Human Resources Generalist

KerberRose; Appleton (WI); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

KerberRose is seeking an experienced HR Generalist to support a growing multi-location organization with US and Canadian operations. This hands-on role balances strategic HR initiatives with day-to-day activities across employee relations, labor relations, benefits, training, and HR operations.

The ideal candidate will handle investigations, union interactions, compliance, onboarding, and reporting while maintaining confidentiality and high ethical standards in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Labor Relations, or related field.
• PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, or SHRM-SCP certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a trusted HR resource for employees and managers on policies and procedures.
• Investigate and document employee relations matters and policy violations.
• Assist in conflict resolution through coaching and mediation.
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive information and workplace issues.
• Support union relations and interpretation of collective bargaining agreements.
• Coordinate onboarding, training, and development programs.
• Administer benefits programs and assist with enrollment and queries.
• Ensure compliance with ACA, COBRA, ERISA, OSHA, and reporting requirements.
• Maintain HR records and HRIS data; prepare HR metrics reports.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Conflict resolution

Communication

Analytical thinking

Relationship building

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR/Business

PHR/SPHR/SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP preferred

Tools

HRIS

Microsoft Office

Job description

A client of mine is seeking an experienced and proactive HR Generalist to support a growing multi-location organization. This position serves as a key resource for employee relations, labor relations, compliance, benefits administration, training and development, and HR operations. The ideal candidate will be a hands-on human resources professional who can balance strategic initiatives with day-to‑day HR responsibilities while ensuring compliance with applicable employment laws and organizational policies across U.S. and Canadian operations.

Key Responsibilities

Employee Relations & Labor Relations

• Serve as a trusted HR resource for employees and managers regarding workplace concerns, policies, and procedures.


• Investigate and document employee relations matters, including workplace complaints, policy violations, performance concerns, and harassment allegations.


• Assist in conflict resolution through coaching, mediation, and effective communication.


• Maintain confidentiality while managing sensitive employee information and workplace issues.


• Support positive relationships between employees, management, and union representatives.


• Interpret and administer collective bargaining agreements and labor‑related policies.


• Escalate complex employee or labor relations matters to HR leadership as appropriate.

Training & Development

• Coordinate and facilitate employee onboarding, orientation, and training programs.


• Partner with leadership to assess organizational training needs and identify development opportunities.


• Maintain training records and documentation to ensure compliance with regulatory and organizational requirements.


• Evaluate training effectiveness through employee feedback, performance outcomes, and organizational objectives.


• Support leadership development and employee growth initiatives.

Benefits Administration

• Administer employee benefit programs, including medical, dental, vision, retirement, leave programs, and ancillary benefits.


• Assist employees with benefit enrollment, changes, and benefit‑related questions.


• Coordinate annual open enrollment activities and benefits communications.


• Ensure compliance with applicable benefit regulations, including ACA, COBRA, ERISA, and related requirements.


• Work closely with benefit vendors and brokers to resolve issues and improve employee experience.

Compliance & Reporting

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, provincial, and local employment laws and regulations in both the United States and Canada.


• Prepare and submit required employment and workforce‑related reports, including OSHA logs, workers’ compensation documentation, EEO-1 reporting, ACA reporting, and other regulatory filings.


• Assist with 401(k) audits and benefit plan compliance activities.


• Monitor regulatory changes and recommend updates to policies, procedures, and practices.


• Conduct periodic HR audits to ensure consistency, accuracy, and compliance.

HR Operations & Administration

• Maintain accurate employee personnel records, HR databases, and documentation.


• Ensure all required labor law postings and HR notices are current and displayed appropriately across locations.


• Support recruiting, hiring, and workforce planning initiatives.


• Assist in the development and implementation of HR programs that align with business objectives.


• Prepare reports and analyze HR metrics to support decision‑making.


• Participate in special projects and perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Labor Relations, or a related field required.


• PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, or SHRM-SCP certification preferred.

Experience

• Minimum three years of progressive Human Resources experience in a Generalist, Employee Relations, or HR Business Partner role.


• Experience supporting unionized environments and labor relations activities preferred.


• Strong knowledge of benefits administration, compliance reporting, and employment law.


• Experience supporting multi‑site operations is highly desirable.


• Exposure to both U.S. and Canadian employment practices is a plus.


• Strong knowledge of federal and state employment laws, labor relations practices, and HR compliance requirements.


• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and conflict‑resolution skills.


• Ability to conduct investigations and manage sensitive employee matters professionally and confidentially.


• Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail.


• Ability to prioritize multiple projects and deadlines in a fast‑paced environment.


• Proficiency with HRIS systems, Microsoft Office Suite, and HR reporting tools.


• Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities.


• Ability to build relationships and influence stakeholders at all levels of the organization.


• Sound judgment and professionalism when handling confidential and sensitive information.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of sitting and working at a computer.


• Ability to communicate effectively in person, by phone, and through electronic communications.


• Occasional lifting of office materials weighing up to 15 pounds.


• Ability to travel occasionally between company locations, as needed.