Senior HR Generalist (Bilingual)

ECHOorporated•Lake Zurich, IL

1d•Onsite

About The Position

ECHO Incorporated is an industry leader in developing and manufacturing high-performance, professional-grade, handheld outdoor power equipment. With distributors and thousands of dealers across North and South America, ECHO is constantly anticipating the future of the outdoor power equipment industry and the need for environmental sustainability. Working for ECHO means joining a team of people who are committed to collaboration, innovation, creativity, and high-quality products that make us a globally competitive brand. We are hiring a Senior HR Generalist to support our manufacturing team. You'll lead employee relations, coach supervisors, support hiring and onboarding, manage leave and attendance, and drive engagement and retention on the production floor. Manufacturing or hourly HR experience required; bilingual (English/Spanish) required.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
PHR/SPHR or SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP certification.
5–7+ years of progressive manufacturing HR experience, including demonstrated ownership of multiple functional areas (employee relations, compliance, talent, compensation/benefits, or HRIS).
Prior experience mentoring or informally leading other HR staff.
Experience supporting a multi-state or multi-site employee population.
Strong working knowledge of federal and state employment law and demonstrated experience leading investigations independently.
Excellent judgment, discretion, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trust with employees at all levels, including senior leaders.
Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and lead projects with minimal oversight.
Proficiency with HRIS platforms and Microsoft Office/Google Workspace; strong data and reporting skills.
Bilingual (English/Spanish) required.

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary point of contact for complex, sensitive, or escalated employee relations issues, including conducting independent investigations and recommending resolutions.
Coach and advise managers on performance management, corrective action, and difficult conversations, ensuring consistency and legal defensibility.
Partner with leadership on terminations, reductions in force, and other high-risk separations, coordinating with legal counsel as needed.
Own the review, development, and communication of HR policies and the employee handbook, ensuring alignment with federal, state, and local employment law (FLSA, ADA, FMLA, Title VII, and similar).
Lead or support compliance audits, EEO-1 and other required filings, and responses to unemployment claims, agency charges, or audits.
Partner with Sr. HR Plant Manager and hiring managers on workforce planning, job architecture, and internal mobility.
Partner with Total Rewards Manager to support annual compensation planning, job leveling, and pay equity analysis.
Administer and troubleshoot complex leave programs (FMLA, ADA accommodations, state leave) and serve as the escalation point for complex cases.
Maintain data integrity within the HRIS and generate reporting and analytics to inform HR and business decisions.
Partner on cross-functional HR projects such as engagement surveys, recognition programs, or process automation.
Design and deliver training for managers and employees on HR policy, compliance topics, and people-management best practices.
Mentor and provide guidance to other junior HR team members; may review or approve their work.
Act as a thought partner to HR leadership on organizational design, culture, and change management initiatives.