Employee Relations Generalist

Job Summary The Employee Relations Generalist serves as a key member of the HR team, responsible for both core HR generalist functions and employee relations support across Visalia and Tipton operations. This role supports a positive, compliant, and high-performing workplace by managing employee relations matters, conducting workplace investigations, and advising leaders on performance and conduct issues. In addition, the role provides day-to-day HR generalist support including recruiting coordination, onboarding, employee engagement initiatives, and timekeeping administration in Paycom. The Employee Relations Generalist partners closely with operations leadership in a fast-paced beverage manufacturing environment and ensures consistent HR practices across both non-union and union populations. This position will report directly to the Sr HR Manager. Primary Responsibilities Employee Relations & Investigations Conduct timely, thorough, and impartial workplace investigations involving policy violations, complaints, and employee concerns. Gather facts through interviews, documentation review, and evidence collection. Prepare objective investigation summary reports to document findings, analysis, and recommendations as appropriate. Partner with HR leadership to ensure consistent application of policies and practices. Maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive matters with discretion. Leadership Support & Coaching Provide guidance to managers on employee relations matters, including performance management, conflict resolution, and disciplinary actions. Support consistent application of progressive discipline aligned with company policy and collective bargaining agreement (CBA) where applicable. Assist leaders in addressing workplace concerns proactively. Union Relations Administer and ensure consistent application of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) across key areas including seniority, attendance, discipline and work rules, ensuring compliance with contractual requirements and timelines Support grievance and investigation processes by assisting with fact-finding, documentation, tracking and response coordination in alignment with the CBA Partner with HR leadership on union-related employee relations matters, including issue escalation, contract interpretation support, and ensuring communications and actions align with CBA obligations Recruiting Support Support full-cycle recruiting efforts, including posting positions, screening candidates, and coordinating interviews to ensure a smooth and organized hiring process. Assist in onboarding coordination and new hire follow-up to support successful integration. Employee Engagement & Events Assist in planning and coordinating employee engagement initiatives, events, and recognition programs across both locations. Support communication efforts related to employee activities and HR initiatives to ensure timely and clear messaging to employees. Help foster a positive and inclusive workplace culture by promoting respectful workplace behaviors and assisting in the resolution of employee concerns. Perform other duties as assigned and required. Timekeeping & Paycom Support Support managers and employees with Paycom timekeeping processes, including corrections and approvals. Monitor timecard accuracy and assist in resolving discrepancies in alignment with policy. Provide guidance to supervisors on proper timekeeping procedures. Support compliance with wage and hour practices through accurate time reporting. Qualifications and Education Requirements Required Minimum of 2 years of HR or employee relations experience in a manufacturing or similarly complex operational environment Experience supporting employee relations, HR processes, or workplace investigations Knowledge of California employment laws and HR best practices Strong communication, documentation, and interpersonal skills Ability to manage confidential and sensitive information appropriately Preferred Experience in a union environment and working with a collective bargaining agreement Experience in beverage or food manufacturing environment Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred HR certification (PHR, SHRM-CP) a plus Key Competencies Integrity and confidentiality Strong judgment and decision-making Conflict resolution and problem-solving Attention to detail and documentation accuracy Relationship building and collaboration across all levels Physical Requirements Regular onsite support required at both Visalia and Tipton facilities Manufacturing environment with exposure to varying temperatures and production activity Occasional flexibility required to support operational needs across shifts (we are a 24-hour plant) This job description is intended to provide guidelines for job expectations and the employee's ability to perform the position described. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills, and abilities. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate. This document does not represent a contract of employment, and the Company reserves the right to change this job description and/or assign tasks for the employee to perform, as the Company may deem appropriate.