People & Engagement Generalist

United Petfood•Decatur, AR

2h•$70,000 - $80,000•Onsite

About The Position

The People & Engagement Generalist supports daily human resources operations for United Petfood's Decatur manufacturing facility and Siloam Springs warehouse. The role coordinates recruitment, onboarding, payroll administration, benefits, employee relations, compliance, and employee engagement activities. Working closely with the People & Engagement Manager and site leadership, the Generalist serves as a resource for employees and supervisors, helps ensure consistent application of company policies, and supports a positive, productive workplace culture. The position is primarily office-based within an active manufacturing environment, with regular interaction throughout the facility and occasional travel between the Decatur and Siloam Springs locations. The schedule is Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with flexibility to support operational needs, multiple shifts, and occasional company events outside normal business hours. The role also requires following company safety policies and food-safety requirements, including applicable GMPs and BRCGS standards, and using appropriate personal protective equipment when entering operational areas. The work may involve computer use, standing, walking, occasional movement through production and warehouse areas, and exposure to manufacturing noise, dust, and varying temperatures.

Requirements

Demonstrated experience performing human resources responsibilities, including recruitment, employee relations, payroll, benefits, or HR administration.
Working knowledge of HR practices, employment laws, and employee documentation requirements.
Strong interpersonal, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to handle sensitive employee matters with confidentiality, professionalism, and sound judgment.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and ability to work effectively with HRIS and payroll systems.
Ability to independently manage multiple priorities and coordinate employee engagement activities.
Ability to build positive working relationships with employees and leadership.
Strong attention to detail and accuracy in HR documentation and reporting.
Ability to interpret and communicate company policies and procedures.
Ability to exercise independent judgment within established authority and recognize when escalation is appropriate.
Strong planning, coordination, and follow-through skills.
Ability to support multiple shifts and occasional company events outside normal business hours.
Ability to meet the stated physical and environmental demands, including computer use, standing, walking, and occasional movement through production and warehouse areas.

Nice To Haves

Education or professional training in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
HR experience in a manufacturing, warehouse, or multi-shift environment.
Experience with ADP TotalSource or similar HRIS and payroll systems.
Experience supporting employee relations, workplace investigations, and performance management.
Professional HR certification such as PHR.

Responsibilities

Coordinate full-cycle recruiting, including job postings, applicant screening, interviews, candidate communications, and pre-employment requirements.
Prepare employment offers and complete hiring processes following management approval.
Coordinate new hire orientation, onboarding, employment documentation, and required training.
Manage temporary staffing coordination and maintain relationships with staffing agencies.
Serve as a resource for employees and supervisors regarding policies, attendance, performance, and workplace concerns.
Guide supervisors on employee relations matters, corrective action documentation, and consistent policy application.
Assist with workplace investigations, including interviews, documentation, and gathering relevant information.
Coordinate employee separations and conduct termination meetings following management approval.
Support performance reviews, employee development initiatives, and employee retention efforts.
Support payroll processing, timekeeping administration, employee changes, and resolution of payroll discrepancies.
Assist employees with benefits enrollment, eligibility questions, and leave administration.
Maintain accurate employee records and HRIS information, including ADP TotalSource.
Support HR compliance, required reporting, audits, and administration of company policies and procedures.
Monitor workforce metrics, including turnover, attendance, and staffing trends.
Independently plan and execute employee engagement events, recognition programs, and company-sponsored activities across both locations.
Coordinate event logistics, vendors, purchasing, budgets, expense documentation, and reimbursements.
Manage employee communications, announcements, and engagement initiatives.
Support employee feedback, wellness initiatives, and programs that promote employee satisfaction and retention.
Partner with site leadership to address workforce needs, employee concerns, and HR-related operational priorities.
Support organizational changes, HR process improvements, and company initiatives.
Collaborate with other departments to ensure effective communication and consistent HR practices.
Perform other related duties as assigned.
Follow company safety policies, procedures, and applicable regulatory requirements; complete required safety training; use appropriate personal protective equipment in operational areas; promote workplace safety and report safety concerns.
Follow applicable Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), BRCGS standards, and company food safety requirements; complete required food safety training; comply with procedures in manufacturing or warehouse areas; and report potential food safety or quality concerns.