Human Resources Generalist Location:
Confidential Search A well-established North American manufacturing organization is conducting a confidential search for a Human Resources Generalist to support its manufacturing operation in Salem, Ohio .This is a hands-on, onsite HR position supporting a fast-paced, high-volume, unionized manufacturing environment. The HR Generalist will serve as a visible and accessible HR resource for employees and plant leadership while taking ownership of critical day-to-day HR processes. The position is best suited for an experienced HR professional who is comfortable working independently, spending time on the production floor, addressing employee issues directly, and balancing employee relations, payroll/timekeeping, onboarding, compliance, and operational priorities.
Employee Relations & Plant Support:
Serve as a primary HR resource for frontline employees and plant leadership.
Maintain a consistent and visible presence throughout the manufacturing operation.
Address employee questions, workplace concerns, and day-to-day HR issues.
Partner with supervisors and managers on employee relations, performance, attendance, and workforce matters.
Provide practical HR guidance while determining when issues require additional escalation.
Support the consistent application of company policies, procedures, and employment practices.
Payroll, Timekeeping & HR Administration:
Maintain accurate employee records and HR documentation. Help strengthen HR processes and reduce recurring administrative errors.
Recruiting & Onboarding:- Support ongoing hiring needs within a high-volume manufacturing environment.
- Help ensure new hires receive an organized and consistent introduction to the facility.
- Partner with plant leadership to address staffing needs and workforce priorities.
- Support efforts to improve new-hire integration and retention.
- Apply working knowledge of employment law, HR compliance, and employee relations practices.
- Support HR documentation and recordkeeping requirements.
- Assist with workplace investigations and employee relations matters as appropriate.
- Help maintain consistent HR practices across the operation.
- Support managers with HR guidance, coaching, and problem-solving.
- During the first 6–12 months, the successful HR Generalist will be expected to:
- Establish credibility with both frontline employees and plant leadership.
- Maintain accurate payroll and timekeeping processes with minimal employee-impacting errors.
- Take ownership of routine and intermediate HR matters and reduce unnecessary escalation.
- Improve the consistency and effectiveness of new-hire onboarding.
- Provide managers with timely, practical HR guidance.
- Build a strong HR presence on the production floor.
- Contribute to improved employee communication, engagement, and workforce stability.
- These expectations align directly with the approved Salem role specification, which emphasizes payroll accuracy, independent HR ownership, onboarding effectiveness, manager support, employee engagement, and turnover stabilization.
- Minimum of 3 years of HR experience beyond an entry-level capacity.
- Strong working knowledge of HR practices, employment law, compliance, and employee relations.
- Strong attention to detail, particularly when working with payroll, timekeeping, employee records, and other accuracy-sensitive processes.
- Ability to independently manage day-to-day HR responsibilities.
- Previous HR experience within manufacturing, distribution, or another high-volume operational environment .Experience supporting an hourly workforce.
- Experience with HRIS, payroll, and timekeeping systems.
- Demonstrated success working in an employee-facing, floor-based HR position.
- The HR Generalist will work within an active manufacturing environment where priorities can shift quickly and employees and supervisors require timely HR support. The position requires regular interaction with the production workforce rather than operating primarily from an office.
- A fast-paced, high-volume manufacturing operation.
- Spending meaningful time on the manufacturing floor.
This position offers the opportunity to take meaningful ownership of HR operations at the plant level. Rather than serving solely in an administrative capacity, the HR Generalist will have direct visibility into the operation and the ability to influence employee experience, manager effectiveness, onboarding, HR process consistency, and overall workforce stability.
For an HR professional who prefers being close to the operation and directly engaged with employees and leaders, this is an opportunity to make a measurable impact.
Confidential SearchThe organization's identity and additional details regarding the facility will be shared with qualified candidates at the appropriate stage of the recruiting process.
Candidates are asked to respect the confidential nature of the search.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, or any other protected characteristic under federal, state, or local law.
