Human Resources Generalist (Bilingual/Spanish)

Lawler Foods; Newburyport (MA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Dessert Holdings is looking for an HR Generalist to support our Newburyport, MA facility. This role focuses on HR operations, payroll and benefits administration, employee relations, and day-to-day employee support in a manufacturing environment.

The ideal candidate is bilingual in English/Spanish with 3+ years of HR experience, excellent communication, confidentiality, and proficiency with HRIS/payroll systems and Microsoft Office.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field.
• 3+ years of experience in a Human Resources role, with a focus on HR administration, compliance, and employee support.
• Bilingual (Spanish/English) required; union experience preferred.
• Experience in a manufacturing or similar fast-paced environment is a plus.
• Proficiency in HRIS or payroll systems and Microsoft Office.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the first point of contact for employee inquiries regarding HR policies, payroll, benefits, timekeeping, and company programs.
• Coordinate with temporary staffing partners to process requests, track assignments, and ensure onboarding, timekeeping, and invoicing for temporary employees.
• Partner with supervisors and managers to support staffing needs.
• Provide administrative support for HR and payroll functions, including processing employee changes, maintaining HR records, and payroll audits.
• Coordinate onboarding and offboarding processes with required documentation and system entries.
• Assist employees with benefit enrollments, changes, and payroll discrepancy resolutions.
• Maintain employee files, HR databases, and HRIS with confidentiality.
• Assist with internal audits, reporting, and documentation to comply with federal/state laws.

Skills

Bilingual Spanish/English

HR administration

Employee relations

Confidentiality

Time management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field

Tools

HRIS/payroll systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

Human Resources Generalist (Bilingual English/Spanish)

Location Type: Onsite

Dessert Holdings is the leading premium dessert company in the world. We craft artisanal, scratch-made desserts at scale, combining culinary innovation with the finest real ingredients. With a rich heritage spanning seven distinctive brands, we bring unmatched expertise and tailored solutions to our Retail and Foodservice partners.

Dessert Holdings is looking for a Human Resources Generalist to support our facility in Newburyport, MA. This individual will provide comprehensive support to employees, with a strong focus on HR operations, payroll and benefits administration, employee relations, and day-to-day employee assistance. The ideal candidate will be approachable, organized, customer-service driven, and administratively strong with HR processes and compliance requirements.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serve as the first point of contact for employee inquiries regarding HR policies, payroll, benefits, timekeeping, and company programs.
• Support recruitment efforts by coordinating job postings, reviewing resumes, screening candidates, scheduling interviews, and assisting with candidate communication to ensure timely and efficient staffing processes.
• Coordinate with temporary staffing partners to process requests, track assignments, and ensure accurate onboarding, timekeeping, and invoicing for temporary employees.
• Partner with supervisors and managers to support staffing needs.
• Provide administrative support for HR and payroll functions, including processing employee changes, maintaining accurate HR records, and assisting with payroll updates and audits.
• Coordinate and support onboarding and offboarding processes, ensuring all required documentation, system entries, and orientations are completed accurately and timely.
• Assist employees with benefit enrollments, changes, and questions, and help resolve issues related to benefits, leaves, and payroll discrepancies.
• Maintain employee files, HR databases, and HRIS systems with high attention to detail and confidentiality.
• Support HR compliance by assisting with internal audits, reporting, and documentation in accordance with federal and state employment laws.
• Assist with employee relations activities by documenting concerns, facilitating communication, and helping foster a positive and respectful workplace.
• Prepare and distribute recurring HR reports (weekly, monthly, quarterly) related to headcount, attendance, and other metrics.
• Provide general support for HR initiatives and communications in a unionized work environment.
• Participate in HR projects and initiatives to improve processes and enhance employee engagement and satisfaction.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited university in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field
• 3+ years of experience in a Human Resources role, with a focus on HR administration, compliance, and employee support
• Experience in a manufacturing or similar fast-paced environment preferred
• Bilingual (Spanish/English) required
• Union experience highly preferred
• Available to support shift workers by coming in early or staying later periodically
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and HRIS or payroll systems
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with a customer-service mindset
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, prioritize multiple tasks, and meet deadlines
• Food manufacturing experience a plus

About Dessert Holdings

Dessert Holdings is a collection of premium dessert companies and brands: The Original Cakerie, Lawler's Desserts, Atlanta Cheesecake Company, Steven Charles, Dianne's Fine Desserts, Kenny's Great Pies, and Willamette Valley Pie Company. Dessert Holdings is owned by Bain Capital, is headquartered in St. Paul, Minnesota, employs more than 3,400 people across ten manufacturing facilities, and is continuing its journey of rapid growth.

EEO Statement

Dessert Holdings and its related entities provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or any other characteristics protected by law.