Location
Kouts, Indiana, United States
We, at Merit Steel, a Leggett & Platt company, are searching for a HR/EHS Specialist to support our bedding operations . Did you know we are a global leader in foam technology? That’s right! In fact, we have been pioneers in this industry for over 20 years. Since then, we have partnered with Leggett & Platt and been an industry leader in guaranteeing you get the best sleep possible. If you join our team, your work will ensure people across the world have a little more comfort in their lives.
The HR/EHS Specialist will be responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining the organization's HR and EHS processes and compliance in accordance with HR and EHS standards and other relevant regulatory requirements.
So, what will you be doing as an HR/EHS Specialist ?
- Manage full-cycle talent acquisition and onboarding, including job postings, sourcing, interviews, offers, orientation, and required training.
- Serve as on-site HR business partner to leaders, providing guidance on policy interpretation, documentation, performance management, employee relations, investigations, and corrective action.
- Administer leave, absence, and benefits programs (FMLA, ADA, STD/LTD, Workers’ Compensation, benefits enrollment/changes), supporting employees and resolving related issues.
- Lead offboarding activities, including exit interviews, documentation, and coordination of final pay and benefits.
- Maintain HR compliance and accurate recordkeeping (EEO, wage & hour, I-9/E‑Verify, personnel files), supporting audits and reporting.
- Manage HRIS and timekeeping data; partner with payroll to ensure accurate processing, attendance tracking, and resolution of inquiries.
- Track and analyze HR metrics (turnover, absenteeism, staffing, training completion) and recommend actions to support operational goals and retention.
- Lead employee engagement initiatives, site communications, recognition, and events to reinforce a positive and inclusive workplace culture.
- Lead risk assessments, job hazard analyses (JHAs), lockout/tagout reviews, and routine safety audits to reduce workplace risk.
- Investigate incidents and near-misses and perform root cause analysis, driving corrective and preventive actions through to closure.
- Develop, maintain, and test emergency preparedness and response plans; coordinate response activities as needed.
- Deliver safety training, toolbox talks, and site-wide awareness campaigns to strengthen EHS culture.
- Lead safety committees and cross-functional teams to implement EHS initiatives and drive engagement.
- Maintain written safety programs and OSHA recordkeeping and reporting, ensuring accurate, timely documentation and submissions.
- Manage waste disposal and evaluate waste streams for environmental compliance; conduct environmental audits, prepare compliance reports, and ensure adherence to environmental laws and regulations.
- Collaborate effectively with Corporate and Business Unit HR and EHS representatives.
- Other duties as assigned.
To be successful in this role, you’ll need:
- Strong working knowledge of human resources laws and regulations and environmental health & safety legislation and applicable federal, state, and local requirements.
- Strong decision-making and problem-solving skills, with the ability to prioritize effectively in a fast-paced environment.
- Ability to influence and engage employees at all organizational levels, building partnership and accountability.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills; comfortable presenting to frontline teams and leadership.
- Strong attention to detail and documentation accuracy.
- Calm, effective approach under pressure, including during emergency situations.
- Demonstrated proactive mindset; anticipates risk, raises issues early, and drives preventive actions before problems occur.
- Experience in a manufacturing environment.
Things we consider a plus:
- Bachelor’s degree in Management, Human Resources, Environmental Health & Safety, or a related field
- Five years human resources generalist experience (experience in a manufacturing environment highly preferred);
- HR Certification preferred – PHR, SPHR.
What to Do Next
Now that you’ve had a chance to learn more about us, what are you waiting for! Apply today and allow us the opportunity to learn more about you and the value you can bring to our team. Once you apply, be sure to create a profile, and sign up for job alerts, so you can be the first to know when new opportunities become available.
Our Values
Our values speak to our shared beliefs and describe how we approach working together.
- Put People First reflects our commitment to safety and care of each other, learning and development, and creating an inclusive environment of mutual respect, empathy and belonging.
- Do the Right Thing focuses us on acting with honesty and integrity, delivering the results the right way, taking pride in our work, and speaking the truth – good or bad.
- Do Great Work…Together occurs when we engage without hierarchy, collaborate as a team, embrace challenges, and work for the good of all of us.
- Take Ownership and Raise the Bar demonstrate our responsibility to add value and make a difference, challenge the status quo and biases to make things better, foster innovative and creative solutions to drive impact, and explore new perspectives and embrace change.
Our Commitment to You
We're actively taking steps to make sure our culture is inclusive and that our processes and practices promote equity for all. Leggett & Platt is comprised of people of all abilities, gender identities and expressions, ages, ethnicities, sexual orientations, veteran status, and more. Join us!
We welcome and encourage applications if you meet the minimum qualifications. Even if you do not meet the preferred qualifications, we’d love the opportunity to consider you.
Equal Employment Opportunity/Veteran/Disability Employer
For more information about how we handle your personal data in connection with our recruiting processes, please refer to the Recruiting Privacy Notice on the “Privacy Notice” tab located at http://privacy.leggett.com
