HR Specialist

Job Summary

The HR Specialist provides onsite support to a 24/7 manufacturing facility and plays a highly visible role on the production floor. This position partners closely with employees, supervisors, and managers across all shifts and supports all HR processes, including employee relations, staffing, onboarding, benefits, leave management, compliance, engagement, and HR communications. The HR Specialist ensures consistent HR presence throughout the plant and contributes to a positive, safe, and productive work environment while upholding federal, state, and company policies.

Essential Functions

• Maintain a strong daily presence on the production floor to build relationships, respond to employee questions, and support HR needs across all shifts in a 24/7 manufacturing environment.
• Serve as the primary onsite HR resource for employees and supervisors, ensuring consistent application of policies, procedures, and workplace standards.
• Conduct and document HR investigations related to employee concerns, policy violations, attendance issues, conduct, and workplace incidents; partner with supervisors and the HR Manager to ensure fair, thorough, and timely resolution.
• Maintain accuracy of the daily headcount report by partnering with Production Managers, Supervisors, and temporary staffing agencies to confirm staffing levels.
• Track all hourly personnel actions (new hires, terminations, promotions, transfers) and ensure timely updates within the HRIS system.
• Maintain personnel, medical, and confidential files in compliance with company policy and legal requirements.
• Lead staffing efforts, including maintaining job descriptions, sourcing, interviewing, coordinating post‑offer screenings, and building partnerships with local employment agencies, colleges, and technical schools.
• Conduct new hire orientations, ensuring employees fully understand company policies, expectations, and available benefits.
• Support the administration of employee health, welfare, retirement, and EAP programs; assist employees with benefit questions and communication.
• Monitor leave of absence programs including FMLA, Short‑Term Disability, and Long‑Term Disability, ensuring accurate tracking and communication.
• Manage the hourly performance review cycle and provide guidance to supervisors on performance documentation, corrective action, and policy interpretation.
• Support employee relations initiatives including employee events, recognition programs, holiday activities, community involvement, and retirement celebrations.
• Maintain open communication across the facility through Beekeeper posts and updates to employee information boards.
• Respond to employee concerns, escalate issues appropriately, and help foster a positive and productive work environment.
• Prepare and support annual Affirmative Action Plan (AAP) reporting, including data collection, analysis, documentation, and audit readiness.
• Conduct periodic and annual I‑9 audits to ensure full compliance with federal employment eligibility requirements.
• Participate in annual labor market wage surveys and support compensation benchmarking activities.
• Coordinate the annual employee engagement survey process, assist in results interpretation, and work with leaders to develop and track action plans.
• Ensure all annual compliance training requirements are completed by employees and supervisors; track completion, follow up as needed, and maintain accurate training records.
• Support and help deliver training for leaders and employees on HR policies, performance management, employee relations, interviewing, safety expectations, and other HR‑related topics.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for onsite service partners - including the vending service provider, Occupational Health partner, and onsite clinic representative, ensuring coordinated communication, timely issue resolution, and high‑quality service for employees.
• Participate in company-wide HR initiatives, audits, projects, and other responsibilities as assigned.

Job Qualifications

• Education & Certification
  • Bachelor’s degree in HR, Business Administration, or related field required; candidates with strong, relevant HR experience will also be considered.
  • HR certification such as PHR, SHRM‑CP, or higher (preferred but not required).
• Experience
  • Minimum 2–4 years of HR experience, ideally supporting an hourly workforce in a manufacturing, distribution, or 24/7 operations environment.
  • Experience in employee relations, recruiting, onboarding, and HR policy application.
  • Experience supporting compliance activities such as I‑9 audits, leave administration, or AAP preparation.
  • Prior experience conducting or supporting training for supervisors and employees is a plus.
  • Experience working with external service partners or vendors (e.g., staffing agencies, occupational health providers, onsite services).

• Technical Skills
  • Proficiency with HRIS systems and strong data accuracy/recordkeeping skills.
  • Comfortable using Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook).
  • Ability to learn and utilize communication platforms such as Beekeeper (or similar).
• Core Competencies
  • Strong interpersonal and relationship‑building skills with the ability to engage employees at all levels and maintain a visible presence on the plant floor.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to present information to groups.
  • Strong organizational and time‑management abilities with demonstrated capability to handle multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
  • Sound judgment and ability to handle sensitive and confidential information appropriately.
  • Ability to interpret and apply HR policies, procedures, and employment laws consistently and fairly.
  • Demonstrated problem‑solving skills and the ability to navigate employee concerns with professionalism and objectivity.
• Work Style & Availability
  • Must be able to work fully onsite and maintain a regular presence on the production floor to support a 24/7 manufacturing operation.
  • Ability to flex schedule occasionally to support off‑shift meetings, training, or events as business needs require.
  • Team‑oriented mindset with a willingness to collaborate and support cross‑functional partners.

Environment

Will work mainly in an office environment with occasional need to enter and work within the manufacturing facility. Will use the following equipment:  computer, printer, copier, fax, and telephone.  Requires walking (10%), standing (20%) and sitting (70%).

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