Company Overview
Dexter-Russell, Inc. is a historic manufacturer renowned for producing high-quality professional cutlery. With a legacy rooted in craftsmanship and innovation, our company continues to lead in the foodservice, processing, fishing, and industrial markets through ongoing technological advancements and a commitment to excellence.
Job Overview
We are seeking a dedicated Human Resources Generalist to join our dynamic team. This role is vital in managing a broad spectrum of HR functions, including talent acquisition, employee relations, benefits administration, and compliance. The ideal candidate will support our organizational goals by fostering a positive work environment, ensuring legal compliance, and implementing strategic HR initiatives that promote workforce development and operational efficiency.
Ideal Candidate Profile
- Exercises sound judgment, discretion, and confidentiality in handling sensitive employee matters.
- Builds trust through responsiveness, fairness, and consistent follow-through.
- Engages comfortably with employees across shifts, departments, and work areas.
- Balances employee advocacy with business needs and practical HR judgment.
- Shows initiative, professionalism, and practical problem-solving in a fast-paced environment.
Key Responsibilities
Employee Relations & Workforce Support
- Serve as a primary HR contact for employees and supervisors.
- Address workplace concerns, conduct investigations, and support timely resolution.
- Partner with managers on performance management, attendance, and discipline.
- Help foster a positive, respectful, and compliant workplace.
Recruiting & Onboarding
- Manage recruiting for hourly and salaried roles, including posting, sourcing, screening, interviewing, selection, and offer coordination.
- Partner with hiring managers and supervisors to assess staffing needs and support timely hiring decisions.
- Lead onboarding and orientation so new hires understand company policies, culture, expectations, and resources.
- Coordinate pre-boarding with Payroll and department leaders, including paperwork, scheduling, system access, and new-hire communications.
- Support role-specific training and follow up on new-hire progress during the introductory period.
HR Operations & Compliance
- Support compliance with federal and Massachusetts employment laws, company policies, and HR best practices.
- Maintain accurate HRIS records and employee documentation, including onboarding, compensation changes, discipline, performance, leaves, training, certifications, and background checks.
- Support policy implementation and consistent application across departments.
- Assist with HR reporting, audits, and documentation requests.
- Support workplace injury follow-up, incident tracking, workers’ compensation reporting, and OSHA recordkeeping.
Benefits & HR Programs
- Support benefits administration in partnership with the Payroll Administrator.
- Assist with open enrollment, employee communications, the annual benefits and wellness fair, and information sessions.
- Respond to employee questions about benefits, HR policies, and available resources.
Training & Development
- Coordinate training programs, including harassment prevention and frontline supervisor development.
Qualifications & Experience
- 3–6+ years of HR experience; manufacturing or multi-shift experience strongly preferred.
- Strong employee relations experience and confidence working with frontline supervisors.
- Working knowledge of Massachusetts employment laws and HR best practices.
- Excellent communication, judgment, problem-solving, and collaboration skills.
- Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, or a related field; PHR or SHRM certification preferred.
- Bilingual Spanish/English skills a plus.
Work Environment
This on-site role requires regular presence in both office and production areas to support employees, supervisors, and daily manufacturing operations.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Dexter-Russell is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.
Pay: $60,000.00 - $70,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Employee discount
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Referral program
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Education:
Experience:
- Human Resources: 3 years (Required)
Ability to Commute:
- Southbridge, MA 01550 (Required)
Work Location: In person
