Senior HR Generalist

Lesaffre Corporation; Milwaukee (WI); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

401(k) with employer match

11 paid holidays

Career growth & cross-border collab

Job summary

Lesaffre Corporation is seeking a Senior HR Generalist to support HR services and talent programs for North American corporate and remote teams. This role blends hands-on HR with strategic program design in a fast-paced environment.

You'll partner with leaders to shape HR strategy, manage employee relations, compliance, and performance management, and drive talent initiatives aligned with our values across U.S. teams.

Qualifications

• 5+ years HR experience including generalist work and talent initiatives.
• Experience with compliance, employee relations, and performance management.
• Ability to travel 15% domestically.

Responsibilities

• Serve as day-to-day HR partner for assigned business units, guiding managers and employees.
• Manage U.S. compliance and lifecycle processes (onboarding, promotions, leaves, I-9s).
• Lead employee relations investigations and coach managers on policy and performance.
• Analyze workforce trends to provide actionable HR insights.

Skills

Employee relations

HRIS & data analysis

Microsoft Office

Communication

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business, Psychology, Organizational Development, or related field

Tools

UKG HRIS

Microsoft Office suite

Job description

For over 170 years, Lesaffre has been a pioneering force in the world of fermentation, harnessing the power of microorganisms to transform industries from baking to healthcare. As a key global player, we've built a presence in 96 countries, employing 11,000 passionate innovators who share our unwavering commitment to excellence.

Driven by our core values of passion, respect, trust, entrepreneurship, and humility, we're constantly pushing the boundaries of what's possible. Our 3-billion euro enterprise collaborates with visionary customers, partners, and researchers to develop essential nutrients and bioactives that strengthen human health, optimize animal well-being, and improve plant nutrition.

Lesaffre is seeking a Senior HR Generalist to support the delivery of HR services and talent management programs for our North American corporate and remote teams. This role blends HR generalist expertise with the operational execution of key talent initiatives, offering a high-impact opportunity for an HR professional who thrives in both hands-on HR work and strategic program design. The position requires a collaborative leader who can engage in meaningful leadership conversations while driving HR operations in a fast-paced, evolving environment.

What We Offer

• The opportunity to represent a passionate organization focused on innovation and sustainability
• Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits starting on day one, including health, dental, vision, and 401(k) with employer match
• 11 paid holidays
• The ability to leverage your expertise and make a tangible, meaningful impact on the business and our sustainability initiatives
• Opportunities for continuous growth and development, including the ability to take on new challenges and collaborate across our international business units

How You'll Contribute to Our Success

You'll play a key role in shaping HR strategy and execution for Lesaffre's North American teams, delivering expert guidance in employee relations, compliance, and performance management while driving talent initiatives that align with our values. Your strong interpersonal skills and consultative approach will help foster a workplace culture where passion, respect, and innovation thrive. With your ability to manage multiple priorities, you'll ensure the smooth delivery of HR programs - from global mobility to employee engagement - while partnering with leaders to strengthen team performance and support our Safety First culture. Your contributions will directly impact our ability to attract, develop, and retain top talent, positioning Lesaffre for continued success.

What You'll Do as a Senior HR Generalist

• Generalist | 60%
  • Serve as a day-to-day HR partner for assigned business units, guiding managers and employees through the employee lifecycle, resolving issues independently, and escalating complex matters as needed
  • Manage U.S. compliance and employee lifecycle processes (onboarding, promotions, leaves, departures, documentation, I-9s, and recordkeeping)
  • Lead employee relations and workplace investigations, including fact-finding, coaching managers on performance and policy, and addressing engagement concerns
  • Analyze workforce trends (performance, retention, engagement) to provide actionable insights for HRBPs and leaders.
• Talent Program Execution | 30%
  • Execute core talent programs (onboarding, performance management, goals, merit, development) with consistency and follow-through
  • Translate talent data (performance, engagement, turnover) into insights to support decision-making and talent discussions
  • Coordinate talent reviews and succession planning, tracking development, readiness, and retention risks
  • Facilitate employee experience and talent discussions (manager sessions, focus groups, development programs) with increasing independence
• Project & Program Management | 10%
  • Lead HR and talent projects from planning to implementation, ensuring clear milestones and stakeholder accountability
  • Drive process improvements, including automation, self-service tools, and transitioning work to Shared Services
  • Other duties as assigned

Required qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business, Psychology, Organizational Development, or a related field
• 5+ years of progressive HR experience, including meaningful HR generalist experience and exposure to talent management, organizational development, or employee experience
• Comfortability using HRIS, talent platforms, people data, Microsoft Office applications, and emerging AI tools to improve HR effectiveness
• Ability to travel 15% of the time within the U.S.

Additional nice-to-have qualifications:

• Master's degree in a related field
• Exposure to global mobility and international assignments
• Experience within a global, matrixed, manufacturing, ingredient, biotechnology, scientific, or similarly complex organizations
• Knowledge and understanding of UKG as a HRIS platform

Lesaffre provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.