Experienced HR Generalist - Tipton

Company Overview

Ventura Coastal, the recognized West Coast citrus B2B leader, delivers highest quality citrus products with tailored solutions, speed and elevated customer service to industry giant beverage companies as well as niche marketers. We produce, process and pack customized blends of orange, lemon, tangerine and grapefruit juices, oils, essences, pulp and peel products.

Over the last decade, acting with entrepreneurial business style practices, we have achieved transformational growth through strategic investment in production capabilities. This success has provided us the financial resources to invest in our next phase of growth and expansion. With Sales demands up for oil and juice, were on our way towards building the next iteration of transformational growth.

We are currently recruiting an experienced HR Generalist to support our Tipton plant.

Job Summary

The HR Generalist plays a key role in supporting the HR department and overall operations of the manufacturing plant, which operates with a predominately unionized workforce. This position is responsible for managing various human resources functions, including recruitment, employee relations, benefits administration, compliance with labor laws, and supporting management in maintaining a productive, safe, and compliant work environment. The HR Generalist will work closely with both union and non-union employees, providing support and guidance in all HR-related matters.

The position reports to the Human Resources Manager and has frequent contact with Corporate Payroll and Human Resources teams and Local 517 representatives.

Primary Responsibilities

Employee Relations & Union Interaction:

• Serve as a primary point of contact for employee concerns, providing guidance on policies, procedures, and conflict resolution.
• Support the administration and interpretation of the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) and facilitate communication between management and union representatives.
• Assist with grievance procedures, attend grievance meetings, and help resolve labor disputes.
• Foster positive working relationships with union representatives while ensuring compliance with union contracts.

Recruitment & Onboarding:

• Assist the Talent Acquisition Specialist and HR Manager with recruitment process for plant positions, including job postings, interviewing, and hiring.
• Coordinate onboarding activities for new hires, ensuring all required documents and training are completed in a timely manner.
• Assist in developing and maintaining job descriptions and ensuring alignment with the union contract.

Training & Development:

• Assist with the planning and execution of training programs for plant employees to enhance their skills and ensure compliance with safety and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with managers to identify training needs and organize relevant sessions.
• Track training compliance and maintain accurate training records.

Compliance & Safety:

• Ensure adherence to federal, state, and local labor laws, as well as OSHA safety regulations, within the plant.
• Work with safety and operations teams to ensure compliance with workplace safety standards and promote a safe working environment.
• Assist in maintaining accurate employee records related to compliance, certifications, and safety.

Performance Management & Employee Recognition:

• Support managers in the performance management process, including conducting performance reviews, addressing performance issues, and facilitating corrective actions when necessary.
• Assist in organizing employee recognition programs and events to promote engagement and retention.

Recordkeeping & Reporting:

• Maintain accurate and confidential employee records, including personnel files, attendance, and disciplinary actions.
• Prepare reports for Payroll, attendance, petty cash, union attendance credits, and other related reports.
• Assist in ensuring compliance with all labor reporting requirements.

HR Administration:

• Administer HR-related policies and procedures in alignment with company objectives and union agreements.
• Support various HR initiatives, including engagement surveys, employee communication programs, and wellness initiatives.

Qualifications and Education Requirements

• Bachelors degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 3-5 years of experience in human resources, with a focus on employee relations and a strong understanding of labor union environments (experience in manufacturing preferred).
• Knowledge of labor laws, employment regulations, and collective bargaining agreements.
• Experience with HRIS systems and proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and conflict resolution skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and manage sensitive information.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Experience in a unionized environment is highly preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Th Ability to work in both an office and plant environment.
• May need to lift up to 25lbs occasionally.
• Typically, Monday to Friday, with some flexibility depending on business needs.

Compensation

Range: $74,000 - $77,000 annually (bonus potential for achieving performance goals.)

Salary offers will vary and will be determined by the candidates work experience, education, skills, and certifications.

Our Benefits

At Ventura Coastal, we offer competitive benefits to our Non-Union Employees in Visalia, Tipton and Ventura that include:

• Medical & Prescription Drug Coverage (PPO, PPO/H.S.A., HMO)
• Long-Term Disability Insurance (LTD)
• Short-Term-Disability Insurance (STD)
• Basic Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance
• Dental Plan (DHMO, PPO)
• Vision Plan
• 401(k) with partial Company match
• Generous paid holiday and vacation benefits