Human Resources Generalist

About the Role

The HR Generalist supports the HR department and employees by providing a wide range of human resources services, including employee relations, training, onboarding, leave administration, benefits, and recruitment. This position provides tactical support for HR policies, procedures, onboarding processes, employee relations, benefits administration, reporting, and ongoing initiatives to support organizational growth and planning. The HR Generalist also ensures compliance with legal and regulatory standards, handles special projects, and manages the employee termination process.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrate a high level of competence, professionalism, and confidentiality, ensuring information is communicated accurately, timely, and appropriately.
• Assist with Human Resources communications and respond to questions regarding policies, procedures, timekeeping systems, accruals, and benefits.
• Assist leaders on employee relation issues, including leave administration, employee discipline, performance improvement plans, grievances, policy violations, and termination meetings. Educate leaders on policy interpretation and execution.
• Support talent acquisition and other recruitment activities, including planning, organizing, and attending career fairs.
• Lead benefits administration (healthcare, life insurance, etc.), benefit orientations, and assist with open enrollment. Support payroll in benefits billing and ensure proper enrollments.
• Process documentation for FMLA and assist with HR-related projects involving complexity, confidentiality, and organizational impact.
• Support all onboarding activities, including reference checks, background checks, offer letters, employee file setup and maintenance, and onboarding to ensure cultural fit and talent retention.
• Participate in monthly and annual benefit enrollment meetings, prepare documentation, notify participants, and coordinate enrollments with insurance brokers/carriers.
• Serve as a subject matter expert for all benefit plans and assist with the annual open enrollment process.
• Maintain knowledge of trends, best practices, regulatory changes, and new technologies in human resources, talent management, and employment law.
• Assist with investigations and documentation of formal complaints and support managers with corrective actions and performance improvement plans (PIPs).
• Manage administrative aspects of the leave of absence process, including tracking hours, sending notifications, and maintaining employee files.
• Assist with compliance reporting and audits.
• Manage annual harassment training and create employee training plans as needed.
• Assist management in developing and maintaining job descriptions.
• Stay current with HR-related laws and activities by attending seminars, participating in professional societies, and reading trade publications.
• Travel periodically to remote offices, career fairs, conferences, and other assigned trips.
• Ensure employee personnel files are maintained in compliance with legal, state certification, and licensing requirements.
• Perform other projects and responsibilities as assigned by the company.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in HR, Business Administration, or a related field (required).
• Minimum of 2 years of progressive human resources experience.
• PHR or SHRM certification (required).

Skills

• Proficiency in MS Office, databases, and HRIS systems.
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills.
• Competence in recruitment, onboarding/offboarding, employee relations, and organizational development.
• Knowledge of applicable HR laws and regulations.
• Ability to handle highly confidential information professionally.
• Elevated judgment, discretion, and problem-solving skills.
• Self-starter with a "let's get things done" attitude, high sense of urgency, initiative, and common sense.
• Professional and courteous demeanor with the ability to work with a diverse group of individuals.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to work independently while prioritizing workload.
• Ability to multitask in a dynamic environment with changing priorities.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Conceptual thinker with deep understanding of employee relationships, staffing management, and payroll.

Work Environment

PEC values a healthy work environment focused on efficiency, collaboration, and work-life balance. The work environment is business casual, friendly, respectful, and team-oriented, with daily peer interactions. The role primarily operates in an office setting with frequent sitting, reaching, and manipulation of objects. Mobility is required, including moving materials up to 10 pounds regularly and up to 25 pounds occasionally. Manual dexterity and coordination are necessary for operating equipment like computers, keyboards, and calculators. Occasional bending, reaching, standing, and walking may be required.