Human Resources Generalist

TOTAL Deutschland GmbH; Buffalo (NY); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A manufacturing company in Buffalo is seeking a Human Resources Generalist responsible for overseeing HR functions. This role involves recruitment, employee relations, and compliance with labor laws. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in Human Resources and 5+ years of HR experience in a manufacturing environment. Strong communication and problem-solving skills are essential. The position offers an opportunity to shape organizational culture and support business goals through effective HR management.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of HR experience, preferably in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of employment laws and HR best practices.
• Knowledge of federal and state laws: ADEA, ADA, EEOC, COBRA, ERISA, FLSA.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of the HR function at the Buffalo location.
• Manage recruitment, employee relations, and benefits administration.
• Ensure compliance with labor laws and company policies.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Leadership abilities

Organizational expertise

Problem-solving skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources or related field

Tools

HRIS systems

Microsoft Office Suite

Data reporting tools

Job description

Human Resources Generalist

Facility: Buffalo

General Description

The Human Resources Generalist is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the HR function at the Buffalo location, reporting directly to the Vice President/General Manager. This includes recruitment, employee relations, benefits administration, policy development, procedure implementation, and compliance with labor laws and regulations. The HR Generalist plays a key role in shaping the organizational culture, employee engagement, and supporting the business goals through effective management.

Specific Duties

• Ensure that Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) is an integral part of the management process.
• Lead recruitment and full onboarding for hourly and salaried employees.
• Manage employee relations, conflict resolution, and disciplinary procedures.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local labor laws and regulations.
• Maintain and update HR policies and procedures in the employee handbook.
• Collaborate with the management team to develop and maintain job descriptions, and determine the skills and competencies required for specific jobs.
• Support employee engagement and retention.
• Conduct investigations, including complaints and harassment allegations, in accordance with legal and ethical standards.
• Manage HRIS systems.
• Maintain all personnel and benefit-related records to comply with State and Federal laws and regulations.
• Manage the termination process and conduct an exit interview to assess the overall success of the employment relationship initiative and opportunities for improvement.
• Manage discretionary leaves of absence, including paid-time-off, FMLA, NY FLA, for employees according to policies outlined in the employee handbook and to ensure compliance with applicable State and Federal laws and regulations.
• Manage benefits, including enrollment, problem resolution, and compliance for Medical, dental, life insurance, COBRA, and other voluntary benefits.
• Monthly benefit billing audits.
• Respond to unemployment claims.

Other Duties

This position involves responsibilities with elevated exposure to compliance risks, including potential corruption, fraud, and violations of TotalEnergies’ Code of Conduct. The role requires strict adherence to Hutchinson Internal Controls, ethical standards, active risk identification, and timely reporting of any suspected misconduct. Duties include applying compliance procedures, participating in mandatory ethics training, and ensuring proper due diligence in decision‑making and interactions with third parties.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field.
• 5+ years of HR experience, preferably in a manufacturing or industrial environment.
• Strong knowledge of employment laws and HR best practices.
• Excellent communication, leadership, organizational, and problem‑solving skills.
• Knowledge of all State and Federal laws, wage and hour, legislation, and regulations (ADEA, ADA, EEOC, COBRA, ERISA, FLSA, FLA, FMLA, HIPAA) is required.
• Previous experience in manufacturing is preferred.
• Proficient in HRIS systems, Microsoft Office Suite, and data reporting tools.
• SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP highly desired.

Work Environment

This job operates in a professional office and manufacturing plant environment and requires traveling. This role routinely utilizes standard office equipment, including computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, and fax machines.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully.

The employee frequently is required to sit, walk, talk, and hear. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance; stoop, lift, and/or move up to 10 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision for viewing a computer terminal, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception for driving, and the ability to adjust focus.

This position is not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions.

Personal Protective Equipment

The following list of PPE is required while in the manufacturing area.

• Safety Glasses conforming to ANSI Z87.1 or higher
• Steel Toe Safety Shoes conforming to OSHA General Industry Standards 29 CFR 1910
• Hearing protection conforming to OSHA General Industry Standards 29 CFR 1910

Hutchinson Industries, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.

This position is exempt. Hutchinson Industries, Inc. reserves the right to modify the job description and may require the employee to perform functions beyond those mentioned above. Neither this job description nor any other communication creates an employment contract between Hutchinson Industries, Inc. and the employee. Either party may terminate employment without notice at any time.