Plant HR Generalist

Crucial Hire; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hands-on HR mentorship

Career acceleration in manufacturing HR

Awesome Chicago location

High-impact role

Supportive, high-energy environment

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking company as an HR Generalist where you'll embark on a rewarding career journey under dynamic leadership. This role offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in HR operations within a vibrant manufacturing environment. You'll collaborate closely with an inspiring HR Manager, gaining hands-on experience in recruitment, employee support, and compliance. Your contributions will directly impact the workforce's experience, safety, and performance. If you're eager to grow your HR skills and make a meaningful difference, this is the perfect opportunity for you.

Qualifications

• 2–5 years of HR experience in manufacturing or production settings.
• Bachelor’s Degree required; HR certifications are a plus.
• Bilingual in Spanish-English is a major advantage.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the first point of contact for HR needs and support.
• Coordinate recruitment and onboarding for plant workers.
• Ensure compliance with labor laws and safety regulations.

Skills

HR Operations

Employee Support

Recruitment

Onboarding

Bilingual (Spanish-English)

Compliance

Organizational Skills

Problem Solving

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

HR-related certifications

Tools

HRIS

Payroll Systems

Timekeeping Systems

Job description

HR Generalist – Build Your HR Career Under Dynamic Leadership

Pilsen (Near Chinatown), Chicago, IL
Full-Time | Exempt
Spanish-English Bilingual Strongly Preferred
️ 200 Employee Plant, Manufacturing, Production, Assembly Environment

Why You’ll Love This Role

This is your springboard into serious HR career growth.

You'll work alongside an inspiring HR Manager who knows what it takes to build modern, people-first HR operations in production and manufacturing settings. You’ll have the opportunity to learn fast, own important HR processes, and make a real impact on a thriving, multi-shift workforce.
Perfect for a rising HR professional who’s hungry to sharpen their skills, build confidence, and grow into future leadership roles.

What You’ll Own & Drive

HR Operations & Employee Support

• Serve as the trusted first point of contact for HR needs across the site.

• Keep HRIS and personnel records squeaky clean and up-to-date.

• Ensure payroll accuracy, timekeeping reconciliation, and employee file compliance.

• Answer benefits, payroll, and general HR policy questions with clarity and care.

Recruitment, Onboarding & Talent Support

• Partner with Jessica (HR Manager) to recruit, interview, and onboard hourly plant workers.

• Coordinate with temp agencies to meet surge hiring needs.

• Lead day-one orientations that create energy, clarity, and connection.

Employee Relations, Attendance & Engagement

• Track attendance trends and support coaching conversations with supervisors.

• Help organize employee events, recognition programs, and engagement initiatives.

• Support open-door HR practices to maintain a healthy, people-first culture.

Compliance, Safety & Labor Law Adherence

• Support E-Verify, I-9 processing, background checks, and drug screens.

• Help manage FMLA, ADA, Workers' Compensation, and leave administration.

• Ensure full compliance with union agreements, Chicago ordinances, and state/federal laws.

Special Projects & Growth Initiatives

• Assist in HR-driven continuous improvement projects (recruitment metrics, training, safety, DEI).

• Help maintain, update, and modernize job descriptions and HR processes.

What Makes You a Great Fit

2–5 years of HR experience (plant, manufacturing, union, or production strongly preferred).
Bachelor’s Degree required (bonus points for HR-related certifications).
Spanish-English bilingual? Major advantage for daily employee communications!
Sharp organizational skills—you don’t miss deadlines or details.
Problem solver—you don’t bring problems without ideas for solutions.
Integrity—you can be trusted with confidential information.
Energy—you’re coachable, motivated, and eager to build something meaningful.

What You Need to Succeed

• Comfort navigating HRIS, timekeeping, and payroll systems.

• Ability to thrive in a fast-moving, production-oriented environment.

• Talent for juggling multiple priorities under the guidance of a high-performing HR Manager.

• Desire to grow into future HRBP, Sr. HR Generalist, or HR Manager roles.

Perks of Joining Our Team

Hands-on HR mentorship directly from a seasoned HR Manager (Jessica Rivera).
Career acceleration in manufacturing HR—a high-demand, promotable skillset.
️ Awesome Chicago location—Pilsen (near Chinatown).
High-impact role—your work directly shapes employee experience, safety, and performance.
Supportive, high-energy environment where ideas are welcomed, and success is celebrated.

Apply Today – Let’s Build Your HR Career Together!

Click here to apply online