HR Specialist - Elgin

The Sr Human Resources Generalist serves as a strategic partner, aligning HR programs and processes with business objectives. Acting as the primary liaison for employee relations, this role ensures consistent communication and collaboration across the business and the broader organization. Key responsibilities include personnel tracking through HRIS, benefits administration, onboarding, recruitment, investigations, and compliance with employment laws. The HR Manager is a trusted resource and advocate, promoting ethical practices and fostering a positive employee experience.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead all aspects of talent and culture at the location; partner with the Human Resources Director, Plant Leader, and site leadership to foster a positive employee relations culture and a safe, engaged workforce.
• Partner with Plant Leader and corporate Talent Acquisition on plant-level staffing, including recruitment and selection of exempt, non-exempt, and temporary employees.
• Develop and implement recruitment, retention, and training programs to enhance skills, support compliance (e.g., harassment prevention), and drive employee engagement.
• Manage the full hiring process: job postings, resume screening, interviews, hiring decisions, onboarding, and follow-up for successful integration.
• Act as liaison between employees and management, addressing employee relations issues, conducting investigations, resolving conflicts, and supporting performance management.
• Support leaders with coaching, performance feedback, appraisals, and development or improvement plans.
• Administer HRIS changes, employment transactions (hiring, terminations, role/compensation changes), and maintain accurate records to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws.
• Analyze HR data and reports to identify trends, build on strengths, and develop action plans for improvement.
• Partner with safety leaders to ensure compliance with safety initiatives, reduce workers' compensation costs, and create engaging onboarding experiences.

• Communicate benefit and corporate program changes; assist employees with benefit-related questions.
• Contribute to mid-year processes, talent assessments, Affirmative Action Planning (AAP), and change initiatives.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Experience & Skills

• Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field required
• Strong knowledge of Oklahoma and federal labor laws required
• Minimum three years of HR experience in a manufacturing environment required
• Strategic thinking, planning, and change management capabilities required
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills across all organizational levels
• Strong organizational, time management, and problem-solving skills with ability to manage multiple priorities
• Experience with continuous improvement/lean manufacturing preferred
• Proficiency in HRIS and intermediate Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
• Ability to respond quickly and efficiently in emergency situations exercising a calm approach.
• Proactive in approach; shows ownership and drive
• Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills to all organization levels
• Ability to de-escalate situations and help manage conflict