Plant Human Resources Generalist

The position offers a chance to be part of a company sustainably feeding people worldwide, with a culture grounded in gratitude, communication, respect, and accountability.

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. You’ll partner with leaders and employees alike, driving retention efforts, supporting labor relations, and ensuring smooth, compliant HR operations.

Responsibilities

• Foster a positive labor and employee relations environment, facilitating workplace investigations or other inquiries under the guidance of the site HR leader. Promote a culture of trust and engagement by actively listening, providing constructive feedback, recognition, and gratitude. Serve as a visible business partner by regularly visiting the production floor to engage employees at all levels.
• Collaborate with the plant management team to maintain hourly production employee retention at an acceptable level, in line with HR metrics and goals. Complete data entry and review of the time and attendance system, manage job/vacation bid processes, and 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.
• Communicate and demonstrate Smithfield's ROI guiding principles (Responsibility, Operational Excellence, and Innovation). Provide necessary resources to empower employees with knowledge and materials (FMLA, LOA, ADA, Workday Resources, etc.).
• 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.
• Work with the site HR leader to drive 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.
• Solid understanding of employment law practices, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
• Proven ability to manage sensitive information with the utmost confidentiality and discretion.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey information and collaborate effectively across all levels.

Skills

• Bilingual in Spanish or another language preferred.
• 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 may include wet or humid conditions, extreme cold and heat, 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, and 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.