Human Resources Generalist

Westphal and Company; Madison (WI); On-site; USD 52,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Westphal & Company in Madison, WI seeks an HR Generalist to support day-to-day employee experiences from hiring and onboarding through benefits and employment changes. You will partner with office and field teams, payroll, and operations to deliver responsive HR service while protecting confidentiality.

The role emphasizes consistency across locations, practical HR processes, and strong data management. Travel to Westphal offices or job sites may be required periodically.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in HR, Business, or related field.
• 2+ years of progressive HR, employee services, or related administrative experience.
• Working knowledge of HR processes, employment records, benefits administration, and common HR systems.
• Strong attention to detail and discretion with confidential information.
• Excellent communication skills and a service mindset for colleagues.

Responsibilities

• Serve as accessible first point of contact for employee questions about policies, benefits, leave, employment changes, and HR processes.
• Maintain accurate employee records and transactions across HR systems with confidentiality and data quality.
• Coordinate employee changes, required documentation, verifications, and routine reporting with Payroll and partners.
• Identify recurring questions or gaps and recommend service improvements.
• Provide field support, including drug and background checks.
• Guide onboarding activities and required documentation for new employees.
• Support transfers, promotions, status changes, offboarding, and exit processes across locations.
• Assist with benefit enrollments, life events, and vendor coordination.
• Administer routine leave and accommodations, escalating complex matters.
• Maintain forms, notices, and tracking for employment practices and audits.
• Apply policies and escalate legal risk questions.
• Coordinate performance recap schedules and communications.
• Help managers with routine HR questions using established procedures.
• Maintain data integrity in HR systems and develop clear processes.

Skills

2+ years HR experience

Attention to detail

Clear communication

Travel flexibility

Education

Bachelor’s degree in HR or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

HRIS

Applicant tracking

Payroll systems

Job description

Founded in 1931, Westphal & Co. is a full service electrical & technology contractor serving the Midwest and selected domestic markets from our headquarters in Madison, WI. Our primary markets include governmental, commercial,industrial, health care, and energy. We have both PE’s and RCDD’s on staff. The company performs work on everything from residential projects to the largest industrial projects. Our Globalcom Technologies division is a technology contractor specializing in structured cabling, security/CCTV, and cellular enhancement projects. In addition to construction, we also provide full preconstruction, design build services, Building Information Modeling (BIM), and prefabrication. Westphal & Co. Inc., is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Job Summary

The Human Resources Generalist supports the day to day employee experience at Westphal & Company, from hiring and onboarding through benefits, employee questions, performance processes, and employment changes. This position partners with office and field employees, managers, Payroll, and Operations to provide responsive service, maintain accurate records, and apply HR processes consistently across locations. The Generalist helps make HR approachable, reliable, and practical while protecting employee confidentiality and supporting the Westphal Way.

Key Responsibilities

Employee Support & HR Operations

• Serve as an accessible first point of contact for employee questions about policies, benefits, leave, employment changes, and HR processes.
• Maintain timely, accurate employee records and transactions across HR systems, with careful attention to confidentiality and data quality.
• Coordinate employee changes, required documentation, employment verifications, and routine reporting with Payroll and other internal partners.
• Identify recurring employee questions or process gaps and recommend practical service improvements.
• Provide field support, including drug and background checks.

Onboarding & Employee Lifecycle

• Guide onboarding activities and required documentation so new employees have a clear, organized start.
• Support employee transfers, promotions, status changes, offboarding, and exit processes.
• Partner with field and office leaders to support a consistent employee experience across Westphal locations.

Benefits, Leave & Compliance Support

• Assist with benefit enrollments, employee education, life event changes, and coordination with vendors and Payroll.
• Administer routine leave and accommodation intake steps, promptly referring complex or sensitive matters to senior HR leadership.
• Maintain required forms, notices, and tracking for employment practices and support audit readiness.
• Apply approved policies and elevate questions involving legal risk, investigations, or unusual circumstances.
• Coordinate performance recap schedules, documentation, communications, and follow through.
• Help managers navigate routine HR questions using established procedures and consistent guidance.

Systems Administration

• Maintain strong data integrity in HR systems and develop clear procedures, reporting, and controls for recurring processes.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• 2+ years of progressive HR, employee services, or related administrative experience.
• Working knowledge of HR processes, employment records, benefits administration, and common HR systems.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to handle sensitive information with sound judgment and discretion.
• Willingness to do whatever it takes to help the department and organization succeed.
• Clear communication skills and a service mindset with the ability to connect with office and field employees.
• Ability to organize competing priorities, follow through on commitments, and recognize when to elevate issues.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office; experience with HRIS required, applicant tracking, or payroll systems preferred.
• Ability to travel occasionally among Westphal offices or jobsites when business needs require.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

This role is primarily performed in an office environment, with periodic visits to active construction sites and other Westphal locations. Essential duties involve computer work, communication, and occasional travel. Jobsite visits may involve walking on uneven surfaces, stairs, noise, weather, and required personal protective equipment. Reasonable accommodations will be considered in accordance with applicable law.

Westphal & Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status.

Accessibility: If you need an accommodation as part of the employment process please contact Human Resources at

Phone: [phone] (ext. 2016)

Email: [e-mail]

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disabled and veterans.