Human Resources Generalist - Vitakraft Sun Seed, Inc.

Location: Onsite

About Vitakraft

With our global headquarters located in Bremen, Germany, Vitakraft has offices in 12 countries around the world and sells its products in more than 50 countries. Domestically, Vitakraft Sun Seed is home to a production facility and distribution warehouse manufacturing and distributing premium pet food, treats, bedding, and supplements for small animals, birds, cats and dogs. Our brands are Vitakraft®, Sunseed® and Menu. We have been creating quality products to help pet owners care for their companions for over 40 years in North America and more than 180 years in Europe.

As pet parents ourselves, we take our role of helping others to care for their pets seriously. Through experience, research, and innovation, we strive to create premium nutritional and bedding products that promote the health and happiness of pets and help strengthen the human-animal bond.

Job Title

Human Resource Generalist

Employment Type

Full-Time (40 hours per week, Monday to Friday)

Reports To

CFO

Job Summary:

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Human Resource Generalist to join our team. This position plays a key role in maintaining employee compensation, benefits, and policies. The HR Generalist will be responsible for recruitment, terminations, policy development and implementation, attendance monitoring, bonus program coordination, and annual evaluations. Additionally, the HR Generalist will assist with union contract negotiations (if applicable) and benefit renewals. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in Human Resources and payroll, exceptional communication skills, empathy, and the ability to adhere to company policies and contract language.

Key Responsibilities:

• New Hire Training & Education

  Provide new hires with training on core values, call-off procedures, emergency response, and safe work practices.

  
  

• Promote Workplace Culture

  Collaborate with management to foster a culture of respect, dignity, and self-worth.

  
  

• Employee Manual Management

  Oversee and update the Employee Manual, ensuring accuracy in collaboration with leadership.

  
  

• Benefits Administration

  Manage employee benefits, including group health insurance, life insurance, STD, LTD, and 401(k) programs.

  
  

• Payroll Processing

  Ensure timely processing of payroll using an external payroll service provider.

  
  

• Personnel Records Maintenance

  Keep accurate and up-to-date employee records, including pay rate changes, training, and disciplinary actions.

  
  

• Job Descriptions Compliance

  Ensure job descriptions are current and compliant with local, state, and federal regulations.

  
  

• Time-Off Policies & Attendance Audits

  Develop, implement, and maintain time-off policies in compliance with union contracts. Conduct regular attendance audits, identify potential disciplinary actions, and ensure attendance bonuses are processed.

  
  

• Compliance & Legal Matters

  Oversee FMLA, Workers' Compensation, Unemployment, EEOC, OSHA compliance, and other legal matters.

  
  

• Investigations & Corrective Actions

  Investigate harassment complaints/incidents in a timely manner, ensuring discretion and implementing corrective actions when necessary (including mandatory EAP referral).

  
  

• Stay Current with Trends & Regulations

  Continuously monitor industry trends, best practices, and regulatory changes.

  
  

• Conflict Resolution

  Offer guidance and counsel during conflicts, ensuring objective communication and constructive corrective action.

  
  

• Organizational Skills

  Demonstrate attention to detail and strong organizational abilities in all HR functions. Maintain effective communication with employees while exercising discretion.

  
  

Qualifications:

• Education

  Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources or a related field preferred.

  
  

• Experience
• Minimum of 5 years in Human Resources or a related role.
• At least 3 years of payroll processing experience (Paychex experience is a plus).
• Minimum of 2 years of recruitment and retention experience.
• Skills
• In-depth knowledge of DOL, FLSA regulations, and other HR standards.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and payroll management software.

Benefits:

• Healthcare

  Medical, Dental, Vision coverage

  
  

• Additional Benefits
• Short-Term Disability (STD)
• Voluntary Life Insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid vacation
• Paid sick time
• Six paid holidays per year

This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to the growth and well-being of our team, while helping to create a positive and compliant work environment.