People Operations Generalist

West Pak Avocado•Murrieta, CA

1d•$73,000 - $90,000

About The Position

West Pak is seeking an experienced, efficient, and confident People Operations Generalist to join its collaborative team. The role serves as the team’s lead subject matter expert for benefits and leave administration, sharing expertise and guiding teammates while working with the Director of People Operations on complex matters. The position also supports the full range of People Operations work, including onboarding, employee relations, recognition, and culture-building. The ideal candidate builds trusted relationships throughout the organization, from warehouse employees to executives, and is fluent in English and Spanish. West Pak is a family-owned and operated company focused on respect, integrity, support, and excellence. Its People Operations team contributes to a culture emphasizing employee recognition, collaboration, teamwork, high energy, and continuous learning. The position involves frequent prolonged sitting and occasional standing and walking, including visits to warehouse areas. It requires in-person and telephone communication, computer and standard office equipment use, bending, stooping, reaching, and lifting or carrying files and materials typically weighing less than 25 pounds, with or without assistance. Occasional setup and cleanup at company events may be required. The schedule is day shift, Monday through Friday, with flexibility for overtime and 5–10% travel to New Jersey and Texas. Compensation is $73,000–$90,000 per year, depending on experience. West Pak offers medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability coverage, and a 401(k) plan.

Requirements

At least 5 years of HR experience, with significant hands-on experience in benefits and leave administration.
Fully bilingual in English and Spanish, with strong speaking, reading, and writing skills.
Working knowledge of California and federal leave and benefits laws, including FMLA, CFRA, PDL, ADA/FEHA, COBRA, and ACA.
Proficiency with MS Office Suite and HR systems such as ADP.
Ability to build relationships and earn trust across all levels of the organization.
Strong organization and efficiency, with the ability to manage multiple cases and deadlines simultaneously.
Discretion and sound judgment when handling confidential information.
Confidence, initiative, and ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-energy environment while continuing to learn.
Ability to meet the stated physical requirements and working conditions, including frequent prolonged sitting, occasional standing and walking, bending, stooping, reaching, and lifting or carrying materials typically weighing less than 25 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Experience in a manufacturing, distribution, agriculture, or plant environment is strongly preferred.
Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field is preferred.
PHR, SHRM-CP, CEBS, or CLMS certification is a plus.
Enjoys sharing expertise, mentoring colleagues, and supporting the performance of the whole team.

Responsibilities

Serve as the team’s subject matter expert on employee benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short- and long-term disability, EAP, and 401(k).
Lead open enrollment planning and execution with the People Operations team, brokers, and carriers.
Oversee benefits enrollments, qualifying life event changes, and COBRA processes, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
Work with the Director of People Operations on complex benefits questions and escalated claim, eligibility, and billing issues.
Support monthly invoice reconciliation, HRIS and carrier data audits, and benefits compliance, including ACA tracking, reporting, and required notices.
Lead the team’s approach to leaves of absence, including FMLA, CFRA, Pregnancy Disability Leave, California paid sick leave, and personal leaves.
Guide employees and teammates on State Disability Insurance and Paid Family Leave, including coordination with benefits, pay, and disability plans.
Partner with managers, employees, and the People Operations team on the ADA/FEHA interactive process and reasonable accommodation requests.
Develop and maintain leave tracking tools, templates, and processes to ensure consistent handling of entitlements, certifications, and notices.
Coordinate with Safety on workers’ compensation leaves and modified duty.
Train and support teammates on benefits and leave procedures and keep the team current on legal and policy changes.
Advise employees and managers on policy interpretation, employee relations, discipline, and separations, recommending solutions where appropriate.
Assist with sensitive investigations involving policy violations and employee relations concerns.
Coordinate onboarding and new hire orientation and conduct exit interviews.
Maintain accurate HRIS records and help keep the employee handbook, directory, and organizational chart current.
Support performance programs, employee recognition initiatives, and West Pak Cares events.
Perform other duties as assigned.