Senior Human Resources Generalist

Goodwill Northern Michigan•Traverse City, MI

11d

About The Position

Join a mission-driven team where your HR expertise directly supports the people who serve our community. Goodwill Northern Michigan is seeking a Senior HR Generalist who thrives in a hands-on role and enjoys being a trusted resource for managers and employees across the organization. What You’ll Do Reporting to the Vice President of Human Resources, you’ll lead the daily HR operations that keep our workforce supported and our teams running smoothly. In this role, you will: Administer and execute core HR programs, including employee relations, performance management, training, recruiting & hiring, and HR compliance. Provide timely, practical guidance to managers and team members on HR policies, workplace matters, and best practices. Develop and deliver clear HR communications to ensure employees and managers receive timely, accurate information about policies, programs, and workplace updates. Partner with the VP of HR to help implement HR initiatives and ensure they are communicated and adopted consistently across the organization.Ensure consistent policy application and full compliance with employment laws. Help foster a positive, inclusive, and supportive work environment. Why You’ll Love This Role This is a meaningful, people-focused role where you’ll: Make a direct impact on employees and managers every day. Build strong relationships across an organization dedicated to serving the community. Work in a fast-paced, multi-site environment where no two days are the same. Contribute ideas and improvements while staying grounded in hands-on HR work. Who You Are You’re an approachable, solutions-oriented HR professional who enjoys being involved in the day-to-day work while also supporting broader organizational initiatives when needed. You bring strong judgment, a coaching mindset, and a passion for helping people navigate workplace challenges.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field.
Minimum 5 years of progressive HR experience.
Strong knowledge of HR laws and regulations.
Experience with HR software and systems.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
Demonstrated ability to build relationships across all levels of an organization.
Proven ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
Ability to prioritize tasks and to delegate them when appropriate.
Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
Ability to act with integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality.
Excellent verbal and written communication abilities to interact effectively with employees, management, and external partners.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite.
Strong knowledge of HCM and Human Resource Information Systems (HRIS) for managing all aspects of employee data and HR processes.
In-depth understanding of local, state, and federal employment laws to ensure compliance and handle legal issues.
Skilled in managing employee relations, resolving conflicts, and fostering a positive work environment.
Ability to analyze HR metrics and data to inform decision-making and improve HR processes.
Strong organizational and multitasking abilities to manage various HR functions efficiently.
Sensitivity to cultural differences and the ability to promote diversity and inclusion within the workplace.

Nice To Haves

PHR/SPHR certification is a plus.

Responsibilities

Support the mission and vision of Goodwill Northern Michigan.
Perform work in a safe manner by observing all Goodwill NMI safety policies and procedures.
Interact with all Goodwill team members, clients, and customers in a professional manner.
Respect the diversity of others, including but not limited to, those with cultural, ethnic, and gender differences, individuals experiencing homelessness, and persons with visible and non-visible disabilities.
Advise and support managers regarding HR topics such as performance management, corrective and disciplinary actions, policy interpretation and application, employee relations, and compliance with employment regulations.
Manage employee relations matters—including complaints, grievances, and disciplinary actions—with fairness and respect.
Address employee concerns and inquiries, facilitate conflict resolution, and foster a positive work environment.
Participate in disciplinary meetings, terminations, and investigations as required.
Conduct thorough workplace investigations as necessary.
Coordinate new employee orientation programs to ensure an effective onboarding experience.
Support performance review processes and provide guidance to managers on employee development.
Design and deliver training for employees and managers.
Maintain HR records and prepare regular reports on HR metrics to support decision-making.
Handle employee accommodations and work restrictions by facilitating the interactive process, ensuring ADA compliance, and collaborating with managers and employees to implement reasonable, legally compliant adjustments.
Assist with maintaining and updating the employee handbook and HR policies to ensure compliance with current laws and company practices and ensure that all updates and changes to HR policies and procedures are communicated in a timely manner.
Review and approve personnel action changes such as new hires, terminations, promotions and transfers.
Conduct/assist in exit interviews and utilize exit survey data to provide feedback and recommendations to managers and HR team on retention strategies, employee engagement, and performance improvement.
Improve efficiency and accuracy of HR processes and functions by implementing and managing HR automation software, streamlining workflows, reducing manual tasks, and identifying and implementing opportunities for continual process improvement.
Utilize the HCM system to manage employee data, support recruitment and onboarding, ensure compliance, facilitate performance management, and training and development programs.
Payroll back up support as needed.
Other duties as assigned by manager.