HR Generalist

Fernway; Springfield (IL); Remote; USD 60,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A growing HR firm in Illinois is looking for a skilled HR Generalist to oversee onboarding, benefits administration, and compliance tasks. Ideal candidates should have 3-5 years of HR experience, be communicative and detail-oriented, and thrive in a dynamic environment. The position is remote with an emphasis on candidates based in Illinois. The company offers generous benefits including health coverage and paid time off.

Benefits

Generous annual leave

Comprehensive health coverage

401(k) with match

Gym membership

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of HR experience with exposure to benefits administration and employee relations.
• BA/BS in Human Resources or related field, or HR certification.
• Ability to adapt to a fast-changing environment.

Responsibilities

• Provide guidance to employees and managers on workplace issues.
• Manage onboarding and offboarding processes.
• Ensure legal compliance by monitoring HR requirements.
• Support payroll processes and performance reviews.
• Assist in benefits administration and vendor relations.

Skills

HR experience

Benefits administration

Employee relations

Problem-solving skills

Effective communication

Education

BA/BS in Human Resources, Business, or a related field

HR certification (PHR, SHRM-CP)

Tools

HRIS systems

Excel

Job description

HR Generalist

Department: Human Resources

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Southern IL

Compensation: $60,000 - $65,000 / year

Description

We’re looking for an HR Generalist who’s ready to take on a wide range of people-focused responsibilities and help keep our team running smoothly. The HR Generalist will support day-to-day human resources operations across the company, handling everything from onboarding new hires to supporting employee relations, managing benefits, and ensuring compliance with employment laws. Note: While this position is remote, we are looking for the ideal candidate to live in Illinois.

The ideal candidate has a solid grounding in the application of basic employment laws (including ADA accommodations, federal and state requirements, and Paid Family Leave), and is experienced with basic benefits administration. They maintain a warm and positive presence during onboarding, have strong attention to detail, are adept with HRIS systems and Excel, and bring ideas for improving processes and policies.

Key Responsibilities

• Employee Relations: Provide guidance to employees and managers, helping to address questions, concerns, and workplace issues with professionalism and care. Investigate complaints brought forward by employees; advise managers on employee issues.
• Onboarding & Offboarding: Manage a smooth process for new hires and departing employees, ensuring a positive and engaging experience. Ensure that all preboarding is completed on time, and suggest process improvements.
• Compliance: Maintain HR files, track required trainings and credentials. Ensure legal compliance by monitoring and implementing applicable human resource federal and state requirements and maintaining records.
• HR Operations: Support payroll processes, leave management, performance reviews, and other HR programs. Manage & maintain vendor relationships benefits brokers, and other HR required tools.
• Benefits Administration: Support benefits enrollment, changes, and employee questions; partner with vendors to resolve issues. Understand, communicate and train on employee benefit programs.
• Projects & Initiatives: Contribute to HR projects such as performance management, learning & development, process improvements, employee engagement programs, and policy updates.
• Office Operations: Oversee office supply ordering, answer the door and welcome visitors, and coordinate in-office social events and team activities.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• 3–5 years of HR experience with exposure to benefits administration and employee relations.
• BA/BS in Human Resources, Business, or a related field—or HR certification (PHR, SHRM-CP) or additional experience in lieu of a degree.
• Ability to balance onsite office needs with HR responsibilities and adapt to a fast-changing environment.
• Bonus Points
• Experience in a manufacturing or highly regulated industry (cannabis experience not required).
• Interest in occasional travel to support team events or HR initiatives.
• A combination of HR experience in the following areas: employee onboarding/offboarding, performance management, employee engagement, rewards and recognition programs.
• Experience with UKG Ready (not required)
• Strong problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and intuitive sense of business acumen
• Effective Communication inclusive of verbal, written and presentation skills
• Proven decision-making using sound judgment while complying with policies, procedures, appropriate principles and applicable state and federal laws and regulations.
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic and changing environment using strong judgment and decision-making skills
• Collaborator and a team-player - an inclusive mindset and ability to build great relationships at all levels of the organization.

Experience the Fernway Advantage

• Generous annual leave: 13 paid holidays and up to 3 weeks PTO (hourly and salaried staff alike)
• Comprehensive health coverage: company-sponsored health, dental, and vision insurance
• Extra benefits: PSL, FSA, life insurance, 401(k) with match, discounted pet insurance and gym membership
• Exclusive membership to the Fernway Secret Shopper Program