Human Resources Generalist

Overview

Eberhard is a leader in the design and manufacturing of engineered access and security solutions. Our mission is to relentlessly focus on our key markets to create valued solutions while delivering an exceptional business experience for our partners. We drive operational excellence into our processes and capabilities while continuously creating growth for our employees, partners, and shareholders. We drive growth by solving our customer’s design challenges through engineering, manufacturing, and adaptive technologies. Eberhard operates from five strategic locations in the USA, Canada, China, and Taiwan. Eberhard is a division of The Eastern Company. (Nasdaq Stock ticker: EML).

Position Summary:

The HR Generalist is a highly visible, hands-on role supporting employees and leaders in a unionized manufacturing environment. This position serves as a primary HR point of contact for shop floor employees and is responsible for day-to-day HR operations including payroll support, benefits administration, employee relations, workplace investigations, and employee engagement activities.

This role requires strong attention to detail, sound judgment, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment with frequent interruptions. The HR Generalist must be comfortable interacting daily with hourly employees, supervisors, and union representatives while maintaining professionalism, consistency, and confidentiality.

The position is well-suited for an experienced HR Coordinator ready to grow into a Generalist role or for a motivated professional transitioning into HR with transferable skills and a strong interest in employee relations and HR operations. This role primarily supports our headquarters in Training and development will be provided.

Key Responsibilities

Employee Relations, Labor Support & Investigations

• Act as a primary HR resource for shop floor employees, providing guidance on policies, procedures, benefits, payroll, attendance, and workplace concerns
• Assist in workplace investigations related to employee complaints, policy violations, attendance, performance issues, harassment, and safety concerns. This includes interviewing employees, supervisors, and witnesses; review documentation and time records; and summarize findings clearly and objectively
• Partner with HR leadership on union-related matters including grievance support, fact gathering, and preparation for meetings
• Exercise sound judgment, confidentiality, and professionalism in all employee relations matters

Payroll & Timekeeping Support

• Assist with payroll processing, including punch corrections, timekeeping review, and validation of hours, premiums, and adjustments
• Troubleshoot and resolve payroll discrepancies in a timely manner
• Partner with payroll providers, supervisors, and employees to ensure accurate and compliant payroll processing
• Maintain payroll-related documentation and support audits as needed

Benefits Administration & Employee Support

• Administer employee benefits programs including enrollments, changes, life events, and open enrollment support
• Serve as a point of contact for employee benefits questions and issue resolution
• Coordinate with benefits vendors and insurance carriers as needed
• Support benefits communication and employee education initiatives

HR Operations & Compliance

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date employee records in HRIS and personnel files
• Support onboarding, orientation, job changes, and offboarding processes
• Assist with compliance reporting, audits, and record retention requirements
• Support attendance tracking, leave administration, and documentation related to FMLA, ADA, and other leave programs (with guidance from HR leadership)

Employee Engagement, Culture & Safety Support

• Support employee engagement initiatives, recognition programs, and communication efforts
• Assist with employee events, wellness initiatives, and plant communications
• Partner with operations and safety teams to support a positive, compliant, and respectful workplace
• Participate in safety meetings, incident follow-up, and documentation support as needed

Process Improvement & HR Projects

• Identify opportunities to improve HR processes, tools, and workflows
• Create and maintain HR templates, trackers, and standard work documentation
• Leverage Microsoft Office tools (Excel, Word, Outlook, Teams) to analyze data and improve efficiency
• Support HR projects and initiatives as assigned

Qualifications Required:

• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and pivot quickly in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
• Calm, steady demeanor under pressure
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with employees at all levels
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook; Teams preferred)
• Demonstrated interest in HR, employee relations, or people operations

Preferred:

• Experience in an HR professional including experience with payroll, benefits, or employee-facing administrative role
• Experience in a manufacturing and/or union environment
• Exposure to workplace investigations or employee relations support
• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in HR, Business, or a related field

Key Competencies

• Judgment and professionalism
• Adaptability and resilience
• Organization and follow-through
• Communication and relationship-building
• Process improvement mindset
• Comfort operating in a visible, employee-facing role

Why This Role

This position offers meaningful hands-on HR experience in a union manufacturing environment and provides a strong foundation for growth within HR. The HR Generalist plays a critical role in supporting employees, maintaining compliance, and strengthening workplace culture.

Eberhard Manufacturing Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants are evaluated without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, disability/handicap status, genetic history information, or protected veteran status.