HR Generalist

This opportunity is located within our AFB International business, the global science and technology leader in pet food palatability. We develop and produce a full range of liquid and dry palatability enhancers using high-quality ingredients proven to optimize companion animal response and consumption.

Job Description

Our HR Generalist position is an excellent way to start your career in Human Resources. This role is a pathway/pipeline position to HR Manager and larger roles within our AFB HR team and our parent company, EBI.

This role supports day-to-day execution of policies and procedures in our North America region - but partners with our global HR team to ensure standardization of all HR programs.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Employee Health & Wellness

• Own the communication and process for AFB as it relates to the EBI company benefits program including benefit administration for new employees, open enrollment, benefit communications, and benefits data entry.
• Coordinates wellness events, including biometric screenings, flu shots, etc.
• Process and administer, in partnership with third party plan administrators, leave of absence such as FMLA, short term disability, ADA, etc.
• Support the company's safety program, including assistance as needed with lost-time injuries/illnesses and Worker's Compensation claims.

Employee Compensation

• Assists with administration of compensation programs for site employees that includes processing, recording, and reporting of compensation-related actions. Answers employee questions regarding payroll, paid time off, and attendance

HRIS

• Serves as a subject matter expert to employees and managers on the company's HRIS system. Provides training, trouble-shooting, and hands-on support HRIS users; answers questions and responds to inquiries from users concerning their access and system use.

• Enters confidential employee data into HRIS system ensuring the accuracy of information.
• Maintains HRIS records, and compiles reports from database as required.
• Establishes and maintains department records and reports, including employee files and records.
• Process new hire, status change and termination paperwork.
• Coordinates employee separations, including separation notices, termination process and exit interviews as appropriate.
• Oversees administration of performance management program to ensure effectiveness, compliance, and equity within organization.

Talent Acquisition

• Coordinates the pre-employment process for new hires and assists with new hire orientation, on-boarding, and assimilation. Participates in recruitment effort for personnel and helps to coordinate the use of temporary employees.

Employee Relations & Morale

• Maintain in-depth knowledge of legal requirements related to day-to-day management of employees, reducing legal risks and ensuring regulatory compliance. Partner with other legal resources as needed/required.
• Works closely with management and employees to improve work relationships, build morale, increase productivity and retention.
• Provides HR Policy guidance and interpretation.
• Coordinates employee separations, including separation notices, termination process, and exit interviews as appropriate.

Labor Relations

• Assist with the administration of labor contracts, oversee processes for the review and resolution of employee grievances and performance issues.
• Serves as liaison between managers and union representatives.
• Provides labor relations support during contract negotiations: serves as a member of the Company's contract negotiations team.
• Participates in Labor/Management meetings and Third-Step grievance meetings.
• Supports with providing responses to third-step meeting decisions to Union bargaining committee and International Representative.
• Maintains a neutral position that balances the needs of the employees and employer.
• Provides advice and counsel to management regarding labor practices, policy, and employment law.
• Works for prompt resolution of disputes to minimize interruption of business operations and to achieve resolution that minimizes any ill feelings between labor and management.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

This position will not have direct reports.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree (B. A.) in Human Resource Management; Masters' Degree preferred but not required.
• 4-8 years of experience in HR; preferably in an HRG or HR coordinator role.
• Experience in HRIS, Payroll, and HR Compliance.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to stand and sit. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.

AFB International is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, national origin, or veteran status.