Human Resources Generalist I

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

HR Operations Partnership and Site Support
• Serve as the primary HR contact for multiple assigned locations operating in different states, supporting both employees and site leadership.
• Build strong relationships with front-line leaders and Plant Managers to provide practical, timely HR guidance aligned with departmental and business objectives.
• Identify trends, risks, and opportunities within assigned sites and proactively recommend solutions.

Employee Relations
• Serve as a first point of contact for employee questions and concerns.
• Independently manage routine employee relations matters, including investigations, corrective action, and performance discussions.
• Escalate and partner with HR leadership on complex, sensitive, or high-risk situations.
• Promote a positive, inclusive, and compliant work environment aligned with company values.

Recruitment & Workforce Planning
• Lead and/or support full-cycle recruiting activities, including job postings, screening, interviews, and offer facilitation.
• Partner with hiring managers on workforce planning and staffing needs.
• Ensure a consistent and efficient hiring process that aligns with company standards.

Onboarding & Offboarding
• Facilitate new hire onboarding and orientation processes to ensure a smooth transition.
• Partner with site leadership to ensure all new hire training is completed timely.
• Coordinate the offboarding of employees due to voluntary and involuntary terminations while ensuring consistency, legal compliance, and appropriate documentation.

Benefits & Leave Administration
• Support new hire benefit education and administration.
• Serve as a resource to employees with benefit enrollment, changes, and questions.
• Administer and track leaves of absence, including FMLA, ADA accommodations, state-specific programs, and workers’ compensation. Partner with internal or external stakeholders to ensure proper documentation and compliance.

Compliance and HR Operations
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.
• Maintain accurate and confidential employee records and HRIS data.
• Support audits, reporting, and policy updates as needed.

Performance Management & Development
• Support performance management processes, including coaching leaders on feedback, documentation, and accountability. Assist with performance review cycles, goal setting, and employee development initiatives. Reinforce a culture of continuous feedback and development.

Policy & Procedure Administration
• Interpret and apply HR policies consistently and fairly.
• Communicate HR programs and changes effectively to employees.

Data, Reporting and Projects
• Analyze HR data and site-level trends to inform decision-making and identify areas for improvement.
• Prepare reports and insights for HR leadership and site management.
• Participate in HR projects and initiatives that support broader organizational goals.

QUALIFICATIONS to perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE
Required
• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration or related field OR 3-5 years of relevant progressive Human Resources experience
• Working knowledge of employment laws and HR best practices.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
• Requires self-direction and the ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously.
• Proficiency with HRIS systems and Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
Preferred
• HR certification (PHR, SHRM-CP) or pursuit of certification.
• Experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience with multi-state and multi-site HR support.

LANGUAGE SKILLS
The ability to speak, read and write in both English and Spanish is required. Must have strong verbal and written communication skills, with ability to respond to either common and sensitive inquiries or complaints from internal and external customers.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS
Ability to work with basic mathematical concepts. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.

REASONING ABILITY
Must have seasoned judgment and business situation versatility, with ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.

OTHER SKILLS & ABILITIES
Demonstrates considerable knowledge of principles and practices of personnel administration, effective oral and written communication skills, and excellent interpersonal skills. The ability to work independently and cooperatively across functions is essential. The ability to work with highly confidential and sensitive data, materials in a professional and appropriate manner is critical.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to sit or stand. The Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is generally exposed to a non-manufacturing, office type environment and not subject to noise, dust, industrial type machinery. Occasionally, the employee may be exposed to limited amounts of dust and noise and be in the general vicinity of large manufacturing equipment when entering production areas.

FOOD SAFETY / SECURITY REQUIREMENTS:
The Company is committed to producing and delivering defect-free products. To ensure this, all employees are required to be trained on and adhere to the Good Manufacturing Policies set forth by the Company as they pertain to personnel practices, equipment, and facilities. It is also vital that all employees be aware of the work environment and when possible, prevent accidental or intentional adulteration of products produced at this facility. As a result, any employee has a right to put product on hold if they have a concern. At the plant level, only the Quality Assurance Manager and General Manager have the authority to release product on hold.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Bay State Milling is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.