Sr. Human Resources Generalist

Summary of Position

The Senior Human Resources Generalist provides advanced, hands-on HR support across multiple functional areas while serving as a trusted advisor to employees and leadership. This role plays a key part in driving the effectiveness of the Human Resources Department by supporting the Vice President of HR & EHS, providing expert guidance on employee relations and compliance matters, and ensuring consistent application of company policies, procedures, and quality standards across the Connecticut site.

The Senior HR Generalist exercises sound judgment, operates with a high degree of independence, leads complex HR activities, and contributes to the continuous improvement of HR processes, systems, and the overall employee experience.

The Senior HR Generalist will play a key role in supporting day-to-day HR operations while partnering closely with leadership. This position offers the opportunity to take on increasing responsibility and may evolve into an HR Manager role as the organization grows.

Essential Functions

Employee Relations, Compliance & HR Operations

• Serve as a senior-level point of contact for employee relations matters, independently handling complex issues and providing guidance to employees and managers on policies, procedures, performance concerns, and workplace issues.
• Lead and support workplace investigations, including policy violations, misconduct, harassment, and employee complaints; ensure timely, fair, and consistent resolution and documentation.
• Coach leaders on effective employee management practices, corrective action, performance documentation, and conflict resolution.
• Coordinate and lead new hire onboarding to ensure a compliant, engaging, and positive first-day experience, including orientation, badge processing, and documentation verification.
• Prepare, process, audit, and maintain employee lifecycle documentation, including hires, transfers, promotions, status changes, and terminations.
• Ensure all onboarding and personnel documentation is completed accurately and in compliance with legal, regulatory, and internal requirements.
• Maintain Form I-9 compliance, including historical recordkeeping, reverifications, and coordination of updated documentation as required.
• Administer and track employee referral bonus programs and related reporting.
• Conduct regular audits of personnel files and HR records to ensure accuracy, consistency, confidentiality, and compliance.

Performance Management, Talent & Development

• Support and administer performance management processes, including goal setting, performance reviews, corrective action, and employee development planning.
• Partner with leadership to identify training needs and coordinate or deliver HR-related training such as workplace conduct, harassment prevention, and leadership fundamentals.
• Support talent development, internal mobility, and succession planning initiatives as assigned.
• Provide guidance on career development and performance improvement strategies.

Benefits, Communication & Engagement

• Serve as a knowledgeable resource for employees regarding benefit programs, including health insurance, safety footwear, protective eyewear, and company apparel.
• Assist employees with benefit-related questions and enrollment support in coordination with benefits vendors and leadership.
• Prepare, post, and distribute internal communications and maintain employee bulletin boards, wellness displays, and recognition boards.
• Support and help lead employee engagement initiatives, wellness programs, recognition efforts, and company-sponsored events.
• Partner with the Employee Relations Specialist on community outreach initiatives and site-wide programs that support employee morale and company culture.

Safety, Quality & Cross-Functional Support

• Maintain and update OSHA logs in compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Support safety initiatives by partnering with EHS and leadership on documentation, training records, and compliance activities.
• Maintain working knowledge of the TOMZ Quality Management System and ensure HR documentation aligns with quality system requirements.
• Support internal and external audits related to HR, safety, and quality systems as required.
• If bilingual, coordinate and conduct HR, Safety, and Quality System orientations and provide translation support as needed.

HR Systems, Analytics & Continuous Improvement

• Utilize HR systems and data to track trends, support reporting, and provide insights related to turnover, onboarding effectiveness, engagement, and compliance.
• Identify opportunities to improve HR processes, documentation, and workflows to enhance efficiency and the employee experience.
• Assist with HR system implementations, upgrades, and optimization initiatives.
• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) and job aids for HR processes as needed.

Qualifications:

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, Business Administration, or a related field, or equivalent relevant experience.

Experience

• Minimum of 4 years of progressive experience in a Human Resources Generalist role, with demonstrated ownership of employee relations and compliance activities.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to manage sensitive and confidential matters with discretion, professionalism, and sound judgment.
• Strong working knowledge of HR compliance, employee relations, investigations, and recordkeeping best practices.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and HR information systems.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with leadership and cross-functional teams.

Preferred Skills

• Highly preferred: Bilingual in Ukrainian and/or Polish
• OSHA reporting and compliance experience
• Experience supporting manufacturing or other regulated environments
• SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or SPHR certification preferred

Physical Demands

• Ability to bend, stoop, squat, kneel, and lift up to 20 pounds; team lifting or mechanical assistance required for items over 20 pounds.
• Ability to sit for extended periods.
• Proficient use of keyboard and mouse requiring manual dexterity and coordination.
• Ability to focus on computer screens and other visual tasks for prolonged periods, with appropriate vision correction if needed.
• Ability to perform repetitive hand and arm movements