Sr. HR Generalist

Synergy Flavors, Inc; Illinois; Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 102,000; Full time

Job summary

Synergy Flavors, part of the Carbery Group, is seeking a Senior HR Generalist to partner with designated operations groups in Wauconda and Chicago. The role handles employee relations, investigations, performance management, leave administration, compliance, engagement, and HR processes.

On-site presence is required monthly in Wauconda with flexible hybrid arrangements. The ideal candidate has 5+ years of HR experience supporting an hourly workforce, strong communication and coaching skills, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in HR, Business Admin, or related field.
• 5+ years HR experience supporting an hourly population.
• Travel required up to 25% between home plant and other supported plants.
• Experience with employee relations, investigations, performance management, and leave administration.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local employment requirements.

Responsibilities

• Serve as primary HR contact for assigned operations groups.
• Manage routine to moderately complex employee relations matters; conduct investigations.
• Coach supervisors/managers on performance, attendance, conflict resolution, and policy.
• Administer FMLA, ADA accommodations, workers' compensation, and leave programs.
• Provide workforce data and insights; support recruiting, onboarding, talent reviews, and staffing changes.
• Prepare HR metrics, dashboards, and HRIS documentation.

Skills

Communication

Problem-solving

Organization

Relationship-building

Confidentiality

HRIS & MS Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR / related field

PHR or SHRM-CP certification (preferred)

Tools

Workday

HRIS

Job description

Company Overview Synergy Flavors, part of the Carbery Group, is more than just a leading international supplier of ingredients to the global food and beverage industry—we’re a team driven by purpose. Our vision is simple yet powerful: enriching lives through healthier and tastier foods. We believe great flavor starts with great people. That’s why we’re committed to hiring creative, passionate individuals who want to make a real impact. With deep expertise across food, beverage, and nutrition, our teams develop high-quality taste solutions that inspire innovation and elevate everyday experiences.

Your Role in Synergy's Success

The Senior HR Generalist provides day-to-day HR partnership to designated operations client groups in both Wauconda and Chicago. This role serves as a trusted resource to employees, supervisors, and managers and provides guidance on employee relations, investigations, performance management, leave and accommodations, compliance, engagement, and HR processes. This position would be expected to be on site in Wauconda monthly to support business and operational needs. The Senior HR Generalist independently manages routine and moderately complex HR matters while partnering with the HR Business Partner on complex employee relations issues, organizational changes, workforce planning, and other strategic priorities.

Key Responsibilities

Employee Relations & Leadership Support

• Serve as a primary HR contact for assigned operations client groups.
• Manage routine and moderately complex employee relations matters, including attendance, conduct, performance, and workplace concerns.
• Conduct employee relations investigations, including interviews, documentation, and recommendations.
• Coach supervisors and managers on performance management, corrective action, attendance, conflict resolution, and policy application.
• Escalate complex, high‑risk, or legally sensitive matters to the HR Business Partner and/or VP HR.

Compliance, Leave & Employee Support

• Administer FMLA, ADA accommodations, workers' compensation, and applicable state and local leave programs.
• Apply company policies and employment requirements consistently.
• Conduct HR compliance audits and maintain accurate documentation.

Talent & Workforce Support

• Provide workforce data and insights related to staffing, turnover, absenteeism, and retention.
• Support recruiting, onboarding, talent reviews, succession planning, and organizational changes.
• Partner with Talent Acquisition and operational leaders to address workforce needs.
• Support workforce planning and talent initiatives led by the HR Business Partner.

Engagement & Culture

• Partner with leaders to address employee feedback and improve engagement and workplace culture.
• Support change management initiatives.

HR Operations & Analytics

• Prepare HR metrics, dashboards, and workforce reports.
• Monitor workforce trends and provide insights to HR and operational leaders.
• Maintain accurate HRIS records and employee documentation.
• Identify opportunities to improve HR processes, consistency, and employee experience.
• Support HR programs, projects, audits, and process improvements.

undefined SKILLS AND REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years of progressive HR experience, supporting an hourly population.
• Travel required up to 25% between the home plant and other supported plants, based on business need.
• Experience with employee relations, investigations, performance management, and leave administration.
• Working knowledge of federal, state, and local employment requirements.
• Experience coaching frontline supervisors and managers.
• Strong communication, problem-solving, organization, and relationship‑building skills.
• Experience with HRIS and Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment.
• Preferred PHR or SHRM-CP certification.
• Experience supporting hourly or multi‑shift manufacturing employees.
• Experience with workforce analytics and HR reporting.
• Workday or other enterprise HRIS experience.
• Knowledge of Illinois employment laws and City of Chicago ordinances.

Salary Range: $75,000 - $102,000 The actual compensation that you will be offered will depend on a variety of factors including geography, skills and abilities, education, experience and other relevant factors.

Department: Human Resources

Location: Chicago/Wauconda, Illinois

Work Arrangement: Hybrid

Reporting To: HRBP

Our Commitment to our People

We are a diverse and growing workforce of over 1,000 people across eight countries globally. As we continue to grow, we want to ensure that Carbery Group continues to be a place where people are supported to develop and feel that they can do their best work. We are committed to driving growth, developing future capability and delivering results through our dedicated teams.

We offer competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, and an inclusive workplace where your skills, perspectives, and experience help shape the future of our industry. Join us and be part of a team that values collaboration and makes a meaningful impact - from local communities to global markets.

Carbery Group is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to fostering a supportive work environment. Across our global organisation, we employ 1000 people in 8 countries – and we are growing. From production specialists to R&D experts, finance, quality, digital, marketing, sales and so much more, see what opportunities await you with Carbery and Synergy.

Our Work Experience is the combination of everything that's unique about us: our culture, our core values, our company meetings, our commitment to sustainability, our recognition programs, but most importantly, it's our people. Our employees are self-disciplined, hard working, curious, trustworthy, humble, and truthful. They make choices according to what is best for the team, they live for opportunities to collaborate and make a difference, and they make us the #1 Top Workplace in the area.