Human Resources Generalist

FERGUSON•Carol Stream, IL

19d•$63,100 - $100,900•Onsite

About The Position

Ferguson is hiring a Human Resources Generalist for its onsite Distribution Center in Carol Stream, Illinois. The role supports an estimated workforce of 150 hourly team members and more than 15 exempt leaders, focusing on associate engagement, leadership development, and building a positive, high-performance culture. The Generalist partners with associates and leaders across the site, coaching managers through performance conversations and employee relations matters and helping leaders support their teams effectively. The position helps maintain consistent and practical HR practices, strengthen communication and retention, and improve the associate experience. Working alongside Distribution Center leadership, the Generalist supports staffing strategies, onboarding and training, career progression and development programs, succession planning, and organizational change. The role also develops reporting to inform decisions, supports HR compliance, and translates employment-law and policy updates into guidance appropriate for a fast-paced distribution environment.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
At least 5 years of HR experience, including at least 2 years supporting site operations as an HR Manager or Business Partner.
At least 5 years of HR experience supporting a unionized workforce.
Experience supporting a recently established distribution center or site start-up, including workforce planning, recruiting, hiring, onboarding, and organizational readiness.
Ability to partner with site leadership to build a positive, high-performing culture and drive engagement, communication, retention, and accountability.
Background in industrial or distribution environments with large hourly populations.
Demonstrated ability to build trust, influence leaders, and hold teams accountable to expectations and standards.
Experience supporting proactive employee relations strategies, maintaining a positive employee experience, and minimizing risk.
Strong analytical skills and experience using data to identify trends and drive action.
Experience with HR systems and Microsoft tools.

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting a unionized workforce in a distribution center, warehouse, manufacturing, or similar operational environment.
Workday experience.
PHR, SPHR, or SHRM certification.
Bilingual English/Spanish; ability to use resources to support communication across language barriers.

Responsibilities

Lead the HR strategy for staffing the new Distribution Center leadership team, drawing on practices from established company Distribution Centers.
Identify operational gaps and partner with leaders on practical HR solutions that improve performance, engagement, and retention.
Build and deliver reporting on attrition, hiring, performance, and surveys to guide leadership decisions and track progress.
Support the design and facilitation of hands-on manager training in interviewing, performance management, employee relations, and day-to-day leadership skills.
Partner on employee relations issues by coaching managers, promoting consistent practices, and maintaining compliance with company policies and employment laws.
Monitor employment-law and policy updates and turn changes into clear guidance and practical process updates.
Lead and support HR compliance efforts, including audits, background checks, drug screens, and documentation; partner with HRIS and help resolve issues and improve processes.
Partner with Distribution Center leadership on staffing strategies, onboarding and training, career development, succession planning, and change support.