HR Generalist

HR Generalist Rockford, IL - Rockford, IL 61108 Apply Overview Salary Range $65,000.00 - $75,000.00 Salary/year Job Shift 1st shift Apply Description Furst-McNess Company is looking to add a full-time HR Generalist at our headquarters office in Rockford, IL . Starting Pay Range : $65,000 to $75,000 (compensation will be determined by relevant experience and the interview process) Pay Type : Salary, paid bi-weekly Work Setting : Hybrid (4 days onsite, 1 day remote) Core Work Schedule : Monday - Friday, 40 hours per week Work Location : 1252 Bell Valley Road, Suite 220, Rockford, IL 61108 Benefit Package: We offer a comprehensive benefits program designed to promote health, financial security, and work‑life balance. See our benefits summary below. POSITION SUMMARY: The HR Generalist supports core human resources operations across the employee lifecycle, including onboarding, payroll, benefits, employee relations support, and HR compliance. This role partners closely with HR leadership to ensure accurate, consistent, and employee-focused HR practices, while contributing to day-to-day operations and continuous improvement initiatives. Recruiting support may be provided as needed based on business needs. This position is ideal for an HR professional with solid foundational experience who enjoys variety, collaboration, and operational ownership across multiple HR functions. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: Support employee lifecycle activities, including onboarding, job changes, employee relations documentation, and offboarding processes Maintain accurate and timely records in HRIS, payroll, benefits, and ATS systems by processing updates, audits, and data changes Assist with payroll preparation, report review, discrepancy resolution, and audit support Support benefits administration activities, including enrollments, qualifying life events, open enrollment preparation, and employee inquiries Assist with administration of leave programs, workplace accommodations, and return-to-work processes in compliance with company policies and applicable regulations Provide coordination and administrative support for workers’ compensation cases, OSHA logs, and workplace safety tracking Support compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws, as well as internal policies related to hiring, pay practices, benefits, and recordkeeping Serve as a point of contact for employee questions, providing guidance within scope and escalating issues as appropriate Assist in preparing workforce-related reports, including headcount, staffing changes, payroll, and benefits metrics Document HR processes, maintain reference materials, and contribute to identifying opportunities for operational efficiency and improvement Provide recruiting support as needed, which may include job postings, interview coordination, pre-employment screenings, and hiring documentation Partner closely with HR leadership and cross-functional teams to support consistent, compliant, and effective HR operations Performs other duties as assigned QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor’s or Associates degree in Human Resources, Business, or equivalent HR experience 3–5 years of experience in an HR Generalist, HR Coordinator, or similar HR role Working knowledge of payroll preparation, benefits administration, and leave of absence practices Payroll processing experience is a plus, but not required Exposure to recruiting coordination and hiring processes preferred; willingness to support recruiting efforts as needed Strong attention to detail with a commitment to confidentiality and accuracy Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment with professionalism and flexibility Proactive, collaborative, and employee-focused mindset with a strong sense of ownership and follow-through Note: Job responsibilities may change over time based on business needs. About Furst-McNess Company: For more than a century, Furst‑McNess Company has been a trusted leader in animal nutrition, delivering innovative feed, mineral, and management solutions to livestock producers across the United States. Our longstanding commitment to quality, integrity, and exceptional customer service guides everything we do. We bring together deep industry expertise and a people‑first culture built on safety, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Above all, we are dedicated to “ Doing What ’ s Right ” for animals, producers, and the future of agriculture. Learn more about us at https://www.mcness.com/ Locations : We have facilities and offices located throughout the United States, as well as an office in London, Ontario, Canada. Our Culture: At Furst-McNess, we strive to: Understand that being great is a choice Never settle for average or “good enough” Relentlessly search for ways to serve our customers better Work as a team Value and respect one another Earn trust through our actions Act in a sage and professional manner at all times Conduct ourselves with the highest level of integrity Deliver on the commitments we make Invest in our professional and personal development Maintain a positive work environment that promotes success Have fun and celebrate our successes Benefit Package Summary: Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) 401(k) Retirement Plan with company match up to 5% Paid Time Off, Paid Holidays, and Paid Floating Holidays 100% Company-Paid Benefits : Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, Basic Life and AD&D Insurance, Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Voluntary Life and AD&D Insurance, with additional coverage options for employees and dependents Fitness Reimbursement, $200 annually Cell Phone Reimbursement