Senior Human Resources Generalist

Overview Consider joining the Pennex family as a Senior Human Resources Generalist in our Wellsville, PA location.  The Senior Human Resources Generalist is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the HR department including recruitment, onboarding/offboarding, employee relations, managing leave administration, compliance, performance management, and employee engagement.    This role works closely with the Human Resources Work Group (HRWG) and partners across the organization to support business needs and foster a positive, high-performance workplace culture.  This position reports to the Senior Human Resources Business Partner.  Responsibilities HR Operations & Employee Services:   Serve as a subject matter expert (SME) and provide guidance and support to the HR team as needed  Provide on-site HR support across both York and Wellsville plant locations  Provide excellent service to internal and external partners, modeling a collaborative and solution-oriented approach  Contribute to departmental goal setting, process improvement, and performance tracking using measurable KPIs  Administer routine HR tasks, including pay changes, leave management, PTO/UTO audits, employee recognition, wellness initiatives, and community involvement with Groundswell  Support benefits enrollment for new hires and address ongoing employee benefit questions in collaboration with the Total Rewards team  Deliver administrative support while promoting employee self-service and process efficiencies  Recruitment & Hiring:   Lead recruitment efforts for hourly positions, partnering with hiring managers to identify role requirements and candidate profiles  Conduct interviews, coordinate with managers and Talent Acquisition, and extend offers.  Ensure ATS updates are completed accurately.  Maintain and update job descriptions through regular reviews with managers and employees  Facilitate pre-employment processes including background checks, occupational physicals, drug tests, assessments, and reference checks, escalating concerns as needed  Manage onboarding activities such as new hire orientation, policy review, paperwork completion, and milestone check-ins (15/45/90 days)  Accurately enter new hires into the HRIS ensuring data integrity   Manage all temporary staffing, including ordering, ending assignments, tracking, and monitoring for potential conversion to permanent full-time roles   Communicate hiring activity and updates with internal stakeholders (Talent Acquisition and Total Rewards)   Ensure all recruiting and hiring practices comply with applicable federal, state, and local laws   Employee Relations:   Support the Sr. HR Manager in identifying and resolving workplace issues that require executive level intervention  Address employee concerns, mediate conflicts, and provide policy guidance to promote a respectful workplace   Conduct investigations and recommend appropriate disciplinary actions, consulting with leadership as needed  Partner with trainers to support learning and development efforts  Manage the performance evaluation process and provide constructive feedback  Guide managers on disciplinary actions, PIPs, and terminations; maintain documentation and follow-up on outcomes  Conduct and evaluate exit interviews to identify trends and employee retention strategies  Lead the stay interview process, evaluate feedback, and collaborate with internal stakeholders to implement initiatives that enhance employee engagement and retention  Compliance & Policy:   Stay current with employment laws and HR best practices.  Ensure company compliance with all federal, state, and local employment and labor regulations   Assist in developing, updating, and communicating HR policies and procedures  Maintain accurate employee records in accordance with legal requirements, record retention, and company standards  Additional Responsibilities:   Champion and drive strategic HR initiatives that align with business goals and Business Operating Plan  Lead the implementation of HR projects, ensuring successful execution, effective change management and communication plans, and adherence to project timelines   Support payroll by reviewing and approving timecards promptly, processing employee referral bonuses, and preparing monthly production bonus documentation.  Oversee and manage the unemployment claims process, ensuring timely and accurate responses  Create and distribute internal HR communications  Analyze HR data and prepare reports to support decision-making  Collaborate on company events and employee engagement initiatives  Provide backup coverage for main phone and reception area  Perform other duties as assigned   Qualifications Education and Experience:   High School Diploma or equivalent required   Bachelor's degree in HR Management or related field from accredited college or university preferred  Minimum of 5-7 years of HR experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience   Willingness to travel between both York and Wellsville plant locations  HR Certificate (PHR, SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, etc.) a plus but not required  Bilingual in Spanish (verbal and written communication) a plus but not required  Required Skills & Competencies:   Passion for working in a dynamic, hands-on manufacturing environment  Strong communication skills – verbal, written, and interpersonal   Skilled in negotiation, conflict resolution, and employee advocacy  Strong influencing skills with ability to build trust, gain buy-in, and effectively guide managers and employees toward desired outcomes  Excellent time management skills with proven ability to multi-task and prioritize effectively  Demonstrated project management skills  Self-motivated with a desire to learn and grow within the HR field  Detail-oriented with a strong commitment to follow-through and accuracy  High level of professional