Sr HR Representative

Kennametal; Bedford (Bedford County); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Kennametal is seeking a Sr. HR Representative in Bedford, PA to support HR service delivery and the full employee life-cycle. The role partners with managers and employees to ensure compliant, proactive HR practices and a positive work environment.

The position focuses on aligning HR initiatives with business goals, workforce planning, and ongoing improvement in employee engagement and performance management.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of HR Generalist experience in manufacturing or similar setting.
• Bachelor’s degree in HR or related field, or equivalent work experience.
• Experience in employee relations, investigations, and policy compliance.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple HR initiatives.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Partner with site leadership to drive HR initiatives and business results.
• Administer HR programs including benefits, payroll, and leaves.
• Lead hiring processes, orientation, and onboarding.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws.
• Support employee engagement and performance management.

Skills

HR Generalist

Employee relations

Coaching

Policy compliance

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR or related field

Equivalent work experience

Tools

HRIS

Payroll systems

Job description

Sr. HR Representative

Location: Bedford, PA

Job Summary

The Sr Representative, HR Service Delivery, will serve as a primary point of contact for managers (Manager Services) and employees (Employee Services), providing HR support to assigned plants, business units and/or functions under the general oversight from the Manager, HR Service Delivery. This role supports HR initiatives aligned with business goals, focusing on full employee life‑cycle from recruiting through off-boarding. This role ensures effective HR practices, policy compliance, and contributes to a positive work environment. The Sr Representative anticipates and plans for long-term human resource needs and trends in partnership with business management.

Key Job Responsibilities

• Align site HR objectives with the business to drive organizational value; actively partner with site leadership, North American leadership and corporate human resource teams to drive continuous improvement towards expected business results.
• Partner with site leadership team to foster a culture of mutual trust and respect, maintaining the site's positive culture.
• Lead continuous improvement of site's employee engagement efforts, providing consultation and recommendations to key stakeholders in the areas of talent management, employee relations, change management, performance management, safety, wellness, and other people initiatives.
• Reviews, tracks, and documents compliance with mandatory and non-mandatory training and work assessments.
• Recruits, interviews, and facilitates the hiring of qualified job applicants for open positions; collaborates with managers to understand skills and competencies required for openings.
• Implements new hire orientation and employee recognition programs.
• Performs routine tasks required to administer and execute human resource programs, including but not limited to:

Manager Services

• Compensation; leaves; disciplinary matters; disputes and investigations; performance and talent management; productivity, recognition, and morale; training and development.
• Coach front-line supervisors through employee relations and performance management issues.

Employee Services

• Benefits; payroll; leaves; employment-related inquiries from employees and managers, referring complex and/or sensitive matters to the appropriate management.
• Attends and participates in employee disciplinary meetings, terminations, and investigations.
• Maintains compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations, and recommended best practices; reviews policies and practices to maintain compliance.
• Maintains knowledge of trends, best practices, regulatory changes, and new technologies in human resources, talent management, and employment law.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• 3+ years of previous HR Generalist experience in a manufacturing or similar environment.
• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources or related field or equivalent work experience.
• At least one year of human resource management experience preferred.
• Proven expertise in Employee Relations (ER) issue resolution and conflict management.
• Strong coaching and guidance skills for managers and employees to foster a positive work environment.
• Experience conducting investigations related to workplace issues, including policy violations and misconduct.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive employee information with professionalism.
• Knowledge of manufacturing labor laws, regulations, and safety compliance requirements.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple HR initiatives simultaneously.
• Success Factors experience preferred for HR system management, reporting, and data analysis.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to tailor message based on audience is also required.
• Ability to build strong relationships and achieve results working with others is required.
• Must be able to operate with a sense of urgency with demonstrated ability to identify opportunities, develop and execute action plans and evaluate the results of action plans.
• Must have strong problem solving track record with the ability to drive to root cause.
• Ability to get things done through others while balancing the people and culture implications of change.
• Excellent project management skills, with the ability to stay on top of daily issues and move projects forward in parallel.
• PC proficient with the ability to navigate HRIS systems.

Kennametal Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.