee wellness programs

Job summary

Schuman Cheese is seeking a Human Resources Generalist to support daily HR needs at our manufacturing facility in Illinois. The role partners with employees and leaders across production, quality, maintenance, warehouse, and admin to promote a safe, compliant, and productive workplace.

You will handle recruitment, onboarding, employee relations, benefits, leave administration, training, and HR systems. Ideal candidates have 1–3 years of HR experience, knowledge of HRIS/ATS/timekeeping, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, business administration, or related field preferred; equivalent education and relevant experience may be considered.
• One to three years of progressive human resources experience, preferably supporting manufacturing or operations.
• Experience with HR information systems, applicant-tracking systems, timekeeping systems, and Microsoft Excel.

Responsibilities

• Serve as HR resource for employees, supervisors, and managers across shifts.
• Coordinate full-cycle recruitment for hourly and salaried positions, including postings, screening, interviews, offers, and onboarding.
• Coordinate with staffing agencies to monitor plant temporary workforce.
• Support onboarding and documentation, system access, and policy acknowledgments.
• Provide guidance on workplace policies, attendance, performance, and corrective actions.
• Assist HR manager with investigations and documentation.
• Administer employee changes in HRIS, including hires, transfers, promotions, leaves, and separations.
• Assist employees with payroll or timekeeping questions and coordinate with internal/external stakeholders.
• Support performance management, training, and engagement initiatives.
• Help maintain compliance with federal, state, and local employment requirements and record-retention rules.

Skills

Recruitment

Onboarding

Employee relations

Payroll

Timekeeping

MS Excel

Bilingual EN/ES

Education

Bachelor’s degree in HR or related field

Tools

HRIS

ATS

Timekeeping systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: IL - Elgin, IL 60120

Salary Range: $58,000.00 - $62,000.00 Salary

Job Category: Human Resources

Primary Purpose: The Human Resources Generalist helps support the day‑to‑day human resources needs of a fast‑paced manufacturing facility. This position partners with employees and leaders across production, quality, maintenance, warehouse, sanitation, and administrative functions to promote a safe, respectful, compliant, and productive workplace. The Generalist provides hands‑on support in recruitment, onboarding, employee relations, benefits, leave administration, training, performance management, HR systems, and policy administration.

Responsibilities

• Serve as an accessible, trusted HR resource for employees, supervisors, and managers across assigned shifts.
• Coordinate full-cycle recruitment for hourly and salaried positions, including job postings, applicant screening, interviews, offers, pre‑employment requirements, and new‑hire orientation.
• Coordinate with staffing agencies to monitor and direct plant temporary employee workforce.
• Support onboarding and employee integration by ensuring required documentation, training, system access, and policy acknowledgments are completed accurately and on time.
• Provide guidance on workplace policies, attendance, performance expectations, corrective action, and consistent application of company practices.
• Receive and address employee concerns; assist HR manager with investigations and documentation.
• Administer employee changes and records in the HR information system, including hires, transfers, promotions, compensation changes, leaves, and separations.
• Assist employees with payroll or timekeeping questions, and other HR programs; coordinate with internal specialists and external vendors as needed.
• Support performance management, training coordination, and employee engagement initiatives.
• Help maintain compliance with applicable federal, state, and local employment requirements, record‑retention rules, and company policies.
• Prepare reports, employee communications, and HR metrics while maintaining accurate and confidential records.
• Provide HR coverage across shifts and adjust work hours occasionally to support employees and business needs.
• Assist with compliance verifications on the production floor, working with managers and supervisors to support employee compliance requirements.
• Assist with social compliance audit preparation.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications Education, Qualities and Skills Required

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, business administration, or a related field preferred; equivalent education and relevant experience may be considered.
• One to three years of progressive human resources experience, preferably supporting manufacturing, food production, distribution, or another operations‑based environment.
• Working knowledge of employee relations, recruiting, onboarding, performance management, and employment compliance.
• Experience with HR information systems, applicant‑tracking systems, timekeeping systems, and Microsoft Office applications. Strong knowledge in Microsoft Excel.
• Bilingual English/Spanish communication skills are preferred but not required.
• Strong interpersonal, listening, conflict‑resolution, and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to build credibility with employees and leaders at all levels of the organization.
• Sound judgment and discretion when handling confidential or sensitive information.
• Clear, professional written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent organization, follow‑through, and attention to detail in a deadline‑driven environment.
• Ability to interpret and consistently apply policies, procedures, and employment requirements.
• Comfort working on the manufacturing floor and responding calmly to competing priorities.

Supervisory Responsibility

No direct supervision required.

Work Environment

Typical office working environment which includes a workstation equipped with a computer and other office supplies necessary for daily tasks. Typically climate‑controlled to provide a comfortable working temperature year‑round. Lighting is usually a mix of natural and artificial sources to ensure sufficient lamination. This role will also require time spent in the production and warehouse environments where temperatures range from 30-45 degrees on a daily basis.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

This is a full‑time hourly position, and hours of work and days are Monday through Friday. Expectations of 40-45 hours per week, to be worked during normal business hours.

Physical Requirements

1. Sitting: Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk or workstation.
2. Typing: Frequent use of hands to type on a keyboard and operate a computer mouse.
3. Visual Requirements: Extended periods of viewing a computer screen and reading printed or digital documents.
4. Mobility: Occasional walking or standing, including moving between different areas of the office, production and warehouse environments.
5. Manual Dexterity: The ability to handle office equipment, such as phones, printers, and copiers, and to file documents.
6. Communication: Clear verbal and written communication skills for interacting with colleagues, clients, and vendors.
7. Lifting: Occasionally lifting and carrying light objects, typically up to 20 pounds, such as files, documents, or office supplies.
8. Reaching and Bending: Reaching above shoulder height and bending to access files and office supplies.
9. Hearing: Adequate hearing ability to participate in meetings and teleconferences.

These requirements ensure that employees can perform their duties effectively and safely within an office setting. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

Compensation and Benefits

The budgeted salary range for this position is $58,000-$62,000, with a 10% annual bonus potential.

Our comprehensive benefits package includes:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) plan with 4.5% employer contribution
• Paid time off and holidays
• Professional development opportunities
• Employee wellness programs

Salary range is based on consideration of required qualifications, experience, education, skill, training, certifications or seniority, etc. Schuman Cheese reserves the right to offer the selected candidate or applicant an hourly rate or salary at an appropriate level to be set and determined by Schuman Cheese that is commensurate with the applicant’s qualifications, experience, education, skill, training, certifications or seniority.

We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.

Remote Positions Only

Candidates must reside in one of the following states: Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Washington, Wyoming or Wisconsin. This arrangement ensures that all remote work is conducted from one of these approved locations.