Senior HR Generalist

About the role

**Job Title:** Senior People \& Engagement Generalist

**Location:** Mishawaka, IN

**Department: People \& Engagement**

**Job Type:** Exempt

**About United Petfood:**

United Petfood is a private label producer of high\-quality dry \& wet pet food, biscuits and snacks. We are a Belgian family business with 25 high\-tech pet kitchens in Europe and the US.

Joining us, means joining an international, passionate and driven team with one common goal: a healthy planet filled with healthy pets! But it doesn’t stop there: we truly care about building encouraging, supportive, long\-lasting partnerships, both inside as well as outside of our fast\-growing family company. By only working with the very best ingredients and most innovative technology available, we ensure a spot in which you can grow, bloom and make thousands of pets happy worldwide!

**Position Summary:**

The Senior People \& Engagement Generalist serves as the primary People \& Engagement representative for the assigned manufacturing facility. This position is responsible for independently managing the day\-to\-day People \& Engagement operations while partnering closely with plant leadership to support business objectives and create a positive employee experience.

This role provides leadership in recruiting, onboarding, employee relations, performance management, compliance, engagement, training, and workforce development. The Senior People \& Engagement Generalist exercises sound judgment in managing routine People \& Engagement matters while collaborating with the People \& Engagement Manager on complex employee relations issues, disciplinary actions, organizational changes, and other high\-impact business decisions.

This position plays a critical role in maintaining a culture built on accountability, respect, engagement, and continuous improvement.

**Essential Responsibilities:**

Talent Acquisition \& Onboarding

* Manage full\-cycle recruiting for hourly and salaried positions. * Coordinate interviews, background checks, offers, and onboarding activities. * Facilitate New Hire Orientation and ensure successful onboarding. * Maintain staffing levels by partnering with department leaders. * Build relationships with staffing agencies, schools, and community organizations.

Employee Relations

* Serve as the primary People \& Engagement contact for employees and supervisors. * Coach leaders through performance management and employee concerns. * Conduct workplace investigations and recommend appropriate resolutions. * Resolve employee issues in a fair, timely, and consistent manner. * Foster a positive workplace culture through open communication and trust. * Escalate complex employee relations matters and disciplinary recommendations to the People \& Engagement Manager.

Performance Management

* Support leaders with coaching, documentation, and performance improvement. * Coordinate performance review processes and development conversations. * Promote accountability while recognizing employee achievements.

Compliance

* Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws. * Maintain accurate employee files and HRIS records. * Ensure policies and procedures are consistently administered. * Assist with audits and compliance reporting.

Employee Engagement

* Plan employee appreciation events and recognition programs. * Coordinate communication initiatives that strengthen engagement. * Support retention strategies and employee wellness initiatives. * Encourage employee feedback and continuous improvement.

Leadership Partnership

* Partner with site leadership to support operational goals. * Provide guidance on People \& Engagement policies and best practices. * Analyze workforce trends and recommend improvements. * Support organizational change initiatives.

Safety \& Training

* Coordinate onboarding and required compliance training. * Partner with Environmental Health \& Safety to support safety initiatives. * Promote a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.

**Qualifications:**

Required

* Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field (or equivalent experience). * Minimum of 5 years of progressive Human Resources experience. * Manufacturing, food production, distribution, or industrial experience preferred. * Strong knowledge of federal and state employment laws. * Experience conducting investigations and managing employee relations. * Experience with recruiting and onboarding. * Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. * Ability to influence leaders and build strong working relationships. * High level of integrity and confidentiality. * Excellent organizational and time management skills. * Experience using HRIS systems and Microsoft Office.

Preferred

* SHRM\-CP, SHRM\-SCP, PHR, or SPHR certification. * Multi\-site manufacturing experience. * Experience supporting hourly workforces in a 24/7 manufacturing environment.

Core Competencies

* Employee Relations * Leadership Coaching * Conflict Resolution * Employment Law * Recruiting * Performance Management * Communication * Business Partnership * Problem Solving * Organization \& Planning * Confidentiality * Change Management

Physical Requirements

* Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, and move throughout the manufacturing facility. * Ability to travel occasionally between company locations and attend off\-site meetings. * Ability to work in an environment with exposure to production noise, dust, and varying temperatures.

**Our Values in Action:**

* We Aim Higher – Deliver quality and efficiency on every pallet; continuously look for ways to improve our processes. * We Make It Work – Solve problems quickly and keep production moving; flexibility and a hands\-on mentality are key. * We Grow United – Collaborate with your team and support colleagues to achieve shared goals. * We Do What’s Right – Follow safety, quality, and operational standards; act responsibly in all tasks. * We Thrive on Passion – Bring energy, care for animals, and dedication to producing top\-quality pet food. **Equal Opportunity Employer:** United Petfood Producers USA Inc. is an equal opportunity workplace. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.