Generalist, Human Resources
About Mizkan America
Based in Schaumburg, IL, Mizkan America is a subsidiary of the Mizkan Group, a global, family-owned company with over 220 years of experience in bringing flavor to life. We are a leading maker of vinegars, condiments, and sauces in the United States, serving the retail, foodservice, specialty-Asian, and food-ingredient trade channels. Our commitment to continuous improvement and excellence drives us to deliver the finest products to our customers.
We are dedicated to recruiting, developing, rewarding, and retaining a diverse workforce. We are currently seeking a Human Resources Generalist to join our team in Owensboro, KY.
Work Location
Owensboro, KY
What You'll Do
The Human Resources Generalist supports more than 400 employees in a fast-paced, on-site manufacturing environment. This role offers opportunities to make a meaningful impact in a large, people-focused setting.
Essential Functions
- Perform all duties and responsibilities in accordance with Mizkan America safety policies, OSHA regulations, GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices), and SOP (Standard Operating Procedures).
- Serve as a visible and approachable HR resource for employee inquiries, concerns, conflict resolutions, and escalate complex HR issues to the HR Manager.
- Conduct investigations regarding employee complaints, performance, or disciplinary matters in collaboration with the HR Manager.
- Act as HR Liaison to managers, supervisors, and other members of leadership providing coaching and guidance.
- Manage full-cycle recruiting for salaried positions, including requisitions, candidate screening, interviews, selection support, and offer preparation; assist with hourly recruiting as needed.
- Support a strong new-hire experience through HRIS entry, onboarding coordination, orientation support, and timely completion of required documentation.
- Manage termination processes, exit procedures, unemployment claims, and related system updates.
- Serve as a primary point of contact for employee benefits questions, enrollment support, open enrollment activities, wellness programs, and health screening initiatives.
- Cook up FMLA, leave of absence, and ADA accommodation processes, including documentation, wage sheets and timecard entries.
- Coordinate payroll processes, timekeeping audits, missed punch review, meal compliance, and payroll administration backup needs.
- Create, update, and maintain job descriptions to support accurate, compliant, and competitive role documentation. Ensure plant level compliance with company policies, employment laws, and assist in preparation for audits and internal reviews.
- Support HR initiatives and cross-functional projects by assisting with rollouts and offering process improvement feedback.
- Perform other duties assigned that support the overall success of the team, department, or organization.
What You Bring
- Strong knowledge of core HR processes, including employee relations, onboarding, HRIS transactions, benefits, and leave administration.
- A high level of professionalism and discretion in handling confidential information.
- Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage competing priorities, deadlines, and frequent interruptions.
- A strong attention to detail in data entry, reporting, and compliance documentation.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills across all levels of the organization.
- A customer-focused and approachable style with the confidence to engage employees and leaders.
- A problem-solving mindset with the ability to assess issues and recommend practical solutions.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook).
- The ability to follow standardized processes, templates, and regulatory requirements while adapting to changing business needs.
- Learning agility, flexibility, and a willingness to support shifting priorities in a plant environment.
Education/Experience/Qualifications/Certifications
- Bachelor’s degree with 3–5 years of HR experience, OR
- Master’s degree in HR or related field with 2+ years of experience, OR
- 7+ years of progressive HR experience
- Equivalent combination of education and experience
- Experience with HRIS platforms; Workday experience preferred
- PHR or SHRM-CP certification is a plus
- Prior experience in manufacturing with exposure to large populations and various shifts are preferred
Physical Requirements and Work Conditions
- Prolonged periods of sitting while working at a computer and performing administrative tasks.
- Frequent use of hands and fingers for typing, handling paperwork, and operating standard office equipment.
- Frequent use of computer screens and printed materials for extended periods of time with a high level of accuracy.
- Occasional standing, walking, bending, reaching, and moving throughout the office.
- Ability to lift and move packages and supplies weighing up to 35 pounds.
- Ability to communicate effectively in person, by telephone, and through electronic communication.
- Maintain focus and attention to detail while managing multiple tasks and frequent interruptions.
- Flexibility to support occasional off-shift needs.
Compensation & Benefits
- The annual salary range is $53,900 - $70,000.
- Note: Compensation is based on a number of factors including market location and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills and experience.
- This role is eligible for a Short-Term Incentive Bonus.
- 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.