HR Generalist

Finlays Solutions; New Lenox (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health plan (medical, vision, dental)

Annual incentive bonus

Paid time off

Parental leave

Bereavement leave

401(k)

Job summary

Finlays Solutions in New Lenox, IL seeks an HR Generalist to support employee relations, recruiting, onboarding, and benefits administration in a dynamic manufacturing environment.

You will manage HRIS data, ensure regulatory compliance, and partner with leadership to drive engagement and performance across the facility.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in HR, Business Administration, or related field.
• Minimum 3 years’ experience as an HR Generalist or similar role.
• Bi-Lingual (Spanish) strongly preferred.
• HRIS experience preferred.
• Strong knowledge of HR principles, practices, and employment laws.
• Excellent verbal and written communication in English.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a trusted resource for employees and supervisors by addressing workplace questions, concerns, and policy interpretations.
• Conduct fair and timely investigations into employee issues and support corrective actions.
• Lead full-cycle recruitment for hourly, salaried, and manufacturing roles.
• Oversee onboarding activities including offers, pre-employment requirements, and new hire documentation.
• Administer benefits programs and enroll eligible employees.
• Maintain HRIS data and distribute HR metrics for leadership decision-making.
• Ensure compliance with FMLA, FLSA, ADA, EEO, OSHA and related laws.
• Support training and workforce development initiatives.

Skills

Employee relations

Recruiting

Onboarding

Communication skills

HR policies

Safety compliance

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR or related field

SHRM-CP or PHR is a plus

Tools

HRIS

MS Office

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: NEW LENOX, IL 60451, Salary Range: $90,200.00 - $99,700.00 Salary

The total compensation package for this position also includes a choice of health care plan (medical, vision, and dental insurance), an annual incentive bonus, paid time off, parental leave, bereavement leave and a 401(K) for all eligible employees.

About Us

Finlays Solutions is a leading partner to the B2B beverage manufacturing industry, recognized for its deep expertise, strong industry relationships, and commitment to innovation. The company plays a central role in supporting beverage brands, flavor houses, private label partners, and manufacturers through high-quality products, technical capabilities, and collaborative problem-solving. With a strong presence in the ready-to-drink beverage market, Finlays Solutions focuses on identifying emerging opportunities, expanding into new market spaces, and delivering solutions that meet evolving customer and consumer needs. Finlays Solutions operates with a strong commitment to its mission, values, ethics, and long term goals, ensuring that every initiative reflects the company’s dedication to integrity, partnership, and sustainable success.

Job Summary

The HR Generalist plays a key role in supporting and executing a wide range of human resources functions within a dynamic beverage manufacturing facility. This position is responsible for employee relations, recruiting and onboarding, benefits administration, HRIS management, policy implementation, and compliance with federal and state employment regulations. The HR Generalist partners with employees and at all levels to promote a positive work environment, drive employee engagement, and support operational goals. With a focus on confidentiality, consistency, and fairness, this role ensures HR processes are carried out effectively while contributing to a safe, productive, and inclusive workplace.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Serve as a trusted resource for employees and supervisors by addressing workplace questions, concerns, and policy interpretations.
• Conduct fair and timely investigations into employee issues, document findings, and support corrective actions as appropriate.
• Facilitate conflict resolution, encourage open communication, and help foster a respectful, safe, and inclusive culture on the production floor and in administrative areas
• Lead and support the full-cycle recruitment process for hourly, salaried, and manufacturing roles, including drafting job postings, sourcing candidates, screening applications, coordinating interviews, and partnering with hiring managers.
• Oversee onboarding activities such as offer letters, pre-employment requirements, new hire documentation, HRIS setup, and orientation to ensure a seamless transition into the organization
• Support the administration of performance management processes, including probationary reviews, goal setting, annual evaluations, and ongoing feedback.
• Assist supervisors in coaching employees, documenting performance discussions, and promoting accountability and professional growth
• Ensure HR practices align with company policies, regulatory requirements, and manufacturing industry standards.
• Maintain and update HR policies, SOPs, and employee handbooks.
• Provide guidance regarding employment law, safety protocols, and regulatory compliance (e.g., FMLA, FLSA, ADA, EEO, OSHA) and partner with leadership to address compliance risks proactively
• Administer a variety of benefit programs, including health, dental, vision, life insurance, disability plans, leave programs, and retirement plans.
• Provide support and education to employees regarding plan options, eligibility, qualifying life events, and enrollment.
• Assist with vendor communication, invoice reconciliation, and benefits-related problem resolution
• Collaborate with managers, safety teams, and department leads to identify training needs, skills gaps, and certification requirements.
• Coordinate training sessions, track participation, and support workforce development initiatives, including cross-training, compliance training, and leadership development
• Maintain accurate employee data in the HRIS and other systems.
• Compile, analyze, and distribute HR metrics such as turnover, headcount, staffing levels, attendance, and compliance reports to support strategic planning and leadership decisions.
• Prepare presentations and audit documentation as needed
• Contribute to and, when appropriate, lead HR initiatives such as policy updates, health and safety collaboration, diversity and inclusion programs, retention strategies, and employee engagement efforts.
• Participate in cross-functional projects to enhance HR processes and manufacturing workforce efficiency
• Perform all other duties as assigned

Qualifications & Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
• HR certification (e.g., SHRM-CP, PHR) is a plus.
• Minimum 3 years’ experience in an HR Generalist or similar role.
• Bi-Lingual (Spanish) strongly preferred
• Prior experience with an HRIS database preferred
• Sound knowledge of HR principles, practices, and employment laws
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Must be able to interpret and convey safety procedures, technical documents, and operational instructions effectively
• Proven ability to lead, coach, and develop team members.
• Experience resolving conflicts, facilitating team performance, and maintaining high morale and accountability
• Demonstrated aptitude for identifying process issues and implementing practical solutions under minimal supervision
• Skilled in prioritizing tasks, managing shift workflows, and adapting to shifting production demands
• Competent in basic mathematics including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
• Able to work with weights, measures, and calculators.
• Comfortable working with basic computer systems, production interfaces, and inventory tracking tools.
• Reliable, hands-on, and adaptable with a team-oriented attitude.
• Demonstrates initiative and accountability in high-pressure environments.

Physical Demands

• Willingness to work additional hours, and tailor schedule appropriately, to support team goals and meet deadlines
• Must possess adequate vision, hearing, and verbal communication skills to meet essential job performance and safety standards
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods and regularly perform physical tasks such as pushing, pulling, lifting, climbing, bending, stooping, squatting, and using hands for detailed tasks
• Work environment sometimes involves exposure to inclement weather
• Physically capable of performing tasks such as lifting, climbing, and using hand and power tools, including pallet jacks, scales, ladders, and standard material handling and cleaning equipment
• Capable of safely lifting up to 50 pounds frequently throughout the day; ability to handle heavier items with proper lifting equipment or team-assisted techniques to ensure safety

Work Environment

• Employees must be able to work in a dynamic manufacturing environment that may include exposure to odors, dust, moderate noise levels, and fluctuations in temperature and ventilation
• Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) must be worn at all times, which may include but is not limited to: safety glasses, steel-toed shoes, gloves, hairnets, uniforms, and face shields, as required by specific job duties and safety protocols

Quality Statement

• Follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP’s), allergen control, food defense, HACCP, SQF, and regulatory requirements so that we make consistently safe, quality products.
• Ensure the presence of visitors, contractors, and customers are documented on each visit in and out of the facility to maintain good manufacturing practices, allergen controls, food defense/food security and HACCP controls.
• Report all food safety and quality issues to management immediately.
• Partner with colleagues across all functions to share knowledge, skills, and information regarding quality and food safety.
• Adhere to all health and safety work practices.
• Exhibit an understanding of quality and food safety standards and be able to speak about the Finlays quality and food safety system and your role in it.
• Handle customer complaints in a timely and professional manner so that the customer is put first, always.
• Participate fully in Finlays programs that drive continuous improvement methodologies.
• Any employee in doubt as to the role they play in the Finlays quality and food safety management system must reach out to the site Quality Manager or VP of Quality.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Finlays Solutions is an equal employment opportunity employer seeking diversity in qualified applicants for employment. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, gender, gender identity, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, disability, perceived disability, medical condition, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other protected status, as defined by applicable law. Finlays employs individuals that are 18 years of age or older. This position is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship

The salary range for this role is $90,200 - $99,700 annually.