Human Resources Generalist

About J.W. Pepper & Sons, Inc.

J.W. Pepper was founded in 1876 and is the world’s largest retailer of sheet music, with a particular focus on the K12 education market, offering over 1.2 million products on our website from over 1,000 suppliers. The company is headquartered in Exton, PA with a large distribution facility in Atlanta, GA.

Our Mission

Pepper primarily serves people who direct music programs in schools, churches, and community groups, and it’s our goal to thrill them with our service throughout their careers. Our ability to present the highest quality products in formats that meet the needs of our music education customers has become a hallmark of our Editors’ Choice and catalog promotions.

Overview

The Human Resources Generalist supports all HR functions for our Atlanta Distribution Center, serving as the on-site HR presence for a fast-paced, people-focused warehouse environment. This role reports directly to the Director of Human Resources (Exton, PA) and works in close daily partnership with the DC Manager to ensure a positive employee experience, strong compliance, and smooth operational support.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on HR professional who thrives in a distribution/warehouse setting, builds trust quickly, and balances employee advocacy with sound business judgment.

Key Responsibilities

Employee Relations & Engagement

• Serve as the primary HR contact for all ATL DC employees, providing guidance, support, and coaching.
• Address employee concerns with professionalism, confidentiality, and fairness.
• Support initiatives that strengthen culture, morale, and retention within the DC.
• Conduct stay interviews, exit interviews, and pulse check-ins as needed.

Recruiting & Onboarding

• Partner with the DC Manager to understand staffing needs and maintain appropriate headcount.
• Manage full-cycle recruiting for hourly and select salaried roles, including job postings, screening, interviewing, and coordinating offers.
• Facilitate new-hire onboarding, orientation, and first-day logistics.
• Ensure all hiring and onboarding processes comply with company policies and federal/state regulations.

HR Operations & Compliance

• Maintain accurate employee records, personnel files, and HRIS data.
• Support timekeeping, attendance tracking, and PTO administration.
• Assist with FMLA, ADA, workers’ compensation, and other leave-related processes.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws, as well as internal policies.
• Conduct or support investigations related to policy violations, safety incidents, or employee concerns.

Training, Safety & Development

• Coordinate required safety training, certifications, and compliance programs in partnership with the DC Manager.
• Support performance management processes, including coaching supervisors on documentation and feedback.
• Assist with employee development initiatives and training rollouts.

Payroll & Benefits Support

• Serve as the on-site resource for payroll questions, benefits inquiries, and general HR support.
• Partner with the HR team in Exton to ensure accurate payroll processing and benefits administration.

DC Partnership & Operational Support

• Work closely with the DC Manager to understand operational priorities and staffing needs.
• Participate in daily or weekly DC leadership meetings.
• Support special projects, seasonal staffing surges, and company-wide initiatives.

Work Environment

• Full-time, on-site role at the Atlanta Distribution Center.
• Regular interaction with warehouse employees, supervisors, and leadership.
• Occasional travel to Exton, PA for training or HR team meetings may be required.

• 3+ years of HR experience, preferably in a distribution center, warehouse, manufacturing, or similar environment
• Strong knowledge of HR best practices and employment laws.
• Experience supporting hourly workforce populations.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and conflict-resolution skills.
• Ability to work independently while staying aligned with the broader HR team.
• High level of integrity, discretion, and professionalism.
• Proficiency with HRIS systems and Microsoft Office Suite.

• Health Plan
• Dental Plan
• Vision Plan
• 401K
• Life Insurance
• 80 hours of Paid Vacation