Human Resources Generalist

Columbus McKinnon; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Columbus McKinnon is seeking an HR Generalist to serve as the primary HR resource for employees and leaders, guiding on policies, benefits, leave management, performance reviews, and onboarding. You will work within established policies to support a positive employee experience and ensure regulatory compliance across the site.

You will partner with site leadership to address workforce needs, lead recruitment and onboarding activities, support development initiatives, track training

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience.
• 1+ year of HR experience.

Responsibilities

• Serve as primary HR contact for employees and leaders on policies, benefits, and workplace concerns.
• Support employee relations, including investigations and corrective action documentation.
• Administer leave programs (FMLA) and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Coordinate full-cycle recruitment and onboarding processes.
• Assist performance management, coaching, and development initiatives.
• Facilitate onboarding and new-hire orientation to ensure smooth integration.
• Maintain accurate HR records and documentation per policy.
• Prepare HR reports and metrics to inform business decisions.

Skills

Employee relations

Talent acquisition

Onboarding

Performance management

Benefits administration

Time & attendance

HR reporting

HRIS

MS Office

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

HRIS

Microsoft Excel

PowerPoint

Outlook

Job description

The HR Generalist serves as the primary HR resource for employees and leaders, providing guidance and support across a broad range of HR functions. Working independently within established policies and procedures, this role supports employee relations, talent acquisition, onboarding, performance management, benefits administration, leave management, employee engagement, and leadership development initiatives. The HR Generalist partners with site leadership to address workforce needs, promote a positive employee experience, ensure compliance with employment laws and company policies, and support programs that attract, develop, and retain top talent while contributing to overall business objectives.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary HR contact for employees and leaders, providing guidance on HR policies, procedures, benefits, and workplace concerns.
• Support employee relations activities, including conducting fact-finding meetings, assisting with investigations, and preparing corrective action documentation.
• Administer leave of absence programs, including FMLA, and ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
• Manage employee benefits administration, including enrollment support, employee inquiries, and communication of benefit programs.
• Coordinate and support full-cycle recruitment activities, including candidate sourcing, screening, interview coordination, and onboarding.
• Facilitate new hire orientation and onboarding programs to ensure a positive employee experience and successful integration into the organization.
• Support performance management processes, including performance reviews, coaching initiatives, and talent development activities.
• Assist with leadership development programs, training initiatives, and employee learning opportunities.
• Track participation and compliance for training, leadership development, and other employee development programs.
• Process and monitor time and attendance records while ensuring compliance with company policies.
• Maintain accurate employee records and HR documentation in accordance with company policies and regulatory requirements.
• Support employee engagement initiatives, surveys, recognition programs, and action planning efforts.
• Prepare HR reports, metrics, and data analysis to support business and workforce decisions.
• Partner with site leadership to address workforce challenges and implement HR strategies that support organizational objectives.
• Ensure compliance with employment laws, company policies, and HR best practices.
• Participate in and lead local HR projects and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, Competencies, and Abilities

• Working knowledge of employee relations, talent acquisition, benefits administration, leave management, and performance management processes.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to build effective relationships at all levels of the organization.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion and professionalism.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently, prioritize responsibilities, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills with keen attention to detail.
• Flexible and adaptable to changing business needs, priorities, and systems.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Experience utilizing Human Resource Information Systems (HRIS) and other HR-related technologies.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree; or equivalent work experience may be considered.
• 1+ years of experience in an HR function.

Columbus McKinnon is a leading worldwide designer, manufacturer and marketer of intelligent motion solutions that move the world forward and improve lives by efficiently and ergonomically moving, lifting, positioning and securing materials. Key products include hoists, crane components, precision conveyor systems, rigging tools, light rail workstations and digital power and motion control systems. We are focused on commercial and industrial applications that require the safety and quality provided by our superior design and engineering know-how. Columbus McKinnon is a publicly traded company that has been in business for almost 150 years – proud of our heritage, where we come from, and where we’re going. As Columbus McKinnon grows globally, so does our need for driven and inspired employees. Join our winning team!

Columbus McKinnon Corporation promotes a diverse and inclusive workforce and is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, age, religion, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, marital status, or any other Federal or State legally-protected classes. We also value the safety of all associates and work hard to maintain a Drug Free Workplace.