HR Generalist - Payroll

We are looking for an HR Generalist to support a manufacturing operation in Portage, Wisconsin. This Long-term Contract position will play a key role in day-to-day human resources activities, helping employees and leaders across recruiting, onboarding, employee relations, compliance, and benefits administration. The ideal candidate brings strong organization, sound judgment, and the ability to manage confidential information in a fast-paced environment.

*Payroll support absolutely necessary**

Responsibilities:

• Lead full-cycle hourly and salaried recruiting efforts by sourcing talent, screening applicants, coordinating interviews, preparing offers, and arranging pre-employment requirements such as background checks and screenings.

• Deliver onboarding support for new employees, including orientation activities, employment documentation, and entry of personnel data into HR systems.

• Provide front-line HR support by responding to employee questions related to policies, benefits, status changes, performance processes, and offboarding activities such as stay and exit interviews.

• Maintain accurate and confidential human resources records, including personnel files, I-9 documentation, compliance materials, investigation records, and performance-related documentation.

• Support workers’ compensation administration and safety-related recordkeeping by tracking active claims, assisting with required logs and submissions, and helping prepare annual postings.

• Help ensure compliance with applicable federal and state employment laws through record audits, policy communication, required postings, complaint review, and recommendations for process improvements.

• Assist with affirmative action and equal employment efforts by supporting plan documentation, training coordination, and community outreach activities.

• Serve as an HR contact for union-related communication, including tracking, responding to, and helping resolve grievances in partnership with leadership.

• Coordinate employee learning activities by assigning training, monitoring completion, running reports, and following up with affected employees and managers.

• Provide backup support to Payroll.

• At least 1 year of experience in a human resources generalist or HR administration role.

• Hands-on experience supporting employee relations, onboarding, benefits administration, and HR record maintenance.

• Familiarity with HRIS platforms and accurate employee data management.

• Working knowledge of employment law, compliance practices, and confidential file handling.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.

• Ability to analyze HR issues, provide practical guidance, and communicate clearly with employees, managers, and business partners.