Human Resources Generalist

Position Overview:

Atwater's is a local food producer and retailer founded in 1999. We have retail locations in Belvedere Square, Catonsville, and Kenilworth, and we participate in Farmers' Markets in Maryland, D.C., and Virginia. Our headquarters and production kitchen, aka the "Big Kitchen" or "BK," is located in Morrell Park, where we make cheese, jam, bread, pastries, soup, and salads. We value a diverse and inclusive workforce and customer base, and we are proud to be a part of the Baltimore community.

We are hiring a Human Resources Generalist to provide employee-facing support and development to our staff. The position is in-person and may occasionally require multiple trips daily between our headquarters and three retail locations.

We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated person who will value the opportunity to get away from their desk and out of the office to meet our employees' needs at locations, develop a diverse and inclusive workforce, and be responsive to staff throughout the company. They will be committed to listening to all staff members and respecting the demanding operational responsibilities of our industry. A good candidate for this job will be able to solve problems independently, demonstrate good judgment in sensitive situations, and facilitate communication among employees and managers. They will be comfortable being the point of contact for a range of issues for the entire company. A good candidate will also welcome the opportunity to learn and develop administrative systems. Experience in the food services industry is highly valued.

As an employee of an “open book” company, it is essential to understand the financial information, be responsible for numbers under their control, and know the financial stake in how the company performs. They will also be required to ensure a positive company image by working with customers, retail locations, Farmers’ Market staff, and production staff members enthusiastically and consistently. As stated in the company mission, this job requires the Human Resources Generalist to support the community and enrich the neighborhood.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Reviews, tracks, and documents compliance with mandatory and non-mandatory training, continuing education, and work assessments. This may include safety training, anti-harassment training, orientation, and operational training.
• Recruits, interviews, and facilitates the hiring of qualified job applicants for open positions; collaborates with departmental managers to understand skills and competencies required for openings.
• Implements new hire orientation and employee recognition programs.
• Performs routine tasks required to administer and execute human resource programs including but not limited to compensation, benefits, and leave; disciplinary matters; disputes and investigations; performance and talent management; productivity, recognition, and morale; occupational health and safety; and training and development.
• Handles employment-related inquiries from applicants, employees, and supervisors, referring complex and/or sensitive matters to the appropriate staff.
• Attends and participates in employee disciplinary meetings, terminations, and investigations.
• Maintains compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations, and recommended best practices; reviews policies and practices to maintain compliance.
• Maintains knowledge of trends, best practices, regulatory changes, and new technologies in human resources, talent management, and employment law.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and to delegate them when appropriate.
• Ability to act with integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality.
• Thorough knowledge of employment-related laws and regulations.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
• Proficiency with or the ability to quickly learn the organizations payroll and talent management systems.
• Attendance and punctuality are a must.
• Proven leadership experience and ability to communicate with co-workers and customers.
• Passion for customer service and solution-oriented.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree preferred.
• A major in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field is preferred; however, applicants with unrelated degrees or without degrees but who have an interest and confidence in learning HR are encouraged to apply.
• At least one year of human resource experience is preferred; however, applicants with unrelated work experience but who have an interest and confidence in learning HR are encouraged to apply.
• A Human Resources Certification is an acceptable supplement to HR education.
• Experience in the food services industry is a plus.

Physical Requirements:

• This job requires an ability and willingness to travel frequently between our headquarters and four retail locations in the Baltimore area.
• Frequent work away from the desk at our retail locations and in our production kitchen.
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift 15 pounds at times.
• Must be able to access and navigate each department at the organization's facilities.
• Requires handling of average-weight objects up to 50 pounds and standing or walking for more than four (6) hours per day.
• Full-time, 40+ hours per week.

We look forward to reviewing your application!