HR Generalist, Americas - Southworth International Group

Southworth International Group, Inc., located in Falmouth, ME, has an immediate opening for a HR Generalist, Americas.

Southworth is the world’s largest manufacturer of ergonomic material handling equipment for vertical lifting and work positioning. Our products are designed to improve worker productivity while reducing the potential for worker injuries. Anywhere that workers are lifting and positioning items, handling pallets, working with parts in containers or transporting loads in a factory or warehouse, Southworth has a product to make the job faster, safer, and easier.

We realize that our success is a direct result of the efforts of our talented and dedicated employees. To ensure continued success we take extra care to make sure that careers at Southworth are financially, intellectually, emotionally, and socially rewarding for all. We offer a generous time off policy, 401k match, affordable health and vision coverage, tuition reimbursement, development plans for career growth, and a fun engaged workforce!

We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated HR Generalist to join our Americas HR team. The successful incumbent will support our site HR Manager in the delivery of talent strategy initiatives and will be responsible for delivering all aspects of frontline HR services, with a focus on payroll & benefits support, talent acquisition, new employee onboarding and employee relations.

Overview

The HR Generalist, Americas is a critical role, responsible for providing local site HR guidance for the Falmouth, ME location, while also providing primary support for Foxborough, MA and secondary support to Manila, AR. The HR Generalist will partner with leaders to support strategic business outcomes while also ensuring support of employees and the company overall.

Primary work will be related to day-to-day coaching and development, recruiting for Falmouth and Foxborough, compensation analysis, employee relations, new hire onboarding, employee engagement, and deployment of talent enablement strategies such as performance goals, IDPs, talent planning, leadership training, and other items as needed.

The HR Generalist plays a critical role in helping to shape organizational culture, managing talent, and driving strategic HR initiatives to support the organization’s growth and success. The position is based at Southworth International Group, Inc. (SIGI) headquarters in Falmouth, Maine with a focus on Americas SIGI portfolio.

Duties and responsibilities

Strategic HR Planning: Participate in the development and implementation of strategic HR initiatives aligned with organizational goals, including workforce planning, talent management, succession planning and employee development (Goals, IDPs, etc.)

Employee Relations Management: Handle complex employee relations issues, including investigations, disciplinary actions, and conflict resolution. Provide guidance and support to managers on resolving sensitive matters.

Leadership Coaching & Training: Delivers leadership training based on company’s leadership principles and competencies. Identify training needs and develop learning and development programs to enhance employee skills and capabilities. Facilitate training sessions and workshops as needed. Provides guidance to SIGI leadership, fostering leadership best practices within the organization.

Change Management: Lead change management efforts during organizational changes, ensuring smooth transitions and employee engagement.

HR Analytics and Metrics: Utilize HR analytics and metrics to analyze workforce trends, turnover rates, and other key metrics. Use data-driven insights to inform decision-making and drive strategic HR initiatives.

Policy Development and Compliance: Participate in the development, implementation, and enforcement of HR policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with labor laws and regulations.

Employee Engagement and Culture: Champion employee engagement initiatives, such as recognition programs, team-building activities, and diversity and inclusion initiatives, to foster a positive organizational culture.

Talent Acquisition and Retention: Oversee talent acquisition efforts, including recruitment strategy development, candidate sourcing, and selection processes. Develop retention strategies to attract and retain top talent. Demonstrates a sense of urgency to actively source passive candidates to ensure a diverse candidate roster. Leverages STAR interview model and supports leadership with hiring best practices. Supports onboarding of new hires transitioning into the organization.

HR Technology and Systems: Evaluate, implement, and optimize HR technology solutions and systems, such as HRIS, ATS, and performance management tools, to streamline HR processes and improve efficiency.

Collaboration and Communication: Collaborate with cross-functional teams and senior leadership to ensure HR initiatives are aligned with business objectives. Communicate effectively with stakeholders to drive consensus and support for HR initiatives.

Qualifications – Skills and Experience

7+ years of HRBP or HR Generalist experience including proficiency in:

• Strategic HR Management: Ability to align HR strategies with overall business objectives and contribute to organizational growth.
• Change Management: Ability to effectively manage organizational change, including mergers, acquisitions, and restructuring, while minimizing disruption and maintaining employee engagement.
• Leadership and Collaboration: Strong leadership and teamwork skills to collaborate with cross-functional teams and influence stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
• Recruitment and Talent Acquisition: Proficiency in full-cycle recruitment, including sourcing, interviewing, and onboarding top talent.
• Performance Management: Expertise in developing and implementing performance management processes, including goal setting, feedback, talent planning, and performance evaluations.
• Employee Relations: Experience in managing employee relations issues, conflict resolution, and fostering a positive work environment.
• Training and Development: Skill in designing and delivering training programs to enhance employee skills and career development.
• HR Policies and Compliance: Knowledge of employment laws and regulations, as well as experience in developing and implementing HR policies and procedures to ensure compliance.
• HRIS and Data Analysis: Proficiency in using HR Information Systems (HRIS) for data management and analysis to inform decision-making and improve HR processes.
• Proficient computer skills: Microsoft Suite of applications (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, TEAMs, OneNote) and different HRIS and ATS systems.

Personal characteristics:

• High integrity, with the ability to balance employee, leader, and company needs to ensure desired outcomes.
• Strong strategic thinking and proactive problem-solving skills, demonstrating a sense of urgency. Ability to triage and prioritize. High expectations on results and proactive problem solving.
• Superior interpersonal, communications, flexibility, and conflict management skills.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills with the ability to present and deliver content training as well as resolve conflict and identify root cause to provide effective solutions.
• Optimistic with a can-do-attitude with the ability to work well in a fast-paced and changing environment. Works well under pressure.
• Empathetic leader with self-awareness and the ability to motivate and encourage others while ensuring accountability.
• Strong collaboration skills with key stakeholders across business groups to deliver key outcomes, ensuring a balanced perspective and win-win outcomes.
• Excellent networking and interpersonal skills as well as strong prioritization and organizational skills and initiative.

Qualifications – Key Competencies

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources Management, Business Administration, or a related field, or work equivalency.
• 7+ yrs. of experience in HRBP or HR Generalist roles.
• SHRM-CP/ SHRM-SCP or PHR/SPHR certification is preferred.
• Must be able to demonstrate expertise and competency in the field.
• Strong communication, problem-solving, and leadership skills are essential for success in this role.

Required Capabilities

• 8+ hours per day sitting/standing at desk/computer; walk occasionally throughout workday.
• Lift, lower, and maneuver up to 10 pounds occasionally.
• Manual dexterity and repetitive motions are required throughout workday.
• Estimates travel is 10-20%.

WHAT YOU WILL LOVE ABOUT SOUTHWORTH

• Paid time off for Vacation, Sick/Personal, Maternity/Paternity Leave, and Community Service/Volunteer work
• Affordable Medical and Vision coverage
• FREE company paid Dental coverage
• Company paid Life Insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement & Career Development Plans
• FUN and collaborative team members
• The opportunity to reach a worldwide customer base

Southworth is an Equal Opportunity Employer