Plant HR Generalist

IP Corporation; South Bend (IN); On-site; USD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

IP Corporation seeks a Plant HR Generalist at our South Bend manufacturing facility to partner with plant leadership across the full employee lifecycle. This role drives talent acquisition, onboarding, employee relations, payroll support, and engagement initiatives to foster a positive workplace culture.

The successful candidate will ensure policy compliance, support leave programs, and collaborate with plant leadership to balance strategic and hands-on HR activities on the shop floor.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in HR, business, or related field.
• 3+ years HR experience in employee relations, recruiting, leave admin, and compliance.
• Experience conducting investigations and partnering with leaders.
• Experience with HRIS and payroll/timekeeping processes.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.

Responsibilities

• Employee Relations & Leadership Support: advise managers and employees on workplace concerns and policy matters.
• Talent Acquisition & Onboarding: lead full-cycle recruiting for hourly and plant-based roles and coordinate onboarding.
• Benefits, Leave & Payroll Administration: support benefits questions and administer leave programs and timekeeping.
• Compliance, Training & Culture: ensure compliance with laws, support training and safety initiatives, and drive employee engagement.

Skills

Communication

Organizational skills

Investigations experience

Multitasking

Relationship-building

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR or related field

Tools

HRIS software

Payroll systems

Job description

IP Corporation is a privately held, family-owned chemical manufacturing organization with more than 70 years of stability, innovation, and growth. Headquartered in Minnesota, IP Corporation supports a portfolio of operating companies that manufacture and distribute resins, gel coats, composite materials, and specialty polymer solutions used across a wide range of industrial applications.

Our operating companies—Interplastic Corporation, North American Composites, HK Research, and Molding Products—work together to deliver technical expertise, high-quality products, and long-term partnerships to customers around the world. We are known for our customer-first mindset, strong technical capabilities, and collaborative culture built on trust and continuous improvement.

What is a Plant HR Generalist?

The Plant Human Resources Generalist serves as the primary HR partner for our Molding Products division out at our South Bend manufacturing facility, supporting leaders and employees across the full employee lifecycle. This role plays a key part in shaping the employee experience by driving talent acquisition, employee relations, onboarding, leave administration, payroll support, and engagement initiatives.

This is a highly visible and collaborative role that partners closely with plant leadership to build a positive workplace culture while ensuring compliance with employment laws, company policies, and HR best practices. The successful candidate will act as a trusted advisor to leaders and employees while helping drive business results through effective people practices.

We're looking for someone who enjoys being both strategic and hands-on - someone who can balance day-to-day HR responsibilities while remaining engaged with employees on the plant floor and within the business.

What You Can Expect to Do as a Plant HR Generalist:

Employee Relations & Leadership Support

• Serve as a trusted advisor to managers and employees regarding workplace concerns, policy interpretation, and employee relations matters.
• Conduct employee investigations related to workplace concerns, policy violations, and conflict resolution.
• Partner with leaders on coaching, performance management, corrective actions, and development plans.
• Support employee engagement initiatives and help foster a positive workplace culture.
• Assist leaders in navigating complex employee situations while minimizing organizational risk.

Talent Acquisition & Onboarding

• Lead full-cycle recruiting for hourly and plant-based positions, from sourcing through offer acceptance.
• Build local talent pipelines through partnerships with schools, community organizations, and recruiting events.
• Coordinate onboarding activities and facilitate new hire orientation.
• Partner with leaders to create an exceptional onboarding experience for new employees.

Benefits, Leave & Payroll Administration

• Support employees with benefits-related questions and coordinate with corporate HR as needed.
• Administer leave programs including FMLA, ADA accommodations, workers' compensation, military leave, and other applicable programs.
• Monitor leave activity and maintain accurate documentation.
• Ensure accurate timekeeping and payroll processing in partnership with supervisors and payroll teams.

Compliance, Training & Culture

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.
• Assist with policy implementation and employee communications.
• Support training initiatives and compliance-related learning requirements.
• Partner with EHS and plant leadership on safety initiatives and workers' compensation matters.
• Support employee recognition, communication, and engagement activities.

What We’re Looking For in A Plant HR Generalist:

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• 3+ years of Human Resources experience supporting employee relations, recruiting, leave administration, and compliance activities.
• Experience conducting investigations and partnering with leaders on employee matters.
• Experience with HRIS systems and payroll or timekeeping processes.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication, relationship-building, and problem-solving skills.

Preferred:

• Experience supporting manufacturing, distribution, warehouse, or industrial operations.
• PHR, SHRM-CP, or similar HR certification.
• Experience supporting multiple employee groups or facilities.
• Familiarity with ADP or other HRIS/ATS systems.

Why IP Corporation?

• Be part of a stable, privately held organization with long-term market presence
• Opportunity to lead impactful technology initiatives that drive business growth
• Collaborative, values-driven culture focused on innovation and continuous improvement
• Competitive benefits including medical, dental, vision, generous PTO, and 401(k) with company match

IP Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic in accordance with applicable laws.