Senior Human Resources Generalist

ITW - Ottawa, IL

Full-time - Mid Level

Ottawa, IL

251-500 employees

Computer and Electronic Product Manufacturing

About the position

This position is within ITW's Specialty Segment, specifically in the Zip-Pak division, which is recognized as the global leader in resealable solutions for the flexible packaging industry. Zip-Pak's expertise in zipper application technology and packaging systems positions it as the primary choice for brand owners, OEMs, and converters seeking innovative resealable solutions. The division operates with a lean, modern, and continuous manufacturing environment, producing zippers through high-volume plastic extrusion. With over 300 employees and six global manufacturing sites, Zip-Pak has a significant presence across North America, South America, and Europe. The Senior HR Generalist will play a crucial role in providing day-to-day professional HR support and policy administration across the North America division, focusing primarily on the non-exempt workforce. This role will serve as a trusted HR partner and advisor to departmental leaders, carrying out responsibilities in various functional areas, including Employee Relations, Wellness and Benefits, Compensation, Recruitment, Payroll, and Performance & Talent Management. The Senior HR Generalist is expected to work autonomously and efficiently, ensuring the smooth operation of HR projects and contributing to the achievement of specific goals and results for both the HR department and the organization. The position will support plants located in Ottawa, IL, Manteno, IL, and Atlanta, GA, with the primary office based in Ottawa, IL. Occasional travel to Atlanta, GA may be required. The Senior HR Generalist will provide coaching and support to front-line management in addressing employee relations issues, such as policy violations, attendance concerns, and performance issues. Additionally, this role will coach business leaders and their teams on the development of others, helping to identify developmental opportunities for the talent pipeline within the business unit and tracking progress on development action plans. The Senior HR Generalist will maintain knowledge of legal requirements and government reporting regulations affecting human resources functions, ensuring compliance with policies, procedures, and reports. This includes playing an active role in the development of the Affirmative Action Plan within business units and ensuring compliance with required legal postings. The role also involves inputting and maintaining employee data in the HRIS system, preparing regular or special reports, reviewing existing HR policies and procedures, conducting wage surveys, managing performance review and compensation processes, coordinating wellness events, and supporting recruitment activities. The Senior HR Generalist will also lead or participate in various HR projects as assigned.

Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day professional HR support and policy administration across the North America division.
• Serve as a trusted HR partner and advisor to departmental leaders.
• Coach and support front line management in solving employee relations issues.
• Help business leaders and their teams identify developmental opportunities for talent pipeline.
• Maintain knowledge of legal requirements and ensure compliance with HR policies and procedures.
• Input and maintain employee data in the HRIS system.
• Prepare regular or special reports using HRIS.
• Review existing HR policies and procedures and initiate changes as necessary.
• Conduct and analyze wage survey data and maintain position descriptions.
• Manage the performance review and compensation processes for non-exempt employees.
• Coordinate wellness events and activities for the division.
• Act as the Disability Management process owner for the division.
• Support HR with recruitment activities for the division.
• Lead or participate in HR projects as assigned.

Requirements

• BS/BA in Human Resources, Business Administration, or relevant field, preferred.
• 3-5 years of relevant experience in human resources, including knowledge of recruitment processes, benefit and compensation administration, employee relations, and legal compliance requirements.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; able to communicate effectively with colleagues and respond clearly to employee inquiries.
• Independent and organized work style; able to manage time and prioritize workload effectively.
• Strong technical skills; proficiency in MS Office programs and experience with Workday HRIS System and/or Dayforce preferred.
• Ability to use good judgment and discretion with highly confidential business and employee information.
• Ability to prepare reports, presentations, and analyses using Microsoft Office.
• Ability to effectively handle pressure and challenges.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge of Affirmative Action Plans and compliance requirements.