Plant Human Resources Generalist

Smithfield Foods, Inc.; Cudahy, Northern (WI, KY); Hybrid; USD 52,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

Smithfield Foods, Inc. is seeking an HR Generalist to help create a positive, people-first workplace. You’ll partner with leaders and employees to drive retention, support labor relations, and ensure compliant HR operations.

The role involves staffing, onboarding, policy guidance, and payroll coordination on site. You will collaborate with the site HR leader to maintain HR initiatives, provide training, and ensure data accuracy in HRIS systems.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in HR, business or related field.
• Solid understanding of employment laws at federal, state, and local levels.
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.
• Strong written and verbal communication, across all levels.

Responsibilities

• Foster positive labor and employee relations across shifts and teams.
• Support staffing, onboarding, and payroll processes in partnership with Talent Acquisition.
• Conduct workforce planning, audits, and policy guidance with site leaders.
• Deliver training and provide resources on FMLA, LOA, and ADA.
• Analyze HR data to drive improvements in retention and HR metrics.

Skills

Employment Law Knowledge

Confidentiality & Integrity

Communication Skills

Bilingual in Spanish (preferred)

HR Systems & Technology (Workday)

Education

Bachelor’s degree in HR/Business/related field

Tools

Workday HRIS

Job description

Have a seat at our table. When you join Smithfield, you become part of something special – a company that's sustainably feeding people around the world, producing good food the right way with respect for our people, animals, communities and planet. With opportunities across locations and functions, a culture grounded in our Core Four values - gratitude, communication, respect and accountability - and a strong commitment to learning, collaboration, and innovation, Smithfield offers challenging and rewarding careers where you can grow, contribute and make a real impact.

THE VALUE YOU’LL BRING

The position summary states the general nature and purpose of the job. Overall accountabilities are defined in this section. As an HR Generalist, you’ll be at the heart of creating a positive, people-first workplace where employees feel supported and valued. In this dynamic role, you’ll partner with leaders and employees alike, driving retention efforts, supporting labor relations, and ensuring smooth, compliant HR operations. From collaborating on staffing needs and managing job bids to providing guidance on policies and fostering an inclusive culture, you’ll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact every day. If you’re passionate about building strong teams and shaping a thriving work environment, this is the role for you.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

Employee Relations

You will foster a positive labor and employee relations environment, while facilitating workplace investigations or other inquiries under the guidance of the site HR leader. You'll play a key role in maintaining and enhancing the location’s HR initiatives, promoting a culture of trust and engagement. You will actively listen, provide constructive feedback, recognition, and gratitude, and serve as a visible business partner by regularly visiting the production floor to engage employees at all levels, relating openly and comfortably with diverse groups of people.

Retention and Workforce Management

You will collaborate with the plant management team to help ensure that hourly production employee retention is maintained at an acceptable level, in line with HR metrics and goals. You may complete data entry and review of the time and attendance system and manage job/vacation bid processes. You will assist with job fairs, training and development workshops, new hire onboarding, labor relations, and payroll processing. You will partner with Talent Acquisition to create and manage job requisitions, ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations.

Communication and Training

You will effectively communicate and demonstrate Smithfield's ROI guiding principles (Responsibility, Operational Excellence, and Innovation) and provide necessary resources to empower employees with the knowledge and materials needed (FMLA, LOA, ADA, Workday Resources, etc.), ensuring they have the tools to succeed.

Data Management and Compliance

You’ll play a vital role in compliance by assisting with the preparation and oversight of HR-related audits, such as SMETA/SWA, while maintaining accurate records in the Human Resources Information System (HRIS). Your attention to detail will help ensure data integrity and compliance with company policies and regulations.

Strategic Human Resources Guidance

You will work with the site HR leader in driving the success of the HR department, offering guidance on HR policies and procedures, including handling labor relation meetings, records management, employee inquiries, community relations, and employee events. Additionally, you will collect and analyze HR data to make recommendations on workforce planning, conduct orientation, and support on‑job training initiatives.

WHAT WE’RE SEEKING

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Human Resources, Business Management, or related field and 2+ years of related experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience, required.
• Employment Law Knowledge: Solid understanding of employment law practices, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
• Confidentiality & Integrity: Proven ability to manage sensitive information with the utmost confidentiality and discretion, maintaining trust and professionalism at all times.
• Communication Skills: Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey information and collaborate effectively across all levels.

OTHER SKILLS THAT MAKE YOU STAND OUT

• Language Skills: Bilingual in Spanish or another language preferred, to enhance communication and support a diverse workforce.
• HR Systems & Technology: Experience administering benefits, compensation, and other HR programs, with proficiency in HRIS systems such as Workday, payroll, timekeeping systems, and the Microsoft Office Suite. Previous Workday/HCM experience preferred.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands described here are representative of those an employee should possess to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The majority of the time is spent in an office setting outside of the production plant. The plant environment will include wet or humid conditions (non-weather related), extreme cold and heat (non-weather related), working near moving mechanical parts, exposure to fumes or airborne particles, and chemicals. Noise level in the work environment is usually moderate but can be loud when in the production area. Frequently required to sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, and talk or hear. Capable of sitting for extended periods of time. Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times. Frequently required to sit; stand; walk; reach with hands and arms. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision and depth perception. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Relocation Package Available

Relocation Package Available

No EEO Information

Smithfield is an equal opportunity employer committed to workplace diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, gender identity, protected veterans status, status as a disabled individual or any other protected group status or non-job characteristic as directed by law. If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment selection process, please call us at 757-357-1595.

At Smithfield, good food starts with good people. "Good food. Responsibly.®" is more than just our tagline; it's what we do. We provide good jobs. We take good care of our animals. We are good stewards of the environment. We do good in our local communities. Smithfield is proud to offer robust, flexible and affordable benefit plans and programs to support our team members and their loved ones, and with out-of-pocket costs, on average, 20 percent less than plans offered by other employers. Beyond our medical plans, our Be Well programs offer tools and resources to enhance your quality of life, at no additional cost. These programs are uniquely tailored to our Smithfield team and provide support for elective surgeries, weight loss, mental health, cancer, kidney disease, diabetes, smoking cessation, asthma, maternity management and more. Our company invests in your future. We offer comprehensive training and professional development programs designed to help you reach your full potential. Through LinkedIn Learning, employees can access on‑demand courses, professional certificates, and skill‑based training to build capabilities aligned with career and business needs. Our partnership with Guild supports your continuing education with tuition assistance covering English language learning, high school completion, and degree programs, while our leadership development initiatives nurture high‑potential talent. We also offer unique benefits like our Smithfield Scholarship Program for employees’ children.

Company

Headquartered in Smithfield, Virginia, since 1936, Smithfield Foods, Inc. is an American food company with a leading position in packaged meats and fresh pork products. With a diverse brand portfolio and strong relationships with U.S. farmers and customers, we responsibly meet demand for quality protein around the world. For more information, visit www.smithfieldfoods.com. We believe in the power of protein to end food insecurity and have donated hundreds of millions of food servings to our communities. Smithfield boasts a portfolio of high-quality iconic brands, such as Smithfield®, Eckrich® and Nathan's Famous®, among many others. For more information, visit www.smithfieldfoods.com and connect with us on Facebook, X, formerly known as Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram.