Senior Human Resources Generalist

Mizkan America • Schaumburg, IL

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Based in our Corporate Headquarters in Schaumburg, IL, Mizkan America is a
subsidiary of the Mizkan Group, a global, family-owned company that has been
Bringing Flavor to Life™ for over 220 years. As one of the leading makers of
vinegars, condiments, and sauces in the United States, Mizkan America maintains
12 manufacturing facilities that serve the retail, foodservice, specialty-Asian
and food-ingredient trade channels. We are committed to following our two core
principles: continuously challenging the status quo and delivering only the
inest products for our customers. Our leadership seeks out, embraces, and
implements ideas for improvement from all of its employees. Transparency and
accountability are two key factors that drive our company’s overall management
approach.

We are looking for people who are seeking to deliver their best so that we can
deliver ours. Above all, we’re dedicated to maximizing the potential of our
greatest assets—our team members. That’s reflected in our ongoing commitment to
recruit, develop, reward, and retain our talented, multicultural workforce. We
hope to see you as part of our team’s future success!

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Senior HR Generalist provides comprehensive HR support across multiple
functional areas. This role will also serve as the organization’s Employee
Relations Subject Matter Expert (SME), providing expertise in employee relations
case management, workplace investigations, and employment law compliance. The
Senior Generalist serves as a trusted advisor to employees and managers,
ensuring alignment with organizational goals and adherence to employment laws
and company policies. The Senior HR Generalist also leads HR projects and
initiatives to enhance employee engagement, streamline processes, and support a
positive workplace culture.

Requirements

• Strong knowledge of HR principles, practices, and employment laws & regulations.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with ability to adapt style and approach based on audience.
• Proven ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion, professionalism, and emotional intelligence.
• Strong problem‑solving capabilities and effective conflict‑resolution skills.
• Demonstrated organizational, project‑management, and time‑management abilities.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Proficiency with HRIS platforms and Microsoft Office applications.
• Demonstrated ability to coach, guide, and influence employees and leaders at all levels.
• High learning agility with the ability to quickly grasp new concepts and processes.
• Continuous improvement mindset with a focus on enhancing processes and practices.
• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field.
• 5+ years of progressive HR experience in a generalist role with deep responsibility for employee relations and compliance.
• Ability to remain seated at a workstation for extended periods (up to 8 hours per day).
• Frequent use of hands and fingers for typing, writing, and handling office equipment.
• Ability to view computer screens and read printed materials for prolonged periods.
• Occasional standing, walking, and reaching within the office environment.
• Ability to lift and carry office supplies or equipment weighing up to 10–15 lbs.
• Adequate hearing and speech to communicate effectively in person and via phone/video.

Nice To Haves

• Professional certification (PHR/SPHR or SHRM-CP/SCP) preferred.
• Experience in corporate manufacturing, preferred.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the Employee Relations Subject Matter Expert and escalation point, providing guidance and resolution strategies to managers, HR partners, and employees.
• Own and conduct complex employee relations investigations involving harassment, discrimination, retaliation, misconduct, attendance, performance concerns, and policy violations; deliver clear, well‑documented findings and recommendations.
• Advise and coach leaders on corrective action, performance improvement plans, terminations, and other sensitive employment decisions, emphasizing consistency, fairness, and risk mitigation.
• Partner with managers and employees on performance management, organizational design, succession planning, coaching, and development planning as needed.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws, including documentation standards, reporting requirements, and audit readiness.
• Prepare, coordinate, and submit required regulatory and compliance reports (e.g., EEO‑1), ensuring data accuracy and timeliness.
• Handle non‑medical ADA accommodation requests and coordinate with Leave Management on accommodations intersecting with FMLA, short‑term disability, and other leave programs.
• Collaborate with Legal and Compliance teams on employee relations matters with regulatory or legal implications, maintaining confidentiality and documentation integrity.
• Provide guidance on HR policies, procedures, and employee handbook interpretation.
• Analyze employee relations and HR metrics to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for improvement.
• Lead or participate in HR initiatives such as performance and pay cycles, engagement surveys, policy updates, and process improvements.
• Mentor junior HR team members on employee relations case management, investigations, and consistent application of HR practices.
• Regular, predictable, in-person attendance on the business days the Company requires in-person attendance at this facility. (In-person attendance is optional on the other workdays.)  For non-required-in-person attendance days, employees are expected to be present and engaged during the designated work hours for this role.
• Perform other duties assigned that support the overall success of the team, department, or organization. This may include participating in cross-functional initiatives, contributing to process improvements, or assisting with special projects as needed.

Benefits

• A full range of medical, dental, vision, 401K plus up-to-four percent (4%) match, profit sharing, wellness program, paid parental leave, long-term-care insurance, critical accident insurance, short- and long-term disability and education assistance are also available.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees