HR Generalist

Job Description:

The HR Generalist is responsible for supporting and executing key Human Resources processes, including talent acquisition and selection, employee relations, performance management, compensation administration, talent development, and HR policy guidance. This role partners with plant leadership to support both HR and business objectives while helping drive an engaged, compliant, and high-performing workforce across their designated manufacturing location(s). 

The HR Generalist manages day-to-day HR activities with an emphasis on the employee experience and ongoing process improvement within the HR function.  In addition, the HR Generalist may participate in division-wide or functional HR initiatives by providing input, collaboration, and execution support.

Work Environment and Location Expectations

This is an on-site role at our Watertown, WI facility. Regular presence at the plant is essential to:

• Foster trust and credibility with employees and leaders through consistent visibility and engagement

• Support timely employee relations guidance, coaching, and issue resolution

• Enhance the employee experience through direct interaction and partnership with the workforce

• Collaborate cross-functionally to support operational and continuous improvement initiative

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as a trusted resource for employees and leaders regarding HR policies, procedures, employee relations matters, and workplace concerns.

• Support employee relations activities, including investigations, corrective actions, conflict resolution, and performance management guidance.

• Coach supervisors and managers on employee development, engagement, performance management, and workplace practices.

• Promote a positive employee experience and support employee engagement initiatives across the assigned location(s).

• Manage full-cycle recruiting and onboarding activities for hourly and salaried positions, including sourcing, interviewing, offer coordination, new hire orientation, and integration.

• Support compensation administration activities, including pay changes, promotions, transfers, and compensation review processes.

• Assist with talent development and training initiatives to support employee growth and organizational effectiveness.

• Administer leave management processes, including disability and workers’ compensation coordination.

• Maintain employee records and HRIS transactions including hires, transfers, promotions, performance reviews, terminations, and related reporting.

• Prepare employee communications and documentation related to onboarding, benefits, leave administration, and separation processes.

• Ensure compliance with company policies, employment laws, government reporting requirements, and HR-related regulations.

• Partner with plant leadership to support operational objectives, workforce planning, organizational effectiveness, and change management efforts.

• Identify and support opportunities for continuous improvement within HR processes, systems, and employee experience initiatives.

• Collaborate with Corporate HR and third-party providers to support employee lifecycle processes and HR programs.

• Support safety initiatives and OSHA compliance efforts in partnership with plant leadership.

• Participate in division-wide or functional HR initiatives by providing collaboration, feedback, and implementation support.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Ability and willingness to travel locally as needed.

Required Skills, Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, or related field preferred.

• 3+ years of Human Resources experience required, preferably in a manufacturing or multi-site environment.

• Proactive self-starter with the ability to effectively prioritize responsibilities and manage competing demands.

• Demonstrated experience in recruiting and employee relations.

• Working knowledge of employment laws and HR best practices.

• Strong interpersonal, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to manage confidential information with professionalism and discretion.

• Proficiency with HR systems and Microsoft Office applications preferred.

Compensation Information:

75,000 - 85,000

ITW is an equal opportunity employer. We value our colleagues’ unique perspectives, experiences and ideas and create workplaces where everyone can develop their careers and perform to their full potential. 

As an equal employment opportunity employer, ITW is committed to equal employment opportunity and fair treatment for employees, beginning with the hiring process and continuing through all aspects of the employment relationship. 

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected Veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.