Human Resources Generalist

Position Summary

We are seeking a motivated and people-focused HR Generalist to join our Human Resources team. This is a standalone position responsible for owning benefits and leave administration, driving culture and employee satisfaction initiatives, and managing employee relations in partnership with the HR Director. The ideal candidate is a confident, self-directed HR professional who brings a solid foundation in benefits, a genuine passion for the employee experience, and the ability to work independently while contributing meaningfully to a collaborative HR team.

Key Responsibilities

Benefits & Leave Administration

• Administer all employee benefits programs, including health, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, retirement plans (401k), and supplemental offerings.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for employee benefits questions, resolving inquiries with carriers, vendors, and third-party administrators in a timely manner.
• Manage open enrollment from end to end, including employee communications, education sessions, enrollment system administration, and vendor coordination.
• Administer COBRA and coordinate with third-party administrators to ensure accurate and timely notifications.
• Administer FMLA and other leave programs, including eligibility determinations, tracking, documentation, and regulatory compliance.
• Manage workers' compensation processes, including injury reporting, claim coordination, and return-to-work follow-up.
• Maintain accurate benefits records and manage annual audits and ACA reporting requirements.
• Stay current on benefits regulations and best practices; proactively communicate relevant changes to HR leadership.

Culture & Employee Satisfaction

• Lead the planning and execution of employee engagement and culture initiatives, including recognition programs, company events, and team-building activities.
• Administer employee satisfaction and engagement surveys; analyze results and present findings and recommendations to HR leadership.
• Identify trends in employee feedback and develop action plans that address areas of opportunity in partnership with HR leadership.
• Champion and communicate company values, culture, and HR programs consistently across all locations.
• Serve as an approachable and visible HR presence for employees, fostering an environment of trust, inclusion, and open communication.
• Drive initiatives related to employee wellness, diversity and inclusion, and professional development.

Employee Relations & HR Operations

• Manage employee relations matters in conjunction with the HR Director, handling all related activities with professionalism and confidentiality, including documentation, conflict resolution, and workplace investigations.
• Oversee performance management processes, including maintaining accurate records and providing guidance to managers on documentation and corrective action.
• Maintain and communicate HR policies and procedures to support consistency and compliance across the organization.
• Manage HRIS data integrity, recordkeeping, and routine reporting; identify trends and surface areas of concern to HR leadership.
• Maintain accurate and confidential HR records in compliance with data security and retention requirements.
• Serve as a knowledgeable and approachable HR resource for employees and managers across all locations.
• Perform other duties as required.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field required.
• 3+ years of HR Generalist experience, with demonstrated expertise in benefits administration.
• Experience administering leave programs (FMLA, workers' compensation) required.
• Experience managing employee relations matters required.
• Experience leading or contributing to culture, engagement, or employee satisfaction initiatives preferred.
• HR certification (e.g., SHRM-CP, PHR, CEBS) preferred but not required.

Skills & Competencies

• In-depth knowledge of employee benefits programs and related regulations including ACA, ERISA, HIPAA, COBRA, and FMLA.
• Genuine enthusiasm for building a positive workplace culture and improving the employee experience.
• Ability to work independently and take ownership of assigned functions while contributing effectively as part of a broader HR team.
• Proven ability to manage sensitive employee matters with discretion, sound judgment, and professionalism.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; comfortable engaging with employees at all levels and across all locations.
• Proficiency with HRIS systems and Microsoft Office; ability to learn new platforms quickly.
• Thorough understanding of employment-related laws and regulations.
• Self-directed and adaptable, with a proactive approach to identifying and addressing the needs of the organization and its employees.