Human Resources Generalist

Job Description: HR Generalist

Position: HR Generalist

Location: La Crosse, Wisconsin

Reports to: Human Resources Manager

Job Summary:

The HR Generalist provides comprehensive human resources support across multiple functional areas, including employee relations, recruitment, onboarding, benefits administration, compliance, and performance management. This role plays a key part in fostering a positive, people-centered culture that aligns with our core values — Be Positive, Be Value Added, Measure Twice, and R.a.W. The HR Generalist supports both team members and leaders by promoting consistency, fairness, and proactive solutions that help our people and our business thrive. This is an on-site position.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Employee Relations and Engagement

• Serve as the first point of contact for employees regarding HR policies, procedures, and workplace concerns with a Be Positive attitude that fosters trust and respect.
• Partner with supervisors and leaders to address employee relations issues through fair, objective, and value-added solutions.
• Promote and sustain a culture that reflects our core values by encouraging collaboration, recognition, and mutual accountability.
• Conduct employee check-ins, stay interviews, and engagement initiatives that Measure Twice — ensuring thoughtful, data-driven approaches to employee experience.

2. Recruitment and Onboarding

• Manage the full-cycle recruitment process, ensuring timely, accurate, and value-added selection decisions that align with our culture.
• Partner with hiring managers to identify workforce needs and ensure every hire reflects our R.a.W. commitment (our founder's initials, representing integrity).
• Facilitate onboarding and orientation programs that help new employees feel connected, informed, and aligned with our values from day one.
• Maintain accurate job descriptions and workforce plans to support strategic, well-measured staffing.

3. Benefits and Compensation Administration

• Administer employee benefits programs with accuracy and care, Measuring Twice to ensure all details are handled correctly and efficiently.
• Support open enrollment and provide clear, positive communication around benefit options and changes.
• Respond promptly to employee inquiries related to benefits, payroll, and compensation, ensuring each interaction is Value Added.
• Partner with Payroll and Finance teams to ensure timely and accurate processing of HR data.

4. Compliance and Policy Administration

• Ensure HR practices comply with federal, state, and local employment laws and company policies.
• Maintain and update HR policies and handbooks in ways that are clear, accessible, and reflective of our R.a.W. culture.
• Manage employee documentation with accuracy, confidentiality, and accountability.
• Support internal audits and reporting requirements with a Measure Twice mindset to ensure accuracy and consistency.

5. Performance Management and Development

• Support leaders in the performance review process to ensure alignment with company expectations and values.
• Assist with coaching, performance improvement plans, and development initiatives that focus on helping employees Be Positive and Be Value Added.
• Analyze performance trends and proactively recommend actions to support growth and continuous improvement.
• Coordinate training sessions and professional development workshops that reinforce our culture of learning and reliability.

6. HR Data Management and Reporting

• Maintain accurate HR records in the HRIS system with high attention to detail and confidentiality.
• Prepare and analyze HR metrics (e.g., turnover, headcount, attendance) to identify opportunities to improve engagement and efficiency.
• Use data-driven insights to Measure Twice and recommend informed HR solutions.

7. Safety and Wellness Support

• Partner with Safety and Leadership teams to promote a healthy, safe, and compliant work environment.
• Support employee wellness and return-to-work programs that demonstrate empathy and care.
• Participate in safety training and communications to ensure HR processes reinforce our core values.

8. Collaboration and Teamwork

• Build trusted partnerships across departments, always seeking to Be Value Added equitable, and solution oriented.
• Demonstrate positivity, reliability, and strong communication when collaborating with team members and leaders.
• Participate in HR projects and process improvements that drive efficiency, consistency, and a better workplace for all.
• Model our core values daily — Be Positive in interactions, Be Value Added in solutions, Measure Twice in execution, and R.a.W. in character and accountability.

Requirements:

Qualifications:

• Associate's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field preferred.
• 1–5 years of professional experience in an HR function, preferably in a manufacturing or production environment.
• Strong understanding of employment law, HR compliance, and best practices.
• Experience with HRIS systems and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, multitasking, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment in all HR matters.
• Demonstrated commitment to embodying company core values: Be Positive, Be Value Added, Measure Twice, and R.a.W.

Preferred Skills:

• PHR or SHRM-CP certification preferred.
• Experience supporting hourly manufacturing or production employees.
• Familiarity with payroll and timekeeping systems (e.g., ADP, Paylocity, or similar).
• Experience applying continuous improvement or lean principles within HR processes.