Job Title: Senior People & Engagement Generalist
Location: Mishawaka, IN
Department: People & Engagement
Job Type: Exempt
About United Petfood:
United Petfood is a private label producer of high-quality dry & wet pet food, biscuits and snacks. We are a Belgian family business with 25 high-tech pet kitchens in Europe and the US.
Joining us, means joining an international, passionate and driven team with one common goal: a healthy planet filled with healthy pets! But it doesn’t stop there: we truly care about building encouraging, supportive, long-lasting partnerships, both inside as well as outside of our fast-growing family company. By only working with the very best ingredients and most innovative technology available, we ensure a spot in which you can grow, bloom and make thousands of pets happy worldwide!
Position Summary:
The Senior People & Engagement Generalist serves as the primary People & Engagement representative for the assigned manufacturing facility. This position is responsible for independently managing the day-to-day People & Engagement operations while partnering closely with plant leadership to support business objectives and create a positive employee experience.
This role provides leadership in recruiting, onboarding, employee relations, performance management, compliance, engagement, training, and workforce development. The Senior People & Engagement Generalist exercises sound judgment in managing routine People & Engagement matters while collaborating with the People & Engagement Manager on complex employee relations issues, disciplinary actions, organizational changes, and other high-impact business decisions.
This position plays a critical role in maintaining a culture built on accountability, respect, engagement, and continuous improvement.
Essential Responsibilities:
Talent Acquisition & Onboarding
- Manage full-cycle recruiting for hourly and salaried positions.
- Coordinate interviews, background checks, offers, and onboarding activities.
- Facilitate New Hire Orientation and ensure successful onboarding.
- Maintain staffing levels by partnering with department leaders.
- Build relationships with staffing agencies, schools, and community organizations.
Employee Relations
- Serve as the primary People & Engagement contact for employees and supervisors.
- Coach leaders through performance management and employee concerns.
- Conduct workplace investigations and recommend appropriate resolutions.
- Resolve employee issues in a fair, timely, and consistent manner.
- Foster a positive workplace culture through open communication and trust.
- Escalate complex employee relations matters and disciplinary recommendations to the People & Engagement Manager.
Performance Management
- Support leaders with coaching, documentation, and performance improvement.
- Coordinate performance review processes and development conversations.
- Promote accountability while recognizing employee achievements.
Compliance
- Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws.
- Maintain accurate employee files and HRIS records.
- Ensure policies and procedures are consistently administered.
- Assist with audits and compliance reporting.
Employee Engagement
- Plan employee appreciation events and recognition programs.
- Coordinate communication initiatives that strengthen engagement.
- Support retention strategies and employee wellness initiatives.
- Encourage employee feedback and continuous improvement.
Leadership Partnership
- Partner with site leadership to support operational goals.
- Provide guidance on People & Engagement policies and best practices.
- Analyze workforce trends and recommend improvements.
- Support organizational change initiatives.
Safety & Training
- Coordinate onboarding and required compliance training.
- Partner with Environmental Health & Safety to support safety initiatives.
- Promote a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Qualifications:
Required
- Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field (or equivalent experience).
- Minimum of 5 years of progressive Human Resources experience.
- Manufacturing, food production, distribution, or industrial experience preferred.
- Strong knowledge of federal and state employment laws.
- Experience conducting investigations and managing employee relations.
- Experience with recruiting and onboarding.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to influence leaders and build strong working relationships.
- High level of integrity and confidentiality.
- Excellent organizational and time management skills.
- Experience using HRIS systems and Microsoft Office.
Preferred
- SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or SPHR certification.
- Multi-site manufacturing experience.
- Experience supporting hourly workforces in a 24/7 manufacturing environment.
Core Competencies
- Employee Relations
- Leadership Coaching
- Conflict Resolution
- Employment Law
- Recruiting
- Performance Management
- Communication
- Business Partnership
- Problem Solving
- Organization & Planning
- Confidentiality
- Change Management
Physical Requirements
- Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, and move throughout the manufacturing facility.
- Ability to travel occasionally between company locations and attend off-site meetings.
- Ability to work in an environment with exposure to production noise, dust, and varying temperatures.
Our Values in Action:
- We Aim Higher – Deliver quality and efficiency on every pallet; continuously look for ways to improve our processes.
- We Make It Work – Solve problems quickly and keep production moving; flexibility and a hands-on mentality are key.
- We Grow United – Collaborate with your team and support colleagues to achieve shared goals.
- We Do What’s Right – Follow safety, quality, and operational standards; act responsibly in all tasks.
- We Thrive on Passion – Bring energy, care for animals, and dedication to producing top-quality pet food.
Equal Opportunity Employer: United Petfood Producers USA Inc. is an equal opportunity workplace. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.