Human Resources Generalist

About the role

The human resources generalist at COST of Wisconsin, Inc. plays a crucial role in supporting various departments within the company. They provide end-to-end recruiting and onboarding support, administer benefits and leave processes, and support employee relations. This non-exempt role is a trusted primary resource for routine HR matters, delivering timely, accurate, and confidential service to internal customers.

Responsibilities

• Maintain confidentiality of all employee and company information in accordance with company policy and legal requirements
• Provide results through projects and tactical responsibilities
• Escalate complex, high-risk, or non-routine matters to the Vice President of HR for direction and resolution
• Develop a network of contacts to source qualified candidates
• Represent the company via site tours, hiring events, and related activities
• Post jobs, source applicants, screen and interview candidates, and liaise between HR and hiring leaders
• Collaborate with external recruiters and agencies; use a variety of recruiting tools to support hiring needs
• Lead onboarding efforts, including collecting and processing required documentation, delivering NEO, and coordinating new hire supplies, equipment, and access
• Maintain accurate employee data in the HRIS; continuously learn and optimize system updates
• Aid with federal, state, and local HR compliance requirements, including FMLA, FLSA, ACA, ADA, DOT, etc.; assist with related postings, reporting, and distributing required notices
• Help resolve employee relations issues by mediating conflicts, drafting disciplinary documents, tracking issues, and advising leaders on appropriate handling
• Administer employee benefits including open and new-hire enrollment processes, ensuring accuracy and timeliness
• Support the performance evaluation process by reviewing documentation and reinforcing established procedures and timelines to promote consistent feedback delivery
• Contribute to employee engagement and recognition initiatives by participating in events, surveys, and programs that enhance workplace morale, retention, and job satisfaction
• Prepare HR correspondence, including employment verification requests. Scan, retain, and manage required documents, e.g., unemployment claims
• Conduct stay and exit interviews to support retention efforts
• Be the primary resource for routine HR inquiries, such as employment verifications, issue triage, policy questions
• Ensure insurance invoices align with benefit elections and resolve discrepancies with suppliers and payroll
• Find and implement continuous improvement opportunities to enhance HR’s impact and service delivery
• Administer employee leave processes including FMLA, ensuring compliance and clear, timely communication
• Support workplace safety initiatives by coordinating with the safety manager and assisting with processes, etc.
• Develop, implement, and continuously improve HR policies and procedures in compliance with evolving legal and business requirements

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in business, human resources, or a related field
• Tech-savvy including proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and HRIS platforms (BambooHR preferred)
• Knowledge of HR best practices and employment laws
• PREFERRED: HR certification, e.g., PHR or SPHR
• PREFERRED: Bilingual (Spanish/English)
• Three or more years of direct HR experience required
• PREFERRED: Experience in a fast-paced environment with high-volume recruitment

Qualifications

• Outgoing, positive attitude, and open-minded approach
• Able to find and try new options, able to pivot to meet priorities
• Strong organizational, time management, and prioritization skills
• Exceptionally customer-focused
• An analytical thinker who collects data, breaks down problems, and creates solutions, often working from ambiguous information
• Strong detail orientation
• Conflict resolution and negotiation skills; ability to remain calm
• Flexible and able to pivot, based on changing needs and deadlines
• Effective communication skills, including written, verbal, presentation, advising, and listening
• Strong interpersonal and team skills, to interact with a range of stakeholders

Skills

• Must demonstrate COST’s Core Competencies

Benefits

Not specified

Schedule

Standard office environment with low to moderate noise at times; contact with production/shop