People, Process and Systems Senior Specialist

Nilfisk•Plymouth, MN

About The Position

The People Processes & Systems (PPS) Senior Specialist delivers comprehensive HR operational support, employee lifecycle management, and compliance expertise, primarily across the United States and Canada, with opportunities to support additional countries throughout the Americas. The role serves as an experienced HR operational partner to employees, managers, Talent Acquisition, and the Senior HR Business Partner, providing guidance on employee relations processes, performance management, leave administration, accommodations, HR policies, compliance requirements, and complex employee lifecycle matters. The Senior Specialist independently manages day-to-day HR operational activities, resolves complex issues, identifies process improvement opportunities, and promotes consistent application of HR policies and procedures across multiple locations and jurisdictions. In partnership with Process Specialists, Payroll, Benefits, and other stakeholders, the role helps ensure accurate HR processes, appropriate documentation, regulatory compliance, and a positive employee experience. Experience supporting HR operations in Mexico or other Latin American countries is valued and may offer opportunities for expanded regional responsibilities. Nilfisk is a world-leading provider of professional cleaning equipment and services, founded in Denmark in 1906. It has approximately 4,500 employees across 45 countries, and its products are sold in more than 100 markets. The company develops sustainable cleaning solutions and is a proud member of the United Nations Global Compact.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
5–7 years of progressively responsible experience in HR Operations, HR Generalist, HR Shared Services, or a comparable HR role.
Strong working knowledge of U.S. employment practices, HR compliance requirements, and employee lifecycle administration.
Experience supporting HR processes across multiple locations or jurisdictions, with the ability to learn and apply Canadian employment requirements.
Demonstrated experience supporting employee relations, performance management, corrective action processes, employee leaves, workplace accommodations, and employee documentation.
Proficiency with Workday or a comparable HRIS, including employee transactions, records management, and reporting.
Ability to independently manage complex HR operational matters, exercise sound judgment, and recognize when escalation is appropriate.
Strong analytical, organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills.
Ability to handle confidential information with professionalism and discretion.
Ability to manage competing priorities and collaborate effectively with employees, managers, and cross-functional stakeholders.

Nice To Haves

Direct experience supporting HR operations in both the United States and Canada, including familiarity with Canadian provincial employment standards and HR practices.
Experience in a multinational organization, regional HR operations function, or shared services environment.
HR professional certification such as SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, SPHR, CPHR, or equivalent.
Experience supporting HR operations in Mexico or other Latin American countries is valued.

Responsibilities

Independently manage employee lifecycle processes, including onboarding, transfers, promotions, compensation changes, employment status changes, and separations.
Ensure accurate and timely execution of employee transactions in Workday and other HR systems.
Prepare, review, and maintain employment-related documentation, including employment agreements, personnel changes, and separation documents.
Coordinate complex employee lifecycle activities involving multiple stakeholders, departments, or jurisdictions; resolve operational discrepancies while maintaining internal controls.
Serve as an escalation point for complex HR operational questions and transactions.
Advise managers on HR policies, performance processes, attendance, corrective action procedures, and documentation requirements.
Support employee relations matters through preliminary fact-finding, case documentation, policy interpretation, and coordination with the HR PPS Lead.
Assist managers with performance improvement plans, disciplinary documentation, and other employee-related communications; identify and escalate potential compliance risks or sensitive matters.
Provide practical guidance and training to managers on HR processes, documentation standards, and consistent policy application.
Maintain accurate and confidential employee relations and performance management records, while supporting appropriate review and decision-making by HR leadership.
Coordinate and administer U.S. and Canadian employee leave and accommodation processes in compliance with applicable requirements.
Support FMLA, ADA, PWFA, state leave programs, disability benefits, Workers' Compensation, and applicable Canadian statutory leaves and accommodation obligations.
Coordinate leave requests, supporting documentation, return-to-work activities, and accommodation processes with employees, managers, Benefits, and third-party administrators.
Monitor leave cases, documentation, deadlines, and employee communications; guide managers on leave responsibilities, confidentiality, and workplace accommodations.
Maintain accurate, confidential medical and leave-related records.
Support compliance with employment laws, HR policies, and internal operational standards in the United States and Canada.
Maintain personnel records and oversee documentation accuracy, confidentiality, and appropriate retention; conduct personnel file audits, compliance reviews, and data quality assessments.
Identify compliance gaps and recommend corrective actions or process enhancements; partner with HR leadership, HR Business Partners, and Legal on regulatory or policy updates.
Use Workday and related HR systems to maintain accurate employee data and consistent transaction processing.
Prepare and analyze HR reports on workforce changes, lifecycle activities, compliance, and operational performance.
Identify opportunities to streamline administrative processes, improve controls, and reduce manual work.
Develop and maintain standard operating procedures, process documentation, and manager guidance materials; participate in HR systems testing, enhancements, and implementations.
Support standardization of HR processes and service delivery across locations.
Support HR operational initiatives and projects across the Americas, primarily in the United States and Canada, with potential support for Mexico and other Latin American countries based on experience, language capabilities, and business needs.
Collaborate with regional HR colleagues on process consistency, compliance, and operational efficiency; participate in organizational changes, integrations, system implementations, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Share best practices, contribute to scalable regional HR processes, and support HR leadership with special projects, reporting, and operational priorities.