Human Resource Generalist

HR Jobs; Carter Lake (IA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) with company match

PTO and paid holidays

Wellness program

Job summary

Owen Industries in Carter Lake, IA is seeking a plant-level HR Generalist to support day-to-day people operations across the facility. You will partner with plant leadership, report to the Director of HR, and manage payroll, benefits, recruiting, onboarding, and employee relations.

This role emphasizes OSHA-compliant safety programs, workers’ compensation coordination, and HRIS/payroll systems such as ADP and Kronos.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of progressive HR generalist experience, manufacturing environment preferred.
• Hands-on payroll processing for hourly and salaried employees.
• Full-cycle recruiting experience across positions including hourly production roles.
• Knowledge of OSHA regulations and plant safety practices.
• Experience with HRIS/payroll systems (ADP/Kronos) and ATS platforms.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Process bi-weekly payroll for hourly and salaried plant employees, including hours, overtime, deductions and adjustments.
• Maintain timekeeping records, audit time punches, and resolve discrepancies with supervisors.
• Handle new hire, termination, leave and status changes in payroll/HRIS.
• Ensure payroll compliance with federal, state and local wage and hour laws (FLSA).
• Respond to employee pay, deduction and benefits questions; administer benefits enrollment.
• Maintain confidential personnel files and HR records; support onboarding and orientation.
• Manage full-cycle recruiting for hourly production roles; create job postings and source candidates.
• Conduct background checks, drug screens, and reference checks; coordinate with hiring managers.
• Develop and deliver safety training; manage OSHA logs and safety documentation.
• Lead safety committee activities; track safety metrics and corrective actions.
• Support employee relations and performance management processes.
• Partner with leadership to drive engagement, recognition and retention initiatives.

Skills

Payroll processing

Full-cycle recruiting

OSHA knowledge

HR policy & employee relations

Verbal & written communication

Discretion with confidential info

Problem solving & conflict resolution

Education

PHR/SHRM-CP or equivalent preferred

Tools

ADP

Kronos

HRIS/payroll systems

ATS platforms

Microsoft Office

Job description

Owen Industries is seeking a plant-level HR Generalist in Carter Lake, IA (onsite, near downtown Omaha) to support day-to-day people operations across the facility. In this role, you will partner closely with plant leadership and report to the Director of HR while managing recruiting, payroll administration, safety support, and employee relations needs.

Payroll, HRIS, and Employee Support

• Assist in processing bi-weekly payroll for hourly and salaried plant employees, including hours, overtime, deductions, and adjustments
• Maintain timekeeping system records, audit time punches, and resolve discrepancies with supervisors
• Process new hire, termination, leave, and status changes within the payroll/HRIS system
• Ensure payroll compliance with federal, state, and local wage and hour laws (FLSA)
• Respond to employee questions related to pay, deductions, and benefits
• Administer employee benefits enrollment, changes, and inquiries
• Maintain accurate and confidential personnel files and HR records

Recruiting and Onboarding

• Manage full-cycle recruiting for hourly production roles, including job postings, sourcing, screening, interviewing, and extending offers
• Partner with department managers to develop accurate job descriptions
• Build and maintain talent pipelines through job boards, staffing agencies, schools, and community/job fairs
• Conduct new hire orientation and onboarding, including I-9 verification
• Maintain applicant tracking system records and recruiting metrics such as time-to-fill and source of hire
• Conduct background checks, drug screens, and reference checks in line with company policy

Plant Safety and Workers’ Compensation

• Develop, implement, and maintain plant safety programs and procedures in compliance with OSHA and applicable regulations
• Conduct routine safety audits, inspections, and job hazard analyses; recommend and track corrective actions
• Lead incident and near-miss investigations, determine root cause, and implement corrective action plans
• Maintain OSHA recordkeeping (300/300A logs) and all required safety documentation
• Develop and deliver safety training, including new hire orientation, PPE, lockout/tagout, forklift, and hazard communication
• Chair the plant safety committee and coordinate safety recognition and incentive programs
• Manage workers’ compensation claims, coordinate return-to-work programs, and liaise with insurance carriers
• Track and report safety metrics, including TRIR, DART rate, and near misses

Employee Relations and Performance Support

• Support employee relations matters, workplace investigations, and performance management processes
• Support employee engagement, recognition, and retention initiatives

Qualifications

• 3+ years of progressive HR generalist experience, with manufacturing or industrial environment strongly preferred
• Hands-on experience processing payroll for hourly and salaried employees
• Demonstrated full-cycle recruiting experience
• Working knowledge of OSHA regulations and plant safety practices
• Proficiency with HRIS/payroll systems such as ADP and Kronos (or similar) and Microsoft Office Suite
• Knowledge of full-cycle recruiting practices, sourcing strategies, and ATS platforms
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and accuracy
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills across all levels of the organization
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion
• Strong problem-solving, conflict-resolution, and decision-making skills
• PHR, SHRM-CP, or similar HR certification preferred

Tools and Technologies

• ADP
• Kronos
• HRIS/payroll systems
• ATS platforms
• Microsoft Office Suite

Benefits

• Competitive pay, commensurate with experience
• Monday-Friday schedule, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
• High-impact, high-variety role at a growing multi-division manufacturer
• Partnership with plant leadership and visibility to senior HR leadership
• Health, Dental & Vision insurance
• Life/AD&D and Disability coverage
• 401(k) with company match
• PTO and paid holidays, with accrual beginning immediately
• Wellness program with premium incentives
• Opportunities for professional growth within Owen Industries

Location: Carter Lake, IA (onsite, near downtown Omaha)
Reports to: Director of HR
FLSA Status: Exempt / Salaried
Minimum Experience: 3 years
Pay: Competitive, based on experience
Schedule: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM