Human Resources Generalist

MRA Recruiting Services•Milwaukee, WI

14d•Hybrid

About The Position

Outpost Natural Foods is a community-owned co-op focused on local and organic products and sustainable living. The Human Resources Generalist, referred to in the job summary as the People & Culture Generalist, supports a positive employee experience and provides responsive service to employees, managers, and other customers. The role partners with teams across the Central Office, retail stores, and kitchen operations to administer People & Culture policies, programs, and practices. The position covers employee relations and engagement, leaves and benefits administration, training, talent acquisition support, employment records, HRIS administration, regulatory compliance, workplace safety, and process improvement. Work is primarily performed in a business office, with occasional travel to stores in the Milwaukee metropolitan area. Intermittent remote work may be available if desired.

Requirements

Associate degree or certificate in Human Resources, Business, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and work experience.
At least two years of experience in an administrative Human Resources support role.
Ability to protect confidential and sensitive information.
Ability to remain objective, neutral, and composed.
Working knowledge of local, state, and federal employment laws.
Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, with strong keyboarding skills.
Strong presentation skills and ability to communicate information effectively to varied audiences.
Experience with a Human Resources Information System (HRIS).
Strong English-language communication and interpersonal skills.
Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
Ability to manage competing priorities, work effectively under time constraints, and meet deadlines.
Ability to exercise discretion and independent judgment in assigned responsibilities.
Willingness to learn, remain open to feedback, and take on new responsibilities.
Ability to read, understand, and follow written and verbal instructions.
Consistently demonstrate accuracy and thoroughness.
Meet the physical requirements of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation, including continuous use of office equipment; frequently lifting and carrying up to 25 pounds; bending, stooping, squatting, kneeling, reaching, sitting, and climbing stairs or ladders; handling objects and equipment; adjusting visual focus; and communicating by speaking and hearing.

Nice To Haves

Experience in a multi-site, retail, or unionized environment is preferred.

Responsibilities

Treat individuals fairly, consistently, and respectfully, and respond to routine employee and manager questions about co-op policies and procedures, escalating complex matters when appropriate.
Visit stores to connect with employees and managers, gather feedback about workplace morale, and identify ways People & Culture can support teams.
Support investigations into complaints, grievances, business ethics concerns, and Code of Conduct violations; compile background information and maintain case and compliance records.
Participate in Employee Forums and partner with managers on engagement concerns and action plans.
Monitor the People & Culture email inbox and physical mailbox, routing inquiries and distributing mail to the appropriate team members.
Coordinate employee milestone and life-event recognition, including maintaining supplies, placing vendor orders, and distributing gifts.
Contribute People & Culture articles to the co-op newsletter.
Administer the full life cycle of FMLA requests, other leaves of absence, short-term disability, union leave, and ADA accommodation requests.
Communicate and educate employees about benefits, assist with enrollment during onboarding, annual open enrollment, and qualifying life events, and respond to benefits and insurance questions.
Serve as Outpost’s liaison to benefits brokers and insurance carriers.
Facilitate People & Culture leadership training for managers and facilitate New Hire Orientation when the Recruitment and Retention Specialist is unavailable.
Process and audit employment documentation, including new-hire forms, W-4 and I-9 forms, and EEO records; enter, verify, and maintain employee information in Dayforce HRIS.
Assist employees with HRIS password resets and address updates.
Ensure compliance with insurance contracts and applicable federal, state, and local requirements; maintain knowledge of employment legislation and advise the Director of People & Culture on necessary actions.
Conduct periodic compliance audits; maintain benefits records and personnel files; follow record-retention and destruction policies; and maintain required employment posters and bulletin boards at all locations.
Develop People & Culture solutions by gathering and analyzing information, recommending actions, and completing special projects according to established objectives and deadlines.
Lead process improvements, special projects, and training initiatives.
Partner with managers on workers’ compensation claims and return-to-work support; provide post-incident communication and follow-up; maintain annual OSHA 300 logs and complete required reporting; participate on the Safety Committee; and administer the workers’ compensation program and analyze related data and trends.
Represent People & Culture and Outpost at career fairs and recruiting events, collaborate on talent strategy, and provide backup support for the Recruitment and Retention Specialist.
Support other People & Culture staff, monitor and replenish supplies, maintain organized files and procedures, provide employment information only to authorized recipients, maintain current employee-portal forms, participate in annual audits, and attend department meetings.
Follow co-op policies and procedures, maintain a clean and orderly store and office environment, and perform other duties as assigned by the Director of People & Culture.