Human Resources Generalist

Consider joining Pennex as a Human Resources Generalist at our Leetonia, OH location.  The Human Resources Generalist is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the HR department including recruitment, onboarding/offboarding, employee relations, managing leave administration, compliance, performance management, and employee engagement. 

This role works closely with the Human Resources Work Group and partners across the organization to support business needs and foster a positive, high-performance workplace culture.  This position reports to the Senior Human Resources Manager.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

HR Operations & Employee Services

• Serves as a subject matter expert and provides guidance and support to the HR team as needed.
• Provides excellent service to internal and external partners, models a collaborative and solution-oriented approach.
• Contributes to departmental goal setting, process improvement, and performance tracking using measurable KPIs.
• Champions and drives strategic HR initiatives that align with business goals and Business Operating Plan.
• Leads the implementation of HR projects, ensures successful execution, effective change management, communication plans, and adherence to project timelines.

Recruiting & Onboarding

• Leads recruitment efforts for hourly positions, partners with hiring managers to identify role requirements and candidate profiles.
• Conducts interviews, coordinates with managers and Talent Acquisition, and extends offers.
• Facilitates pre-employment processes including background checks, occupational physicals, drug tests, assessments, and reference checks.
• Manages onboarding activities including new hire orientation, paperwork completion, and milestone check-ins (15/45/90 days).
• Manages all temporary staffing, including requesting temporary workers, ending assignments, tracking, and monitoring for conversion to permanent full-time roles.
• Communicates hiring activity and updates with internal stakeholders.
• Ensures all recruiting and hiring practices to comply with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

Employee Relations

• Supports the identification and the resolution of workplace issues that require intervention.
• Addresses employee concerns, mediates conflicts, and provides policy guidance to promote a respectful workplace.
• Conducts investigations and recommends the appropriate disciplinary actions, consults with leadership as needed.
• Manages the performance evaluation process and provides constructive feedback.
• Guides managers on disciplinary actions, PIPs, and terminations; maintains documentation and follows-up on outcomes.
• Conducts and evaluates exit interviews to identify trends and employee retention strategies.
• Leads the stay interview process, evaluates feedback, and collaborates with internal stakeholders to implement initiatives that enhance employee engagement and retention.

Compliance & Policy

• Stays current with employment laws and HR best practices; ensures company compliance with all federal, state, and local employment and labor regulations.
• Assists in developing, updating, and communicating HR policies and procedures.
• Maintains accurate employee records in accordance with legal requirements, record retention, and company standards.

Additional Responsibilities

• Oversees and manages the unemployment claims process, ensures timely and accurate responses.
• Creates and distributes internal HR communications.
• Analyzes HR data and prepares reports to support data-driven decisions.
• Collaborates on company events and employee engagement initiatives.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

The Ideal Candidate Will Have:

Education

• High School Diploma or equivalent required; bachelor's degree in a related field preferred
•  HR Certificate (PHR, SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, etc.) a plus but not required

Experience

•  Minimum of 5 years of HR experience, preferably in a manufacturing environment, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Proficient with HRIS/ATS systems - experience with ADP Workforce Now and iCIMS is strongly preferred

Other Required Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

• Passion for working in a dynamic, hands-on manufacturing environment
• Strong communication skills – verbal, written, and interpersonal
• Skilled in negotiation, conflict resolution, and employee advocacy
• Strong influencing skills with ability to build trust, gain buy-in, and effectively guide managers and employees toward desired outcomes
• Excellent time management skills with proven ability to multi-task and prioritize effectively
• Demonstrated project management skills
• Self-motivated with a desire to learn and grow within the HR field
• Detail-oriented with a strong commitment to follow-through and accuracy
• High level of professionalism, integrity, and confidentiality
• Thorough knowledge of employment laws and HR compliance
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite with advanced skills in Excel and PowerPoint required
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management abilities
• Must be able to pass a pre-employment physical, drug screen, and assessment
• Must be eligible to work in the United States, visa sponsorships are not available
• Regular on-site attendance is required 

Environmental Hazards 
 
Physical

• The employee is regularly required to stand. 
• The employee is frequently required to walk; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. 
• The employee is occasionally required to sit and use hands. 
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. 
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision and depth perception.

Work Environment

• The employee is frequently exposed to wet and/or humid conditions; fumes or airborne particles and extreme heat.   
• The noise level in the work environment is usually loud. 

Perks of the Job:  

• Medical, dental and vision insurance  

• Disability and life insurance  

• 401(k) with matching contribution  

• Generous allotment of paid vacation and paid holidays  

• Competitive wages plus performance-based bonus opportunities  

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)  

• Ongoing training and professional development  

• Opportunity for career growth and advancement  

• Daily pay available  

Why Our People Love Working Here: 

• Purpose-driven, friendly, open and respectful culture  

• Shared core values of safety, caring, integrity and growth  

• Employee discount program with hundreds of partner brands  

• Up to $5000 tuition reimbursement  

• Wellness incentive program  

• Regular employee celebrations and events 

Who We Are 

Founded nearly half a century ago, Pennex continues to see rapid growth as a leading provider of quality aluminum cast products and extrusions. With state-of-the-art technology and facilities across Ohio and Pennsylvania, we’re proud to offer the capabilities and expertise to cast billet, extrude custom shapes and fabricate finished components for customers across a range of markets - including automotive, transportation, building and construction, electrical and machinery, consumer durables and distribution.   

But it’s not just what we do that sets us apart, it’s how we do it. Safety. Caring. Integrity. Growth. These core values are embodied by each member of our team; guiding every action we take and decision we make. Whether it’s driving innovation within our industry, making the impossible possible for our customers, providing a safe, respectful workplace for employees or supporting our local communities, our purpose is clear. We are dedicated to impacting our world in a positive way.   

If you are a like-minded individual with a strong ability to problem solve, collaborate and effectively communicate, Pennex may be the perfect place for you to grow your career. To learn more, please visit Pennex.com or check out other opportunities within the MX Holdings family of companies at MXHoldings.com.  

Our Commitment to Inclusion 

We welcome people of different backgrounds, abilities and perspectives. To ensure our business and culture continue to be inclusive of all people, we never discriminate on the basis of race, religion, national origin, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age or marital, veteran or disability status. MX Holdings and the family of brands, including Metal Exchange and Pennex, are proud to be equal opportunity employers. Additionally, all of your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines. Should you have any questions or require special assistance completing your application, please email pennexrecruiter@pennex.com.  

Qualified Applicants must be legally authorized for employment in the United States and not require employer sponsored work authorization now or in the future for employment in the United States. 

Our salary ranges are primarily determined by role, level, and location. The range provided for each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target salaries for the position across all US locations. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. 

Confidentiality Agreement Required: Yes