HR Generalist I

Job Summary:

 

The Human Resources Generalist acts as the ‘customer-facing’ business partner to the leadership team and employee population of the assigned business unit and/or geographic area of responsibility.  This role will provide expertise and direct support in the areas of employee relations, performance management, recruiting and selection, compensation/benefits administration, and employee training/development.  The HR Generalist will be the primary point of contact to the assigned ‘customer’ base, from the standpoint of managing the administration of human resources policies, procedures and programs.  The number of employees this position supports could exceed 1000, depending on the seasonal and operational needs of the organization.  The HR Generalist will leverage the HR ‘specialist’ team at Headquarters, as needed, to deliver high quality HR services, and help execute the organization’s overall HR strategy.  The HR Generalist will be based in his/her city of residence, with frequent travel throughout the assigned region.  This position will report directly to the Employee Relations Director in our Austin National Headquarters.

Essential Functions:

• Partners with local program management to communicate human resources policies, procedures, programs and laws.
• Strategize and partner with Senior Staff to support the HR needs of the assigned line of business. Proactively identify areas to enhance the organization.
• Diagnose and successfully handle employee relations issues and organizational development issues.
• Works with the corporate management team and legal department to review, update and roll-out all policies, and follow-up to ensure compliance.
• Coordinates with legal department and other human resources personnel to maintain compliance within the employee leave policies and laws.
• Interacts as a liaison between the program locations and the corporate office to review and respond to third party claims, as needed. Coordinates with the payroll department to investigate and resolve payroll issues.
• Conducts investigations, and responds to grievances in collaboration with site management, and provides a resolution plan for employee complaints/concerns. Monitors and follows up with management and employees on action plan.
• Determines and recommends employee relations practices necessary to establish a positive employer-employee relationship and promote a high level of employee morale and motivation. Assists in conducting periodic surveys to measure employee satisfaction and employee engagement.
• Acts as steward of the organization’s performance management process, by training program management in application of the process and monitoring compliance with appraisal timelines.
• Monitors and advises managers and supervisors in the discipline system of the company.
• Monitors the implementation of a performance improvement plan of action for non-performing employees.
• Reviews all management recommendations for employment terminations with corporate HR and legal department staff.
• Maintain awareness and knowledge of HR related laws and practices, as well as internal policies/procedures, and provides suitable interpretation to management and employees.
• Assists with HR-related education/training, communication and awareness efforts. Supports rollout and training for new HR programs, policies, initiatives, in assigned region.
• Leads recruiting and staffing function for assigned region. Supports efforts of management, to source, screen, select, and hire both internal and external candidates, as needed. Monitors on-boarding and orientation process.
• Serves as local and initial/primary contact for benefits education and assists with Open Enrollment, leveraging Benefits Specialists at headquarters as needed.
• Provide other support and back-up to the Headquarters Human Resource Department as needed.
• Cultivates a culture that emphasizes responsiveness, innovation, diversity and excellence.
• Compiles and submits reports from various database systems.
• Able to react to change productively and handle other essential tasks as assigned.

Qualifications and Requirements:

• Human Resources Generalist experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Associates Degree in a Business-related field, with a minimum of six (6) years of experience as a Human Resources Generalist, or other HR professional.  
• Full-scope HR Generalist experience.  This position has a heavy emphasis in Employee Relations activities.  Candidates must have at least 3 years of experience in working directly with employees, supervisors, and investigating, making recommendations, and problem-solving around employee issues.
• Proven ability to build and maintain partnerships and solid