Human Resources Generalist

Guardian Fire Services • Kingston, MA

43d • $80,000 - $100,000 • Onsite

About The Position

For more than 60 years, Northeast Automatic Sprinkler has built its reputation as one of New England's most respected life-safety/fire protection sprinkler contractors. As the company continues to grow, they are making a significant investment in their people by creating a new Human Resources Generalist position to provide dedicated on-site support to employees and managers. This newly created position will be responsible for managing the day-to-day Human Resources needs of the company, including recruitment, employee relations, performance management, benefits administration, and compliance with employment laws and regulations. The HR Generalist will work closely with senior leadership, managers, employees, and Corporate HR to provide timely, hands-on HR support and ensure consistent application of company policies and practices. This position serves as the primary on-site HR resource for Northeast Automatic Sprinkler. The ideal candidate will be highly visible throughout the office and shop, build trusted relationships at every level of the organization, and be comfortable coaching managers, navigating difficult conversations, and addressing employee issues as they arise. While the union field employees primarily require HR support related to compliance, benefits, and employment administration, this role will provide full employee lifecycle support for the growing non-union office and shop staff.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive Human Resources experience with significant experience in an HR Generalist role.
• Construction, manufacturing, industrial, or related industry experience required.
• Experience supporting employees at all levels of an organization, from entry-level positions through executive leadership.
• Experience with employee relations, performance management, recruitment, benefits administration, payroll administration, and HR compliance.
• Proven ability to coach managers and influence positive outcomes.
• Working knowledge of union environments and collective bargaining agreements.
• Thorough knowledge of federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills with the ability to communicate effectively with all levels of the company.
• Ability to use discretion and maintain strict confidentiality.
• Excellent communication, conflict resolution, investigative, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to use sound judgment in handling day-to-day matters, understand when an issue should be escalated, and proactively keep senior leadership informed of issues, risks, and situations that may require awareness or intervention.
• Professional approach to interactions with both employees and external contacts.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to adapt quickly to changing priorities and shift focus as business needs arise, including responding to urgent employee matters, time-sensitive hiring needs, etc…
• Ability to work independently and take ownership of assigned responsibilities, working proactively and recognizing when follow-up or additional action is needed without requiring constant direction.
• Dependable - reliable attendance and punctuality.
• Self-starter with a hands-on approach.
• Ability to work with and get along with a variety of different personality types.
• Accountable - takes ownership of responsibilities and follows tasks through to completion; strong work ethic.
• Continuous improvement mindset with the confidence to identify issues and recommend practical solutions.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office and HRIS and payroll systems.

Nice To Haves

• SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or SPHR certification is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Partner with department managers, senior leadership, and Corporate HR to understand staffing needs and workforce planning.
• Manage the full-cycle recruitment process, including sourcing, interviewing, reference checks, hiring, and onboarding.
• Work with Corporate HR to develop creative recruiting strategies and build relationships with local trade schools, colleges, professional organizations, and other talent sources, as well as strategies for hard-to-fill roles and proactively build a pipeline of qualified candidates.
• Work closely with the Business Operations Department to coordinate onboarding efforts.
• Support employee development and identify opportunities for career growth.
• Coordinate and administer the performance review process for non-union employees.
• Provide day-to-day coaching and guidance to managers on performance management, employee development, documentation, corrective action, and career development.
• Assist senior leadership with compensation planning, salary benchmarking, and merit review processes.
• Support employee retention and development initiatives.
• Serve as the primary HR resource for managers and employees, providing guidance on employee relations, workplace concerns, conflict resolution, disciplinary actions, and other HR matters.
• Build positive, professional relationships with employees at all levels through a visible and approachable presence throughout the company.
• Conduct objective workplace investigations and work with senior leadership and Corporate HR to determine appropriate responses and corrective actions.
• Promote consistent application of company policies and employment practices.
• Support a workplace culture built on respect, accountability, teamwork, and open communication.
• Be well-versed in Northeast’s payroll processing and administration and provide backup when necessary.
• Maintain organized and accurate employee records and HRIS systems, both written and electronic.
• Maintain a working knowledge of, and support compliance with, federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations and promptly escalate potential compliance issues to senior leadership and Corporate HR.
• Work with Corporate HR to implement and continuously improve HR policies, procedures, and best practices.
• Prepare HR reports.
• Work with Corporate HR and senior leadership to create and maintain an Employee Handbook and communicate policy updates to employees.
• Administer employee benefit programs and assist with annual Open Enrollment.
• Serve as a resource to employees regarding benefit questions, enrollment, and changes.
• Partner with Business Operations to manage workers' compensation, leave administration, return-to-work programs, and related compliance.
• Maintain compliance with the Local 550 Collective Bargaining Agreement as it relates to HR administration and employment practices.
• Other duties and responsibilities, and projects, may be assigned as business needs evolve.

Benefits

• Health, Dental, and Vision options.
• Employer-paid group life insurance, AD&D, short-term and long-term disability insurance, and EAP
• A 401(k) plan with an employer match.
• Generous PTO and paid holidays.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level