Human Resources Generalist

When you join Smithfield, you become part of something special – a company that's sustainably feeding people around the world, producing good food the right way with respect for our people, animals, communities and planet. With opportunities across locations and functions, a culture grounded in our Core Four values — gratitude, communication, respect and accountability — and a strong commitment to learning, collaboration, and innovation, Smithfield offers challenging and rewarding careers where you can grow, contribute and make a real impact.

About the role

As an HR Generalist, you’ll be at the heart of creating a positive, people-first workplace where employees feel supported and valued. In this dynamic role, you’ll partner with leaders and employees alike, driving retention efforts, supporting labor relations, and ensuring smooth, compliant HR operations. From collaborating on staffing needs and managing job bids to providing guidance on policies and fostering an inclusive culture, you’ll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact every day.

Responsibilities

• Employee Relations: Foster a positive labor and employee relations environment, while facilitating workplace investigations or other inquiries under the guidance of the site HR leader. Play a key role in maintaining and enhancing the location’s HR initiatives, promoting a culture of trust and engagement. Actively listen, provide constructive feedback, recognition, and gratitude, and serve as a visible business partner by regularly visiting the production floor to engage employees at all levels, relating openly and comfortably with diverse groups of people.
• Retention and Workforce Management: Collaborate with the plant management team to help ensure that hourly production employee retention is maintained at an acceptable level, in line with HR metrics and goals. Complete data entry and review of the time and attendance system and manage job/vacation bid processes. Assist with job fairs, training and development workshops, new hire onboarding, labor relations, and payroll processing. Partner with Talent Acquisition to create and manage job requisitions, ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations.
• Communication and Training: Effectively communicate and demonstrate Smithfield's ROI guiding principles (Responsibility, Operational Excellence, and Innovation) and provide necessary resources to empower employees with the knowledge and materials needed (FMLA, LOA, ADA, Workday Resources, etc.), ensuring they have the tools to succeed.
• Data Management and Compliance: Assist with the preparation and oversight of HR-related audits, such as SMETA/SWA, while maintaining accurate records in the Human Resources Information System (HRIS). Ensure data integrity and compliance with company policies and regulations.
• Strategic Human Resources Guidance: Work with the site HR leader in driving the success of the HR department, offering guidance on HR policies and procedures, including handling labor relation meetings, records management, employee inquiries, community relations, and employee events. Collect and analyze HR data to make recommendations on workforce planning, conduct orientation, and support on-the-job training initiatives.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Human Resources, Business Management, or related field and 2+ years of related experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Employment Law Knowledge: Solid understanding of employment law practices, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
• Confidentiality & Integrity: Proven ability to manage sensitive information with the utmost confidentiality and discretion, maintaining trust and professionalism at all times.
• Communication Skills: Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey information and collaborate effectively across all levels.

Skills

• Language Skills: Bilingual in Spanish or another language preferred, to enhance communication and support a diverse workforce.
• HR Systems & Technology: Experience administering benefits, compensation, and other HR programs, with proficiency in HRIS systems such as Workday, payroll, timekeeping systems, and the Microsoft Office Suite. Previous Workday/HCM experience preferred.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

The majority of the time is spent in an office setting outside of the production plant. The plant environment will include wet or humid conditions (non-weather related), extreme cold and heat (non-weather related), working near moving mechanical parts, exposure to fumes or airborne particles, and chemicals. Noise level in the work environment is usually moderate but can be loud when in the production area.

• Frequently required to sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, and talk or hear.
• Capable of sitting for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.
• Frequently required to sit; stand; walk; reach with hands and arms.
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision and depth perception.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.