SENIOR HUMAN RESOURCES GENERALIST/EMP RELATIO

City of Pontiac•Pontiac, MI

About The Position

The Senior Human Resources Generalist & Employee Relations Specialist administers key human resources and workforce management functions across the organization. This role supports the full employee lifecycle, including recruiting, employee and labor relations, health and safety, compensation, diversity and engagement initiatives, leave administration, payroll support, and maintenance of employee records. The position ensures consistent application of HR policies and compliance with all applicable labor laws while delivering timely, effective, and customer-focused HR services. As the primary resource for employee relations matters, the role identifies, analyzes, and helps resolve workplace issues, providing guidance and support to both employees and leaders. The incumbent may also serve as the primary HR contact in the absence of the Human Resources Director. As a trusted and approachable partner, this role is known for sound judgment, empathy, and discretion. The Senior HR Generalist & Employee Relations Specialist plays a vital role in fostering a positive, inclusive, and respectful workplace culture where employees feel supported, heard, and confident raising concerns.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required, masters preferred.
Minimum of 7 years of experience in Human Resources with 4 of those years resolving complex employee relations issues.
Working knowledge of multiple human resource disciplines, including compensation practices, employee and union relations, performance management, and federal and state respective employment laws.
Knowledge of federal and state labor laws, FMLA, FLSA, ADA, Title VII, and other relevant regulations.
Analyzes trends and develops strategies to resolve HR issues and make a positive impact on departments.
Experience conducting workplace investigations and managing sensitive employee issues.
Strong communication, interpersonal, and conflict-resolution skills.
High level of professionalism, discretion, and confidentiality.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
Ability to comprehend, interpret, and apply the appropriate sections of applicable laws, guidelines, regulations, ordinances, and policies.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.

Nice To Haves

Government experience or public sector experience is strongly preferred.
Experience with ADP is preferred.
Experience with payroll is preferred.

Responsibilities

Administer full-cycle recruiting, including job postings, candidate screening, interviewing, onboarding, and related documentation for hires, promotions, and transfers.
Manage employee and labor relations by conducting investigations, interpreting labor contracts, recommending resolutions and corrective actions, and partnering with legal as needed to ensure compliance and reduce risk.
Serve as a trusted, approachable HR resource to employees and supervisors, providing day-to-day guidance, coaching, performance management support, and conflict resolution.
Track and administer employee leave (FMLA, disability, workers’ compensation, etc.) and ensure compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements.
Oversee health and safety initiatives, including OSHA compliance, injury reporting, and related programs.
Communicate, interpret, and administer organizational and HR policies and procedures consistently.
Analyze employee relations issues, workplace trends, and HR metrics to develop proactive solutions, programs, and process improvements.
Partner with management and employees to improve working relationships, strengthen morale, and support productivity, engagement, and retention.
Provide guidance on workforce planning initiatives, including department restructuring and succession planning, as needed.
Identify training needs, coordinate and evaluate training programs, and ensure learning objectives are achieved.
Perform other related duties as assigned.