Senior Human Resource Generalist

job purpose:

The Senior HR Generalist serves as a key HR partner to plant leadership and employees, providing strategic and hands-on support across the full spectrum of HR functions within a manufacturing environment. This role supports daily HR operations while also contributing to longer term initiatives that strengthen culture, improve organizational capability, and ensure compliance. The Senior HR Generalist plays a critical role in employee relations, talent development, workforce planning, onboarding, training, policy administration, and employee engagement. This position requires strong judgment, the ability to balance business needs with employee advocacy, and the capacity to navigate a fast-paced, dynamic production setting.

responsibilities:

• Employee Relations & Workplace Support
• Serve as the primary point of contact for employee relations issues; conduct fair, timely, and thorough investigations.
• Provide guidance to supervisors and managers on performance management, coaching, conflict resolution, and policy interpretation.
• Build trust and approachability across all levels of the plant, maintaining a visible presence on the production floor.
• Partner with leadership to promote a positive, high engagement culture aligned with company values.
• Talent Acquisition & Onboarding
• Support full cycle recruiting for hourly and salaried plant roles, partnering closely with hiring managers and TA partners.
• Partner with managers to assess workforce needs and support staffing plans.
• Training, Development & Performance Management
• Coach leaders on effective feedback, performance conversations, and development planning.
• Support training coordination, including safety, compliance, technical skills, and leadership development.
• Assist with performance management processes, ensuring consistency and documentation quality.

HR Operations & Compliance

• Ensure HR practices comply with federal, state, and local employment laws (including ADA, FLSA, Paid Sick Time, etc.).
• Maintain accurate HR records, reporting, and data integrity in HRIS systems.
• Support timekeeping and payroll accuracy through proactive audits and manager coaching.
• Support leave of absence cases and partner with third party administrators to ensure timely and compliant handling.
• Benefits, Compensation & Policy Administration
• Assist employees with benefit questions, enrollments, and issue resolution.
• Support compensation processes, including job evaluations, annual reviews, and pay changes.
• Assist with the communication and rollout of new policies and procedures.
• Culture, Engagement & Employee Experience
• Partner with plant leadership on communication efforts, recognition programs, and culture building activities.
• Identify opportunities to streamline processes and improve employee experience.
• Help facilitate town halls, listening sessions, and other communication forums.
• Safety & Workforce Readiness
• Support initiatives that promote safe work practices, attendance expectations, and readiness for shift work.
• Strategic HR Partnership
• Participate in HR projects, continuous improvement initiatives, and plantwide efforts to support operational excellence.
• Act as a culture champion, balancing employee needs with business priorities to support long term success.
• skills/qualifications required:

Education

• Bachelor's degree in human resources, Business Administration, Industrial/Organizational Psychology, or related field preferred or related experience.
• HR certification preferred (PHR, SPHR, SHRMCP, or SHRMSCP).
• 5+ years of progressive HR experience, with at least 2-3 years supporting a manufacturing, distribution, or similar industrial environment.
• Strong experience in employee relations, including conducting investigations and coaching leaders.
• Experience with timekeeping, attendance management, and payroll related HR functions.
• Background supporting recruiting, onboarding, and training for hourly and technical roles.
• Experience partnering with Operations, EHS, Quality, or other plant functions.
• Proficient in HR systems (HRIS, ATS, LMS); experience with ADP, or similar systems is a plus.
• Strong knowledge of federal and state employment laws (FLSA, ADA, FMLA, LOA processes, Paid Sick Leave, etc.).
• Skilled in documentation, factfinding, and maintaining confidentiality.
• Comfortable analyzing data (turnover, attendance, engagement trends) and providing insights to leadership.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to interact confidently with hourly employees, supervisors, and senior plant leaders.
• Ability to build trust, maintain approachability, and have a visible presence on the production floor.
• High level of professional judgment, integrity, and discretion.
• Ability to remain calm and effective in a fast-paced, changing environment.
• Strong problem-solving abilities and a continuous improvement mindset.
• Capable of balancing business needs with employee advocacy.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.

Work Environment Capabilities

• Ability to regularly be on the production floor and wear appropriate PPE.
• Comfortable supporting shift-based operations (occasional off shift presence required).
• Ability to maintain professionalism in a dynamic, scaling, or startup manufacturing environment.

food safety requirements:

• Notify supervision of any repairs or adjustments that may affect product quality or food safety.
• Understand, observe, and comply with the handling and usage of the color-coded container policy while in the Production Areas.
• Perform all duties necessary to meet Company, Customer and/or Government requirements/standards as prioritized by the Company.
• Ability to initiate action to prevent the occurrence of nonconformities relating to Food Safety and the Quality of the product, processes, quality system, or safety system.
• Identify and record any problems relating to Food Safety and the Quality of the ingredients, processes, quality system, or safety system.
• Control further processing or delivery of nonconforming product in terms of Food Safety and Quality issues until the deficiency or unsatisfactory condition has been corrected.
• In the event of absence, another employee with the same skill level will assume the duties and responsibilities as required.

how fairlife nourishes you:

At fairlife, we believe in better - and that includes how we support our people. We offer a comprehensive suite of benefits and well-being resources designed to support you physically, emotionally, socially, and financially, both in and out of work.

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, effective day one!
• Supplemental health plans (hospital indemnity, accident, and critical illness insurance)
• Paid Time Off to recharge and support work-life balance
• Paid parental leave & adoption assistance (up to $10,000)
• Parental support & family care benefits, including childcare resources and lactation support
• 401(k) to support retirement planning with up to 9% in employer match
• Wellness reimbursement (up to $500 for qualified wellbeing expenses)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for emotional wellbeing and work-life support
• Company-paid life insurance and short-term disability
• Employer HSA funding (for HDHP participants)
• Tuition reimbursement (up to $10,000) and student loan repayment ($200/month)
• Learning & development programs to unlock your full potential
• Rewards & recognition, matching gifts, free product, and Business Resource Groups

fairlife's nour!sh program is designed to meet you where you are - supporting your individual wellbeing journey while enabling you to do your best work every day.

position location: Goodyear AZ

reports to: Sr. HRBP

travel requirements: 10%

salary range: $95,000 - $105,000

exempt/nonexempt: Exempt