Plant Human Resources Generalist

Smithfield Foods•Tar Heel, NC

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Plant Human Resources Generalist is at the heart of creating a positive, people-first workplace where employees feel supported and valued. In this dynamic role, you will partner with leaders and employees alike, driving retention efforts, supporting labor relations, and ensuring smooth, compliant HR operations. You will collaborate on staffing needs, manage job bids, provide guidance on policies, and foster an inclusive culture, making a meaningful impact every day. This role is ideal for someone passionate about building strong teams and shaping a thriving work environment.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Human Resources, Business Management, or related field and 2+ years of related experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience, required.
Solid understanding of employment law practices, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
Proven ability to manage sensitive information with the utmost confidentiality and discretion, maintaining trust and professionalism at all times.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey information and collaborate effectively across all levels.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual in Spanish or another language preferred, to enhance communication and support a diverse workforce.
Experience administering benefits, compensation, and other HR programs, with proficiency in HRIS systems such as Workday, payroll, timekeeping systems, and the Microsoft Office Suite.
Previous Workday/HCM experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Foster a positive labor and employee relations environment, facilitating workplace investigations or other inquiries under the guidance of the site HR leader.
Maintain and enhance the location’s HR initiatives, promoting a culture of trust and engagement.
Actively listen, provide constructive feedback, recognition, and gratitude.
Serve as a visible business partner by regularly visiting the production floor to engage employees at all levels.
Collaborate with the plant management team to help ensure that hourly production employee retention is maintained at an acceptable level, in line with HR metrics and goals.
Complete data entry and review of the time and attendance system and manage job/vacation bid processes.
Assist with job fairs, training and development workshops, new hire onboarding, labor relations, and payroll processing.
Partner with Talent Acquisition to create and manage job requisitions, ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations.
Effectively communicate and demonstrate Smithfield's ROI guiding principles (Responsibility, Operational Excellence, and Innovation).
Provide necessary resources to empower employees with the knowledge and materials needed (FMLA, LOA, ADA, Workday Resources, etc.).
Assist with the preparation and oversight of HR-related audits, such as SMETA/SWA.
Maintain accurate records in the Human Resources Information System (HRIS).
Work with the site HR leader in driving the success of the HR department.
Offer guidance on HR policies and procedures, including handling labor relation meetings, records management, employee inquiries, community relations, and employee events.
Collect and analyze HR data to make recommendations on workforce planning.
Conduct orientation and support on-the-job training initiatives.