The HR Generalist reports directly to the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) and supports a broad range of HR functions with a professional and proactive approach. This role contributes to the effective delivery of core HR services including benefits administration, leave management, recruitment support, onboarding, policy documentation and compliance, employee relationsinquiries, HR systems, compensation and performance management, and employee engagement initiatives.
The HR Generalist also plays an important role in safety and compliance, payroll support, and employee communications. Assists in safety initiatives and ensures compliance with Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) guidelines. Serves as backup for payroll, assisting with the end-to-end payroll process including data entry, tax reporting, W-2s, and regulatory filings. Addresses employee payroll concerns and ensures strict adherence to procedures to guarantee accurate, efficient, and timely payroll processing.
Additionally, this position partners closely with the CHRO to support employee training and maintain the company’s relationship with external benefits brokers, helping to ensure a positive employee experience and operational excellence across the HR function.

Educational Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field is required.
• A combination of education and relevant professional experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• PHR, SHRM-CP, or equivalent HR certification is preferred and may substitute for some experience

Experience and Skills

• 2+ years of progressive experience in Human Resources, preferably in a generalist capacity covering multiple functional areas.
• Solid understanding of HR principles, practices, and employment laws (federal and state).
• Hands-on experience with benefits administration, leave management, and supporting recruitment and onboarding processes.
• Experience supporting recruiting and onboarding processes, including job postings, interview coordination, pre-employment screening, and new hire orientation.
• Familiarity with payroll processes; experience with UKG or similar HRIS/payroll systems is highly preferred.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to handle sensitive and confidential matters with professionalism and discretion.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and time management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize tasks, manage deadlines, and work independently or collaboratively.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, evolving environment and adapting to change.
• Experience with vendor relations and coordinating with third-party providers is a plus

1. Administrating benefit programs including enrollment, changes, and employee inquiries, coordinating with brokers and supporting open enrollment. Handling and nurtures relationships with HR vendors including benefits providers, payroll services, and wellness program partners, ensuring service quality and cost-effectiveness.
2. Prepares and submits annual reports such as Form 5500 and 401(k) compliance documents.
3. Owns the employee data in UKG with Payroll/HR Specialist, supports data reporting, and ensures documentation readiness for audits.
4. Administers all leave programs such as MN PFML, FMLA, STD, and LTD while ensuring regulatory compliance.
5. Administers quarterly performance reviews and supports performance improvement, career development, succession planning, and employee development plans. Support management team and employees with training for the performance management UKG tool.
6. Assists the CHRO to coordinate training programs and track employee development activity.
7. Provides backup for payroll processing, including tax filings, W-2s, and resolution of payroll-related issues, ensuring timely and accurate payroll execution.
8. Track and report on key HR metrics such as turnover, retention, engagement, and performance trends to inform continuous improvement efforts.
9. Responsible for managing the company’s service award and employee recognition programs, ensuring timely execution and alignment with organizational culture and values.
10. Assists in safety initiatives and ensures compliance with Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) regulations, maintains OSHA 300 logs, workers compensation audits, and supports incident tracking and safety training.
11. Partner with HR Generalist II with onboarding and orientation for new hires to ensure a smooth transition. Supports HR Generalist II with recruitment efforts by coordinating job postings, interviews, and pre-employment processes.
12. Implements inclusive workplace policies as directed that contribute to a respectful and equitable work environment and supports employee engagement and communication initiatives.
13. Maintains and updates HR policies and the employee handbook, ensuring compliance with employment laws.
14. Ensures compliance with employment laws, recommends best practices, and monitors regulatory changes while staying updated on HR trends, best practices, and regulatory changes.
15. Completes special projects and other duties as assigned.

Additional Functions, DutiesAccountabilities

• Maintain flexibility in work schedule to meet business needs, including an in-office and from home hybrid work environment if applicable.
• Actively and positively contribute to the overall success of the company and team through regular contributions to the general management of the company.
• Support the company and other departments wherever and whenever your skills and experience would be beneficial.
• Uphold and promote AMS’s values of Integrity, Creativity, and Collaboration in all relationships with customers, suppliers, fellow employees, and other stakeholders.
• Ensure confidentiality and full and complete safeguarding of the company’s trade secrets and any of our customer lists and related records.

Educational Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field is required.
• A combination of education and relevant professional experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• PHR, SHRM-CP, or equivalent HR certification is preferred and may substitute for some experience.

Experience and Skills

• 2+ years of progressive experience in Human Resources, preferably in a generalist capacity covering multiple functional areas.
• Solid understanding of HR principles, practices, and employment laws (federal and state).
• Hands-on experience with benefits administration, leave management, and supporting recruitment and onboarding processes.
• Experience supporting recruiting and onboarding processes, including job postings, interview coordination, pre-employment screening, and new hire orientation.
• Familiarity with payroll processes; experience with UKG or similar HRIS/payroll systems is highly preferred.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to handle sensitive and confidential matters with professionalism and discretion.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and time management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize tasks, manage deadlines, and work independently or collaboratively.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, evolving environment and adapting to change.
• Experience with vendor relations and coordinating with third-party providers is a plus.