Human Resources Generalist

Warner Norcross + Judd; Grand Rapids (MI); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with employer contribution/mat

Generous PTO and holidays

Remote work flexibility

Wellness programs

Employee assistance program

Professional development

Job summary

Warner Norcross + Judd seeks a skilled HR Generalist to support onboarding, employee relations, compliance, and culture initiatives. This primarily in‑office role will be based in Detroit or Grand Rapids, with the option to work remotely one day per week after a 90‑day period. Hours are Monday–Friday, 8 am–5 pm.

The successful candidate will manage leave, accommodations, and HRIS/ATS tasks while partnering with HR leadership to maintain a compliant and engaging workplace.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources or related field required.
• At least five years of HR experience in a high-volume environment.
• Experience administering leaves and accommodations; SHRM-CP a plus.

Responsibilities

• Supports onboarding and HR orientation onboarding activities.
• Administers performance reviews, tracks timelines, and guides supervisors.
• Gathers retention feedback through stay interviews and engagement efforts.
• Coordinates offboarding activities and exit surveys.
• Partners with HR leadership to strengthen firm culture and experiences.
• Handles HR policy inquiries and maintains compliance monitoring.

Skills

Employee relations

HR compliance

Leave administration

Performance management

Employee engagement

HRIS/ATS

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor’s degree in HR or related field

Tools

HRIS

ATS

Microsoft Office

Job description

About the Opportunity

The Human Resources (HR) Generalist serves as a trusted resource to firm members across a broad range of HR matters, with a focus on employee relations, HR compliance, leave and accommodation administration, performance management, and employee engagement. This role partners closely with HR leadership to apply Firm policies and practices consistently, support day-to-day employee needs, and contribute to a positive and compliant workplace. The HR Generalist also supports key HR programs and initiatives that enhance the overall firm member experience and strengthen Firm culture.

Description

This position is primarily in-office and will be based in either our Detroit or Grand Rapids office. Employees may be eligible to work remotely one day per week following completion of their 90-day introductory period. Hours will be Monday - Friday 8 am - 5 pm.

Responsibilities

Performance, Engagement & Culture

• Supports new hire onboarding, including facilitating the HR portion of new hire orientation.
• Administers the staff performance review process, including assigning evaluations, tracking completion, reviewing submissions, managing timelines, and providing guidance to supervisors and timekeepers.
• Conducts stay interviews and other retention-focused conversations to gather feedback, identify trends, and support employee engagement and retention efforts.
• Coordinates employee offboarding, including exit interviews, feedback collection, and completion of separation-related activities.
• Partners with HR leadership and internal teams on initiatives that strengthen Firm culture and the firm member experience.

Employee Relations, Policy & Compliance

• Serves as a primary HR resource for firm members regarding policies, procedures, and practices, escalating complex matters to HR leadership as appropriate.
• Represents HR on the Firm’s Concerns Committee, supporting discussions of firm member suggestions and concerns and coordinating appropriate follow‑up.
• Processes Form I-9s and E-Verify submissions and conducts periodic HR record audits to support compliance with Firm and legal requirements.
• Assists with required workforce reporting and compliance activities, including EEO-1, OSHA, labor law postings, mandatory notices, and documentation audits.
• Responds to unemployment claims by gathering documentation, reviewing separation details, and preparing timely responses.
• Supports workers’ compensation administration, including incident documentation, employee communication, carrier coordination, and required OSHA recordkeeping.

Leave Administration & Accommodations

• Administers leave and disability programs, including FMLA, parental leave, short‑term disability, and other statutory or Firm‑provided leaves, in partnership with the third‑party leave administrator.
• Serves as a primary point of contact throughout the leave process, coordinating required documentation, notices, status updates, pay and benefit impacts, timekeeping, and return‑to‑work transitions.
• Maintains and audits leave records across the third‑party administrator and HRIS, resolving discrepancies and following up on outstanding documentation.
• Coordinates workplace accommodation requests, including the interactive process, documentation, and communication with firm members and supervisors, escalating complex matters as appropriate.
• Develops leave‑related communications and resources and prepares reports on leave activity and trends to support consistent administration, compliance, and workforce planning.

Compensation Administration

• Conducts job benchmarking and market analysis for open and existing positions.
• Maintains accurate compensation data within the Firm's compensation systems and tools.
• Supports annual compensation planning and other pay‑related processes through data review, reporting, system updates, communications, and stakeholder coordination.
• Analyzes compensation data to support market competitiveness, internal and pay equity reviews, budgeting, and leadership decision‑making.
• Assists with compensation and benefits surveys, including gathering, validating, submitting, and maintaining supporting data.

Process Improvement

• Identifies trends and opportunities across HR programs and employee feedback and recommends improvements to policies, training, processes, and communications.
• Champions the thoughtful and responsible use of AI and other technology to improve HR efficiency, streamline processes, support compliance, and enhance the firm member experience.
• Team Support & Additional Duties
• Provides backup support to HR team members to ensure continuity of HR operations.
• Supports additional HR projects and responsibilities as assigned.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands of this position are representative of those that must be met by an employee in order to successfully perform the essential functions of the position. These include being both mobile and stationary throughout the workday, having the ability to transport 25 pounds, and being able to operate a computer and other business equipment found in the office.

What Makes You Successful

A successful candidate will bring a strong understanding of employment laws and HR compliance requirements, along with excellent communication, interpersonal, and customer service skills. They will be highly organized, detail‑oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities independently while maintaining a high level of confidentiality. The ideal candidate will also be comfortable using HRIS, ATS, Microsoft Office, AI, and other technology tools thoughtfully to improve efficiency, solve problems, and deliver an outstanding employee experience.

About You

Experience, Education and Training:

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, business administration, or another business‑related field.
• Five years of previous HR experience across various functions in a high‑volume, fast‑paced environment.
• Previous experience administering leaves of absence and workplace accommodations, including FMLA, ADA, PWFA, and applicable state and local leave laws.
• Previous experience in a professional services environment highly preferred.
• SHRM-CP certification a plus.

What Sets Warner Apart

At Warner Norcross + Judd, we know that talented professionals have choices. That's why we've built a workplace that supports your success both professionally and personally.

Benefits Designed To Support You

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Firm‑paid life insurance and disability coverage
• 401(k) with employer contribution or match, depending on plan design
• Generous paid time off and leave programs
• Paid firm holidays
• Remote work flexibility
• Wellness programs
• Employee assistance program
• Professional development and growth opportunities
• Firm paid parking

Why People Choose Warner

At Warner, our culture is guided by our motto: "Fun, Pride + Profit...in that Order." We believe people do their best work when they feel connected to their colleagues, supported in their careers, and empowered to maintain balance in their lives.

When you join Warner, you'll find:

• A collaborative environment where teamwork and mutual respect are valued
• Meaningful opportunities to grow your skills and advance your career
• A commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion that encourages participation and leadership at every level
• Flexibility that supports both professional achievement and personal well‑being
• A firm that invests in its communities through charitable giving, volunteerism, and scholarship programs
• Colleagues who are passionate about delivering exceptional service while enjoying the work they do

About Warner

Warner is a full‑service corporate law firm with 230+ attorneys practicing in nine offices throughout Michigan: Bloomfield Hills, Detroit, Grand Rapids, Holland, Kalamazoo, Lansing, Macomb, Midland and Muskegon. To learn more, visit www.wnj.com, or connect with us on LinkedIn or Facebook.