This role serves as a strategic HR Business Partner, supporting our branches across South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. You will collaborate closely with leadership and teams within your assigned region to drive HR initiatives and provide consultative support tailored to the needs of each location.

Position Summary

The Human Resources Generalist executes the plans and processes necessary to support a positive employee experience at the Ware Group throughout the employee life cycle from recruitment to separation and in support of overall business objectives. Areas of responsibility and program involvement include but are not limited to recruitment, talent acquisition administration, employee counseling and coaching, manager support, support and/or coordination of employee engagement and retention initiatives, total rewards support, administration and/or management of assigned programs such as benefits, 401(k) and wellness, compensation support, compliance management, and HRIS/HCM administration and support. This position reports to the Human Resources Manager working across the organization and may be assigned support responsibilities for a primary group of branches, regions, and/or departments.

Essential Job Function

1. Represents the Ware Group culture in all employee interactions, contributing to an inclusive and inviting culture. Leverages company values when implementing employee programs, enforcing policy, and making decisions. Administers, coordinates, and provides support for all assigned HR programs and initiatives, across the company and/or for any assigned locations.
2. Serves as a point of contact for Managers in addressing employee-related matters and applying policy. Based on level of experience, coaches and guides Managers in performance management and discipline or supports coaching related needs. Performs, or participates in, preliminary investigations and conducts concern intake calls, escalating issues and recommendations to HR Manager. Serves as contact for initial concern or issue intake. Ensures proper documentation is established and retained. Assists managers in addressing corrective actions as needed, drafting and reviewing associated documents. Shares trends and recommendations with HR management.
3. Supports total rewards initiatives (i.e. benefits, wellness, tuition reimbursement, etc.) including administering and leading all aspects of assigned programs. Assists in coordination of enrollment and other meetings and events. Provides reports, analysis, and research for resolution of issues and serves as point of contact for employee questions and program needs. Supports and promotes current total rewards programs and makes recommendations and shares feedback with HR management related to employee program offerings.
4. Participates in talent acquisition initiatives, working in HRIS/HCM or other TA platforms to conduct full cycle recruiting and onboarding new hires. Leads talent acquisition efforts in assigned locations. Represents The Ware Group to applicants and candidates throughout the recruitment cycle, following up as appropriate. Supports hiring managers and the organization's TA needs. Onboards and follows up with new hires and participates with hiring managers to ensure a positive new hire experience.
5. Serves as point of contact for hiring and onboarding for all assigned positions from notification through complete hiring and onboarding set up. Works with and supports hiring managers with talent acquisitions and organizational need. Provides assistance, education, and support with interviewing and onboarding techniques and other talent acquisition best practices. Attends job fairs and builds relationships with schools and other candidate pipelines in assigned geography to support talent acquisitions initiatives.
6. Serves as point of contact for all leave-related needs in conjunction with other Generalists. Works with and supports employees with leave needs and administers associated programs. Ensures compliance, communication, and effective case management is provided as well as all appropriate documentation and reporting related to leave programs.
7. Manages workers' compensation needs from initial intake through case management until resolution for assigned locations or supports across the organization as assigned.
8. Works closely with appropriate personnel to ensure payroll is processed accurately and timely. Serves as HR payroll administrator as assigned. Supports employees and managers with payroll and leave and attendance related functions, providing education and support as needed and implementing changes and updates as needed.
9. Serves as primary point of contact for assigned areas and/or locations, answering questions and triaging HR related needs to the appropriate subject matter expert, HR contact, or resource for follow up and resolution.
10. Supports and assists with employee recognition and engagement efforts across the organization and actively communicates within assigned locations. May lead, coordinate, and/or promote engagement programs companywide as assigned.
11. Utilizes HRIS/HCM and a variety of technical platforms to administer programs and provide support to employees and managers. Provides training on systems to all users as appropriate. Assists with integrations and problem resolution as needed to ensure successful data integration and use across various platforms (e.g., payroll, benefits, performance, etc.).
12. Creates and maintains accurate and timely information in a wide variety of formats and platforms ensuring confidentiality and privacy compliance. Ensures accurate and compliant records management including timely and accurate HRIS/HCM data entry.
13. Assists with reporting and all aspects of regulatory compliance for the assigned HR programs. Produces reports, consolidates data, conducts analysis, and generates metrics as requested.
14. Responds timely to a wide variety of employment related requests from a wide variety of sources such as unemployment claims, employment verifications, and other inquiries.
15. Remains current with HR trends, current regulations, and general awareness of the HR landscape related to assigned program areas. Interprets and applies policies and applicable regulations across assigned work areas.
16. Performs other duties as assigned for the smooth and efficient operation of the department and to maintain a high level of support and service in achieving the Ware Group's business operations.

Internal Relationships

Requires frequent contact and communication across the organization including with Human Resources team, Managers, Employees, and Branch Support personnel.

External Relationships

Interacts with vendor and broker partners, Johnstone Cooperative personnel, and external agency personnel.

Education, Work Experience & Specialized Skills or Knowledge

• Minimum of three years of HR Generalist or Specialist experience with strong working knowledge of at least three human resources disciplines such as employee relations, performance management, employment law, policy interpretations, recruiting and talent acquisition, HRIS/HCM, payroll administration, compensation and benefits, leave management.
• Bachelor's degree in human resources or related field required or ability to obtain within one year.
• Strong technical acumen and experience with various HRIS/HCM systems and data interfaces. Experience working in UKG, Kronos, ADP, or similar platforms preferred.
• Ability to work with a high level of confidentiality with experience building trust-based relationships.
• Must be well organized and equipped to work in a fast-paced environment with the ability to multi-task, prioritize, and meet evolving deadlines.
• Strong problem-solving ability.
• Excellent customer service skills with ability to interact and communicate with a wide variety of internal and external customers and stakeholders.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and oral, with ability to communicate proficiently in English in both formats.
• Bilingual in Spanish a plus.

Physical Environment / Working Conditions

Typical office environment working conditions at Branch Support with relatively frequent on-site trips to various Branch office / operations facilities that requires standing, walking and sitting for prolonged periods of time. Visual acuity and hand dexterity required for reading, producing reports, or doing computer work for extended periods of time. Very limited physical exertion required in the course of daily activity. Auditory acuteness required to perform heavy volume of telephone and personal contacts on an individual, or group meeting level. Travel (mostly driving) may be up to 20% on the local, state, and regional basis as needed.

Why the Ware Group?

• Competitive Pay
• Comprehensive benefits package including Health, Dental, and Vision
• 401K with company match
• Tuition Reimbursement Program
• EAP Program
• Employee Wellness Program
• Employee Referral Program
• Warehouse Safety Reward Program

We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know. If applying for positions in the U.S., must be eligible to work in the U.S. without need for employer sponsored visa (work permit).