Human Resources Generalist I

Bay State Milling Company•Bolingbrook, IL

19h•Onsite

About The Position

This Human Resources Generalist I position serves as the primary HR contact for multiple assigned locations across different states, providing support to both employees and site leadership. The role involves building strong relationships with front-line leaders and Plant Managers to offer timely HR guidance aligned with business objectives. Key responsibilities include identifying trends, risks, and opportunities within assigned sites and proactively recommending solutions. The Generalist will manage routine employee relations matters, including investigations, corrective action, and performance discussions, while escalating complex issues to HR leadership. The role also encompasses full-cycle recruiting, facilitating new hire onboarding and orientation, and coordinating employee offboarding processes. Additionally, the position supports new hire benefit education and administration, manages leaves of absence (FMLA, ADA, workers’ compensation), ensures compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws, and maintains accurate HRIS data. The Generalist will also support performance management processes, interpret and apply HR policies, analyze HR data, and participate in broader HR projects.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration or related field OR 3-5 years of relevant progressive Human Resources experience
Working knowledge of employment laws and HR best practices.
Strong interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
Requires self-direction and the ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously.
Proficiency with HRIS systems and Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
The ability to speak, read and write in both English and Spanish.
Strong verbal and written communication skills, with ability to respond to either common and sensitive inquiries or complaints from internal and external customers.
Ability to work with basic mathematical concepts.
Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
Seasoned judgment and business situation versatility, with ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
Demonstrates considerable knowledge of principles and practices of personnel administration.
Effective oral and written communication skills.
Excellent interpersonal skills.
The ability to work independently and cooperatively across functions.
The ability to work with highly confidential and sensitive data, materials in a professional and appropriate manner is critical.

Nice To Haves

HR certification (PHR, SHRM-CP) or pursuit of certification.
Experience in a manufacturing environment.
Experience with multi-state and multi-site HR support.

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary HR contact for multiple assigned locations operating in different states, supporting both employees and site leadership.
Build strong relationships with front-line leaders and Plant Managers to provide practical, timely HR guidance aligned with departmental and business objectives.
Identify trends, risks, and opportunities within assigned sites and proactively recommend solutions.
Serve as a first point of contact for employee questions and concerns.
Independently manage routine employee relations matters, including investigations, corrective action, and performance discussions.
Escalate and partner with HR leadership on complex, sensitive, or high-risk situations.
Promote a positive, inclusive, and compliant work environment aligned with company values.
Lead and/or support full-cycle recruiting activities, including job postings, screening, interviews, and offer facilitation.
Partner with hiring managers on workforce planning and staffing needs.
Ensure a consistent and efficient hiring process that aligns with company standards.
Facilitate new hire onboarding and orientation processes to ensure a smooth transition.
Partner with site leadership to ensure all new hire training is completed timely.
Coordinate the offboarding of employees due to voluntary and involuntary terminations while ensuring consistency, legal compliance, and appropriate documentation.
Support new hire benefit education and administration.
Serve as a resource to employees with benefit enrollment, changes, and questions.
Administer and track leaves of absence, including FMLA, ADA accommodations, state-specific programs, and workers’ compensation. Partner with internal or external stakeholders to ensure proper documentation and compliance.
Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.
Maintain accurate and confidential employee records and HRIS data.
Support audits, reporting, and policy updates as needed.
Support performance management processes, including coaching leaders on feedback, documentation, and accountability.
Assist with performance review cycles, goal setting, and employee development initiatives.
Reinforce a culture of continuous feedback and development.
Interpret and apply HR policies consistently and fairly.
Communicate HR programs and changes effectively to employees.
Analyze HR data and site-level trends to inform decision-making and identify areas for improvement.
Prepare reports and insights for HR leadership and site management.
Participate in HR projects and initiatives that support broader organizational goals.