Senior HR Generalist

<div><p style="margin-left:0in;" data-pasted="true"><strong>Job Title:&nbsp;</strong>Senior People &amp; Engagement Generalist</p><p style="margin-left:0in;"><strong>Location:</strong> Mishawaka, IN</p><p style="margin-left:0in;"><strong>Department: People &amp; Engagement</strong></p><p style="margin-left:0in;"><strong>Job Type:</strong> Exempt</p><p style="margin-left:0in;"><strong>About United Petfood:</strong></p><p style="margin-left:0in;">United Petfood is a private label producer of high-quality dry &amp; wet pet food, biscuits and snacks. We are a Belgian family business with 25 high-tech pet kitchens in Europe and the US.&nbsp;</p><p style="margin-left:0in;">Joining us, means joining an international, passionate and driven team with one common goal: a healthy planet filled with healthy pets! But it doesn&rsquo;t stop there: we truly care about building encouraging, supportive, long-lasting partnerships, both inside as well as outside of our fast-growing family company. By only working with the very best ingredients and most innovative technology available, we ensure a spot in which you can grow, bloom and make thousands of pets happy worldwide!</p><p style="margin-left:0in;"><strong>Position Summary:</strong></p><p style="margin-left:0in;">The Senior People &amp; Engagement Generalist serves as the primary People &amp; Engagement representative for the assigned manufacturing facility. This position is responsible for independently managing the day-to-day People &amp; Engagement operations while partnering closely with plant leadership to support business objectives and create a positive employee experience.</p><p style="margin-left:0in;">This role provides leadership in recruiting, onboarding, employee relations, performance management, compliance, engagement, training, and workforce development. The Senior People &amp; Engagement Generalist exercises sound judgment in managing routine People &amp; Engagement matters while collaborating with the People &amp; Engagement Manager on complex employee relations issues, disciplinary actions, organizational changes, and other high-impact business decisions.</p><p style="margin-left:0in;">This position plays a critical role in maintaining a culture built on accountability, respect, engagement, and continuous improvement.</p><p style="margin-left:0in;"><strong>Essential Responsibilities:</strong></p><p style="margin-left:0in;">Talent Acquisition &amp; Onboarding</p><ul type="disc"><li style="margin-left:0in;">Manage full-cycle recruiting for hourly and salaried positions.&nbsp;</li><li style="margin-left:0in;">Coordinate interviews, background checks, offers, and onboarding activities.&nbsp;</li><li style="margin-left:0in;">Facilitate New Hire Orientation and ensure successful onboarding.&nbsp;</li><li style="margin-left:0in;">Maintain staffing levels by partnering with department leaders.&nbsp;</li><li style="margin-left:0in;">Build relationships with staffing agencies, schools, and community organizations.&nbsp;</li></ul><p style="margin-left:0in;">Employee Relations</p><ul type="disc"><li style="margin-left:0in;">Serve as the primary People &amp; Engagement contact for employees and supervisors.&nbsp;</li><li style="margin-left:0in;">Coach leaders through performance management and employee concerns.&nbsp;</li><li style="margin-left:0in;">Conduct workplace investigations and recommend appropriate resolutions.&nbsp;</li><li style="margin-left:0in;">Resolve employee issues in a fair, timely, and consistent manner.&nbsp;</li><li style="margin-left:0in;">Foster a positive workplace culture through open communication and trust.&nbsp;</li><li style="margin-left:0in;">Escalate complex employee relations matters and disciplinary recommendations to the People &amp; Engagement Manager.&nbsp;</li></ul><p style="margin-left:0in;">Performance Management</p><ul type="disc"><li style="margin-left:0in;">Support leaders with coaching, documentation, and performance improvement.&nbsp;</li><li style="margin-left:0in;">Coordinate performance review processes and development conversations.&nbsp;</li><li style="margin-left:0in;">Promote accountability while recognizing employee achievements.&nbsp;</li></ul><p style="margin-left:0in;">Compliance</p><ul type="disc"><li style="margin-left:0in;">Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws.&nbsp;</li><li style="margin-left:0in;">Maintain accurate employee files and HRIS records.&nbsp;</li><li style="margin-left:0in;">Ensure policies and procedures are consistently administered.&nbsp;</li><li style="margin-left:0in;">Assist with audits and compliance reporting.&nbsp;</li></ul><p style="margin-left:0in;">Employee Engagement</p><ul type="disc"><li style="margin-left:0in;">Plan employee appreciation events and recognition programs.&nbsp;</li><li style="margin-left:0in;">Coordinate communication initiatives that strengthen engagement.&nbsp;</li><li style="margin-left:0in;">Support retention strategies and employee wellness initiatives.&nbsp;</li><li style="margin-left:0in;">Encourage employee feedback and continuous improvement.&nbsp;</li></ul><p style="margin-left:0in;">Leadership Partnership</p><ul type="disc"><li style="margin-left:0in;">Partner with site leadership to support operational goals.&nbsp;</li><li style="margin-left:0in;">Provide guidance on People &amp; Engagement policies and best practices.&nbsp;</li><li style="margin-left:0in;">Analyze workforce trends and recommend improvements.&nbsp;</li><li style="margin-left:0in;">Support organizational change initiatives.&nbsp;</li></ul><p style="margin-left:0in;">Safety &amp; Training</p><ul type="disc"><li style="margin-left:0in;">Coordinate onboarding and required compliance training.&nbsp;</li><li style="margin-left:0in;">Partner with Environmental Health &amp; Safety to support safety initiatives.&nbsp;</li><li style="margin-left:0in;">Promote a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.&nbsp;</li></ul><p style="margin-left:0in;"><strong>Qualifications:</strong></p><p style="margin-left:0in;">Required</p><ul type="disc"><li style="margin-left:0in;">Bachelor&#39;s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field (or equivalent experience).&nbsp;</li><li style="margin-left:0in;">Minimum of 5 years of progressive Human Resources experience.&nbsp;</li><li style="margin-left:0in;">Manufacturing, food production, distribution, or industrial experience preferred.&nbsp;</li><li style="margin-left:0in;">Strong knowledge of federal and state employment laws.&nbsp;</li><li style="margin-left:0in;">Experience conducting investigations and managing employee relations.&nbsp;</li><li style="margin-left:0in;">Experience with recruiting and onboarding.&nbsp;</li><li style="margin-left:0in;">Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.&nbsp;</li><li style="margin-left:0in;">Ability to influence leaders and build strong working relationships.&nbsp;</li><li style="margin-left:0in;">High level of integrity and confidentiality.&nbsp;</li><li style="margin-left:0in;">Excellent organizational and time management skills.&nbsp;</li><li style="margin-left:0in;">Experience using HRIS systems and Microsoft Office.&nbsp;</li></ul><p style="margin-left:0in;">Preferred</p><ul type="disc"><li style="margin-left:0in;">SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or SPHR certification.&nbsp;</li><li style="margin-left:0in;">Multi-site manufacturing experience.&nbsp;</li><li style="margin-left:0in;">Experience supporting hourly workforces in a 24/7 manufacturing environment.&nbsp;</li></ul><p style="margin-left:0in;">Core Competencies</p><ul type="disc"><li style="margin-left:0in;">Employee Relations&nbsp;</li><li style="margin-left:0in;">Leadership Coaching&nbsp;</li><li style="margin-left:0in;">Conflict Resolution&nbsp;</li><li style="margin-left:0in;">Employment Law&nbsp;</li><li style="margin-left:0in;">Recruiting&nbsp;</li><li style="margin-left:0in;">Performance Management&nbsp;</li><li style="margin-left:0in;">Communication&nbsp;</li><li style="margin-left:0in;">Business Partnership&nbsp;</li><li style="margin-left:0in;">Problem Solving&nbsp;</li><li style="margin-left:0in;">Organization &amp; Planning&nbsp;</li><li style="margin-left:0in;">Confidentiality&nbsp;</li><li style="margin-left:0in;">Change Management&nbsp;</li></ul><p style="margin-left:0in;">Physical Requirements</p><ul type="disc"><li style="margin-left:0in;">Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, and move throughout the manufacturing facility.&nbsp;</li><li style="margin-left:0in;">Ability to travel occasionally between company locations and attend off-site meetings.&nbsp;</li><li style="margin-left:0in;">Ability to work in an environment with exposure to production noise, dust, and varying temperatures.&nbsp;</li></ul><p style="margin-left:0in;"><strong>Our Values in Action:</strong></p><div style="margin-left:0in;"><ul style="margin-left: 0in;"><li style="margin-left:0in;">We Aim Higher &ndash; Deliver quality and efficiency on every pallet; continuously look for ways to improve our processes.</li><li style="margin-left:0in;">We Make It Work &ndash; Solve problems quickly and keep production moving; flexibility and a hands-on mentality are key.</li><li style="margin-left:0in;">We Grow United &ndash; Collaborate with your team and support colleagues to achieve shared goals.</li><li style="margin-left:0in;">We Do What&rsquo;s Right &ndash; Follow safety, quality, and operational standards; act responsibly in all tasks.</li><li style="margin-left:0in;">We Thrive on Passion &ndash; Bring energy, care for animals, and dedication to producing top-quality pet food.</li></ul></div><p style="margin-left:0in;"><strong>Equal Opportunity Employer:&nbsp;</strong>United Petfood Producers USA Inc. is an equal opportunity workplace. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.</p></div>