Human Resources Specialist

Steel & O'Brien Manufacturing Inc.; Town of Arcade (NY); On-site; USD 63,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Steel & O'Brien Manufacturing Inc. is seeking an organized HR Specialist to support a manufacturing workforce with accurate HR processes and employee assistance.

You will partner with supervisors and staffing agencies to manage payroll, attendance, benefits, performance management, training, and employee programs. The role requires sound judgment and discretion to protect confidential information and contribute to recruiting, benefits, and HR initiatives.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in human resources, business, or related field required; bachelor’s preferred.
• Two+ years HR-related experience, preferably in manufacturing or distribution.
• HR certification such as aPHR, PHR, or SHRM-CP is a plus.
• Knowledge of labor laws, safety standards, and HR best practices.
• Ability to sit at a computer for extended periods; lift up to 15 pounds; navigate manufacturing environments.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain professional relationships; foster an inclusive environment.
• Process and maintain HR documentation and records.
• Coordinate recruitment activities within your area.
• Serve as liaison with temporary staffing agencies; handle payroll submissions and invoices.
• Support biweekly payroll by answering questions and reviewing time records.
• Monitor attendance and support disciplinary actions with supervisors.
• Assist with performance management and annual reviews.
• Help employees with benefits questions and HR policies.
• Prepare routine HR reports for management.
• Coordinate employee events, benefits enrollment, and communications.
• Assist with training programs and company-wide meetings.
• Prepare and edit professional documents; protect confidentiality.

Skills

Organizational skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Discretion with confidential info

Professional demeanor

Empathy

Team collaboration

Adaptability

Education

Associate degree in HR or related field

Bachelor's degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Payroll systems

HRIS

Job description

Make a difference across the employee experience

Are you organized, detail-oriented, and motivated by helping employees succeed? As a Human Resources Specialist, you’ll support a dynamic manufacturing workforce through accurate HR processes, responsive employee support, and day-to-day partnership with supervisors and temporary staffing agencies.

This role handles confidential information and sensitive situations, so sound judgment, discretion, and empathy are essential. You’ll contribute to recruiting, payroll, attendance, benefits, performance management, training, and employee programs.

What you’ll do

• Build positive professional relationships and help foster an inclusive environment that supports employee engagement and growth.
• Process and maintain HR documentation and employee records.
• Coordinate recruiting activities within your area of responsibility.
• Build strong working relationships with temporary staffing agencies, serve as their liaison, submit temporary payroll, and process invoices.
• Support biweekly payroll by answering employee and supervisor questions about time and attendance, reviewing time records, and submitting time.
• Monitor attendance, identify excessive absences, and follow the disciplinary action process in consultation with supervisors.
• Support performance management and retention by managing the new hire and annual review processes, coordinating with supervisors, and ensuring timely completion.
• Help employees with benefits-related needs and answer common questions from applicants and employees about policies, procedures, benefits, and hiring processes.
• Prepare routine reports for HR and management.
• Assist with or coordinate projects such as employee events, benefits open enrollment, employee communications, and company-wide meetings.
• Assist with training programs and, when needed, conduct instructional and informational activities.
• Prepare and edit professional documents and correspondence for the organization.
• Protect employee confidentiality and follow applicable federal, state, and local laws, as well as company regulations and policies.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

What you’ll bring

• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• The ability to assess a situation, task, or project and independently take action to address or complete it.
• Knowledge of office management systems and procedures.
• Ability to operate general office and computer equipment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite or similar software.
• Proficiency with, or the ability to quickly learn, payroll management systems, human resources information systems (HRIS), and similar applications.
• The ability to handle confidential information and exercise good judgment.
• A professional, positive approach to representing the company and demonstrating its values, culture, ethics, and commitment to safety.
• The ability to build trust and respect with employees at all levels of the organization.
• Empathy and a commitment to advocating for employees.
• A respectful, positive communication style that welcomes employees’ ideas and concerns.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in human resources, business, or a related field required; bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Two or more years of HR-related experience, preferably in a manufacturing or distribution setting.
• HR certification such as aPHR, PHR, or SHRM-CP is a plus.
• Knowledge of, or willingness to learn, relevant labor laws, safety standards, and HR best practices.
• Ability to meet the physical demands of the job, including:
• Sitting for extended periods and working at a computer.
• Lifting up to 15 pounds at times.
• Safely navigating a manufacturing environment.
• Occasionally traveling by car and air.

Culture

• Support and participate in company functions.
• Accessible and approachable, respecting intellectual integrity and valuing individuality, building and fostering working relationships with business stakeholders from a variety of backgrounds, thus enabling a partnership mentality.
• Collaborative team player with his/her ego well in check.
• Open to feedback, continuous learning and committed to ongoing self-improvement.
• Adhere to and respect confidentiality.
• Embody our values of Integrity, Trust, Creativity and Courage, Teamwork, and Excellence.

Salary Range:

$62,500-65,000.

Attendance Requirements:

Attendance on a regular, consistent basis is mandatory.

Accommodations:

If you need a reasonable accommodation under the ADA or other state or federal law to perform the essential job functions as listed above, you may request an accommodation in the interview process.