Human Resources Generalist

Senior Human Resources Generalist

Location: Franklin Park, Illinois

Department: Human Resources

Reports To: Director of Human Resources

FLSA Status: Exempt

Travel: Approximately 10%

Position Summary

The Senior Human Resources Generalist is a key member of the Human Resources team responsible for providing comprehensive HR support across National Lift Truck's multiple locations. Reporting to and partnering closely with the Director of Human Resources, this position supports both union and non-union employees and assists with the administration and execution of HR programs and initiatives.

The Senior HR Generalist will have hands-on responsibility for recruiting, payroll, benefits, employee and labor relations, investigations, leave administration, performance management, compliance, onboarding, and HR operations while serving as a trusted resource to employees and management.

Essential Responsibilities

Recruitment & Onboarding

• Manage full-cycle recruiting for assigned exempt and non-exempt positions.
• Partner with hiring managers on staffing needs, job descriptions, interviews, candidate selection, and offers.
• Coordinate pre-employment requirements, onboarding, and new-hire orientation.

Payroll & Benefits

• Support payroll processing, including timekeeping, employee changes, deductions, compensation changes, and payroll discrepancies.
• Maintain accurate employee information within payroll and HRIS systems.

Administer employee benefit programs and assist employees with eligibility, enrollment, qualifying events, and benefit questions.

• Support annual open enrollment and benefit renewals.
• Partner with benefit carriers, brokers, payroll providers, and other HR vendors.

Employee & Labor Relations

• Provide HR guidance to employees and managers regarding policies, performance, attendance, workplace concerns, and employee relations matters.
• Support both union and non-union employee populations.
• Assist with collective bargaining agreement administration, grievances, disciplinary matters, and labor-management issues.
• Partner with the Director of Human Resources on complex or sensitive employee relations matters.

Investigations & Performance Management

• Conduct timely and objective workplace investigations involving employee complaints, harassment, discrimination, retaliation, policy violations, and workplace conduct.
• Document findings and partner with the Director of Human Resources on appropriate resolutions.
• Coach managers on performance management, corrective action, attendance, and employee development.

Leave, Workers' Compensation & Compliance

• Coordinate FMLA and other applicable federal, state, and company leaves of absence.
• Assist with workers' compensation claims and return-to-work coordination.
• Support compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and company policies.
• Maintain accurate and confidential employee records and documentation.

HR Partnership & Operations

• Partner closely with the Director of Human Resources on all aspects of the HR function, including policy development, compensation, employee engagement, organizational planning, labor relations, benefits, and HR initiatives.
• Prepare HR reports and metrics related to headcount, turnover, recruiting, attendance, and workforce trends.
• Support HR projects, process improvements, HRIS initiatives, training, and employee communications.
• Provide collaborative HR support across multiple National Lift Truck locations.
• Travel approximately 10% to support company locations, investigations, recruiting, meetings, training, and other HR needs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field preferred; equivalent HR experience may be considered.
• 5+ years of progressive Human Resources experience, preferably in a Generalist or Senior Generalist role.
• Experience supporting union and non-union employees strongly preferred.
• Experience with recruiting, payroll, benefits, employee relations, investigations, and HR compliance.
• Working knowledge of federal and state employment laws and HR best practices.
• Strong communication, organizational, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive matters with professionalism and sound judgment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and HRIS/payroll systems.
• PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, or SHRM-SCP certification preferred.
• Ability to travel approximately 10%.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $70,000 – $80,000 annually, commensurate with experience, qualifications, and skills.

National Lift Truck offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Short-Term Disability (STD)
• Long-Term Disability (LTD)
• Life Insurance
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Personal Time
• Profit Sharing

Benefit eligibility, coverage, employee contributions, waiting periods, and other provisions are governed by the applicable company plans and policies.

Equal Employment Opportunity

National Lift Truck is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to any status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Job Description Disclaimer

This job description describes the general nature and level of work performed in this position and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties or responsibilities. National Lift Truck reserves the right to modify or assign responsibilities based on business needs.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field preferred; equivalent HR experience may be considered.

5+ years of progressive Human Resources experience, preferably in a Generalist or Senior Generalist role.

Experience supporting union and non-union employees strongly preferred.

Experience with recruiting, payroll, benefits, employee relations, investigations, and HR compliance.

Working knowledge of federal and state employment laws and HR best practices.

Strong communication, organizational, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills.

Ability to handle confidential and sensitive matters with professionalism and sound judgment.

Proficiency with Microsoft Office and HRIS/payroll systems.

PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, or SHRM-SCP certification preferred.

Ability to travel approximately 10%.