Human Resources Generalist

Ajinomoto Foods North America, Inc.; Toluca (IL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Ajinomoto Foods North America, Inc. is seeking an HR Generalist to oversee day-to-day HR policies, benefits, training, employee engagement, relations, talent acquisition, and payroll support for hourly production roles.

The role may be shared between two individuals and requires strong SME in core areas, with focus on recruitment, LOA processes, attendance management, compliance, and employee records.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in HR, labor relations, business, or related field.
• Minimum 3 years Human Resource experience.
• PHR or SHRM-CP preferred.
• Manufacturing/CPG experience preferred.
• Exceptional written, verbal, and visual communication skills.
• Capacity to understand people issues impacting the business along with a passion for relationship building.
• Proven ability to make decisive and sound judgments consistent with company culture and applicable laws.

Responsibilities

• Lead recruitment and hiring for hourly production roles.
• Support LOA processes and attendance management.
• Assist with benefits administration and COBRA activities.
• Oversee off-boarding, exit interviews, and final pay processing.
• Conduct employee relations investigations and document in ER Case Management System.
• Promote two-way communication to improve employee engagement.
• Partner with HRBP on scheduling frontline leadership training.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Communication

Relationship building

Decision making

Project management

Strategic planning

Leadership

Influencing others

Education

Bachelor’s degree in HR

PHR or SHRM-CP preferred

Job description

The HR Generalist is responsible for day-to-day administration of human resource policies and programs including but not limited to benefits, training, employee engagement, employee relations, talent acquisition, and basic payroll functions. This role leads recruitment and hiring efforts for hourly production roles, supports leave of absence (LOA) processes, and assists with attendance management. This role may be structured as a shared position between two individuals. As such, it is critical that each candidate brings strong subject matter knowledge and hands-on experience in their primary areas of responsibility.

Talent Acquisition

• Manage full-cycle recruitment processes for hourly roles, including sourcing, interviewing, and hiring for open positions
• Partner with leadership to ensure timely and effective staffing aligned to business needs
• Ownership of new hire orientation including but not limited to scheduling and logistics
• Organize site participation in university recruitment, job fairs, career fairs

Compliance

• Ensure compliance with federal, state and local laws and regulations
• Support administration of company policies, employee handbook updates and workplace procedures
• Assist with Leave Administration, Accommodations and Return to Work processes
• Participate in all audits and compliant documentation
• Extreme ownership over adherence of the Attendance Policy including weekly tracking, reporting, and supporting leaders in addressing attendance concerns and assisting leaders in disciplinary action
• Representing the organization at unemployment hearings and investigations
• Assist with day-to-day activities involving health benefits and protected leave of absence, including but not limited to, assisting with employee third-party claims, assist with open enrollment activities, and any other duties
• Overseeing the off-boarding process, including preparation of termination paperwork, scheduling and conduction the exit interview, notifying employee of COBRA rights, if applicable, preparation of final paycheck, audit and close employee file, and make necessary changes in HRIS

Employee Relations

• Conduct employee relations investigations involving workplace concerns, policy violations, attendance violations and disciplinary matters
• Timely reporting and documentation uploaded into the ER Case Management System
• Ensure consistent application of company policies and procedures
• Maintain accurate employee records in compliance with employment laws and regulations

Training & Engagement

• Develop and promote two-way communication (feedback loop) mechanisms for the workforce to influence and promote exceptional employee engagement
• Facilitate and foster continuous improvement and change management activitie
• Manage projects as necessary and participate in functional and cross- functional initiatives
• Assist the HRBP as needed and perform all other duties as assigned
• Partner with HRBP on scheduling and facilitating frontline leadership training
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in HR, labor relations, business, or related field
• Minimum 3 years Human Resource experience required. A combination of education and experience may be considered.
• PHR or SHRM-CP preferred
• General knowledge of employment laws and practices
• Ability to work “off hours” as necessary
• Manufacturing/ CPG experience preferred
• Exceptional written, verbal, and visual communication skills
• Capacity to understand people issues impacting the business along with a passion for relationship building
• Proven ability to make decisive and sound judgements consistent with company culture and applicable laws
• Experience in project management, resource management, and strategic planning
• A desire to lead groups, drive results, and challenge the status quo
• Proven ability to influence others and reach agreements and consensus despite differing goals and priorities