Onsite Plant HR Generalist: Payroll, Safety & Recruiting

HR Jobs; Carter Lake (IA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) with company match

PTO and paid holidays

Wellness program

Job summary

Owen Industries in Carter Lake, IA is seeking a plant-level HR Generalist to support day-to-day people operations across the facility. You will partner with plant leadership, report to the Director of HR, and manage payroll, benefits, recruiting, onboarding, and employee relations.

This role emphasizes OSHA-compliant safety programs, workers’ compensation coordination, and HRIS/payroll systems such as ADP and Kronos.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of progressive HR generalist experience, manufacturing environment preferred.
• Hands-on payroll processing for hourly and salaried employees.
• Full-cycle recruiting experience across positions including hourly production roles.
• Knowledge of OSHA regulations and plant safety practices.
• Experience with HRIS/payroll systems (ADP/Kronos) and ATS platforms.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Process bi-weekly payroll for hourly and salaried plant employees, including hours, overtime, deductions and adjustments.
• Maintain timekeeping records, audit time punches, and resolve discrepancies with supervisors.
• Handle new hire, termination, leave and status changes in payroll/HRIS.
• Ensure payroll compliance with federal, state and local wage and hour laws (FLSA).
• Respond to employee pay, deduction and benefits questions; administer benefits enrollment.
• Maintain confidential personnel files and HR records; support onboarding and orientation.
• Manage full-cycle recruiting for hourly production roles; create job postings and source candidates.
• Conduct background checks, drug screens, and reference checks; coordinate with hiring managers.
• Develop and deliver safety training; manage OSHA logs and safety documentation.
• Lead safety committee activities; track safety metrics and corrective actions.
• Support employee relations and performance management processes.
• Partner with leadership to drive engagement, recognition and retention initiatives.

Skills

Payroll processing

Full-cycle recruiting

OSHA knowledge

HR policy & employee relations

Verbal & written communication

Discretion with confidential info

Problem solving & conflict resolution

Education

PHR/SHRM-CP or equivalent preferred

Tools

ADP

Kronos

HRIS/payroll systems

ATS platforms

Microsoft Office

Job description

Owen Industries in Carter Lake, IA is seeking a plant-level HR Generalist to support day-to-day people operations across the facility. You will partner with plant leadership, report to the Director of HR, and manage payroll, benefits, recruiting, onboarding, and employee relations.

This role emphasizes OSHA-compliant safety programs, workers’ compensation coordination, and HRIS/payroll systems such as ADP and Kronos.