HR Generalist

MW Components; Merrill (IA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

MW Components in Merrill, IA, is seeking a hands-on HR Generalist to manage all facets of human resources in a manufacturing setting.

The role covers recruiting, policy interpretation, benefits administration, and compliance with OSHA regulations. You will also drive onboarding, employee relations, and payroll backup while collaborating with cross-functional teams to sustain a productive work environment.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in HR or related field is required.
• Minimum two years of HR Generalist experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong employee relations capabilities; ability to escalate complex issues.
• Knowledge of safety systems and OSHA regulations to support local management.
• FMLA, ADA, EEO, FLSA, and other regulations awareness is required.
• Recruiting experience in a manufacturing environment is required.

Responsibilities

• Deliver HR procedures and policies and interpret for business operations.
• Recruiting/staffing for all nonexempt roles; write and place ads; screen and interview candidates.
• Drive hiring from sourcing to offer negotiation; coordinate with supervisors.
• Participate in outreach with vocational schools and military programs.
• Develop HR objectives, metrics, and standard reports for ongoing needs.
• Administer benefits, compensation, and performance programs.
• Ensure compliance with state/federal employment laws and update policies.
• Oversee onboarding, orientation, and exit interviews, including data accuracy in HRIS.
• Provide HR advisory support on absence, performance, and employee relations matters.
• Backup payroll processing, including updating employee files and benefit changes.

Skills

HR knowledge

Communication

Confidentiality

HRIS

Microsoft Office

Organizational skills

Payroll understanding

Education

Associate degree in HR or related field

2+ years HR Generalist experience

Safety/OSHA knowledge

FMLA/ADA/EEO/FLSA knowledge

Recruiting in manufacturing

Bachelor's degree in HR

Tools

UltiPro

ADP

Job description

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Deliver personnel procedures and policies, providing guidance and interpretation for business operations
• Responsible for recruiting/staffing, all nonexempt FTEs and temporary workers; writes and places advertisements; works with supervisors to screen and interview candidates.
• Drive the hiring process from sourcing and resume review, through interviews, offer compilation, and offer negotiation.
• Participate in outreach initiatives for local and national vocational schools, technical institutes, and military programs.
• Participate in development of HR objectives and systems, including metrics, queries, and standard reports for ongoing company requirements
• Administer benefits, compensation, and employee performance programs
• Ensure legal compliance of HR state and federal regulations and applicable employment laws, and update policies and/or procedures as required
• Prepare paperwork, schedule, and facilitate smooth new hire onboarding process, coordinating with cross-functional departments to deliver an exceptional first‑day experience
• Handle all administrative tasks for onboarding, new hire orientation, and exit interviews, including entering data into HR information systems and auditing for accuracy and compliance
• Provide an effective and dedicated HR advisory service to employees in relation to absence and health issues, conduct and capability, grievance matters, organizational change, and all other employee‑relations matters
• Be the primary backup for payroll processing, including; bi‑weekly and semi‑monthly updates to employee files, bonus/incentive pay, tracking vacation/sick pay, importing expense reimbursements, inputting exceptions, hourly employee validations, and benefit changes
• Assist in the communication, interpretation, and upkeep of employee handbook, employee directory, and organizational chart, and contributes to the development of policies

SKILLS & COMPETENCIES:

• Strong understanding of HR practices and employment laws.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism.
• Proficiency with HRIS systems and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Strong organizational and problem‑solving abilities.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

Required

• Associate degree in HR or related field
• Minimum two (2) years of human resource experience as a generalist or similar role; manufacturing or industrial environment
• Must have strong employee relations capabilities and the ability to identify and address issues, referring complex situations to Senior HRBP.
• A solid understanding of safety systems and OSHA regulations in order to support local management in their improvement plans.
• Knowledge of state and local laws as it relates to FMLA, ADA, EEO, FLSA, and other applicable regulations is required. Must possess high ethical standards.
• Recruiting Experience in a manufacturing environment

Desired

• A bachelor's degree or equivalent in HR
• Recruitment or Talent acquisition experience is a plus
• Prior experience with HR Information and Payroll systems is required. Exposure to UltiPro payroll software is desired, but not mandatory.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Primarily sedentary work involving prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working at a computer.
• Frequent use of hands and fingers for typing, mouse use, and handling documents.
• Visual acuity required to read computer screens, printed materials, and digital devices.
• Occasional standing, walking, bending, and reaching within the office environment.
• Occasional lifting or carrying of light items such as files, office supplies, or a laptop (typically up to 10–20 pounds).
• Regular communication through speaking and hearing in person, by phone, and during virtual meetings.

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