Pharma HR Generalist: Onboarding, Benefits & Immigration

Granules Pharmaceuticals Inc.; Suffolk (VA); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Granules Pharmaceuticals Inc. seeks an HR Generalist to support onboarding, immigration, benefits, and employee records. You will maintain HRIS data, handle employment verifications, and advise on HR policies.

Ideal candidates have 4+ years in HR, immigration knowledge, and experience in a pharmaceutical setting. Travel about 10% to Northern Virginia offices; strong communication and confidentiality are essential.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of HR experience in generalist/operations roles.
• Experience with immigration processes and benefits administration.
• Pharmaceutical manufacturing or regulated environment preferred.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate onboarding, offboarding, and HR documentation.
• Administer HRIS data and generate reports for compliance.
• Provide guidance on policies, benefits, and processes.
• Support employee relations, audits, and workers' compensation as needed.

Skills

HR policies

HRIS experience

Immigration knowledge

Communication skills

Confidentiality

Payroll & Benefits

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR/Business

PHR/SHRM-CP preferred

Tools

Paylocity

HRIS systems

MS Office

Job description

Description

The HR Generalist plays a critical role in executing and supporting key HR operational functions including onboarding, immigration, employee/labor relations, compensation & benefits, employment verification, and employee records. Processes HR department applications, including employment and enrollment applications; maintains employment records, and compiles statistics for various HR management reports. Additionally, this role will respond to routine questions on HR policy and information. The ideal candidate will have generalist experience in the pharmaceutical manufacturing industry as well as immigration knowledge.

JOB DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE BUT NOT LIMITED TO:

HR Operations, Benefits, & Employee Lifecycle

• Coordinate HR operations across the employee lifecycle, ensuring accurate processing and a positive employee experience.
• Manage onboarding, offboarding, employee documentation, HRIS updates, and personnel records.
• Administer employee benefits, including enrollments, life event changes, terminations, open enrollment, and employee support.
• Provide guidance to employees and managers on HR policies, benefits, procedures, and processes.
• Prepare employment verifications, immigration-related letters, and other HR documentation.
• Review HR-related invoices and coordinate payment processing.

Recruitment & Talent Pipeline Support

• Build and maintain local talent pipelines for recurring and critical workforce needs.
• Develop relationships with professional associations, schools, community organizations, and workforce partners to expand local talent sources.
• Support assigned recruitment efforts, including sourcing, screening, interview coordination, and hiring activities.
• Partner with hiring managers and Talent Acquisition to anticipate staffing needs and identify proactive sourcing opportunities.
• Represent the company at career fairs, networking events, and community outreach activities.

HRIS Administration

• Maintain HRIS data accuracy and integrity through effective employee record management.
• Generate HR reports and support workforce analytics, compliance reporting, and business needs.
• Identify opportunities to improve HR processes, system utilization, and operational efficiency.

Employee Relations:

• Serve as a trusted resource for employees and managers regarding policies, workplace concerns, and HR matters.
• Support employee relations matters, including conflict resolution, performance management, and coaching.
• Promote a positive, respectful workplace culture aligned with company values.
• Compliance, Audits & Workers' Compensation
• Support compliance with federal, state, and local employment regulations and company policies.
• Coordinate workers' compensation claims, documentation, and return-to-work tracking.
• Support internal and external audits by preparing records, reports, and requested documentation.
• Assist with policy updates and communicate changes to employees and managers

Reports to

Head of Human Resources, North America

Internal/External Contacts

External

Our benefits and HR vendors, including but not limited to: HRIS, 401k, benefits broker and contacts, Immigration attorneys; local professional associations, community organizations, schools, and workforce partners

Internal

All departments and employees

Requirements

Knowledge & Skills

• Strong knowledge of HR practices, employment laws, and HR administration.
• Experience working with HRIS & HR technology platforms and benefits systems.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and customer service skills.
• Ability to manage confidential information.
• Strong resourcefulness, problem-solving, and analytical skills.
• Comfortable shifting priorities, managing varied responsibilities, and supporting evolving business needs.
• Willing to step in and provide support wherever needed to achieve team and organizational goals.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Preferred Qualifications
• Experience with Paylocity is a plus.
• HR certification (PHR, SHRM-CP, or equivalent) preferred.
• Notary certification (or willingness to obtain) is preferred.
• Experience supporting immigration programs and visa administration.
• Experience in a regulated manufacturing, pharmaceutical, healthcare, or life sciences environment preferred.

Experience & Education

• 4+ years of Human Resources experience, preferably in an HR Generalist, HR Coordinator, or HR Operations role.
• Experience supporting benefits administration, HRIS management, onboarding, compliance, and employee lifecycle processes.
• Experience supporting internal audits, workers' compensation, and compensation administration preferred.

Physical Requirements/Working Environment

Standard office working conditions apply, with occasional event coordination support requiring standing, walking, and light physical activity in meeting rooms or event spaces.

Travel

Approximately 10% (to Northern Virginia offices)

Disclaimer

The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

We believe in fair and transparent pay practices. Actual compensation is determined based on relevant experience, qualifications, skills, and internal equity.