People & Engagement Generalist in Decatur, Arkansas at United Petfood Producers USA Inc.

People & Engagement Generalist

Location: Onsite at Decatur, Arkansas facility with weekly-biweekly trips to Siloam Springs Warehouse
Department: People & Engagement
Job Type: Full-Time, On-Site
Schedule: Monday–Friday 9am - 5:30 pm, with flexibility to support operational needs

About United Petfood

United Petfood is a private label producer of high-quality dry & wet pet food, biscuits and snacks. We are a Belgian family business with 25 high-tech pet kitchens in Europe and the US.

Joining us means joining an international, passionate, and driven team with one common goal: a healthy planet filled with healthy pets! But it doesn’t stop there—we truly care about building encouraging, supportive, long-lasting partnerships, both inside as well as outside of our fast-growing family company. By only working with the very best ingredients and most innovative technology available, we ensure a place in which you can grow, bloom, and make thousands of pets happy worldwide!

Check out our website: United Petfood Producers USA, Inc.

Position Summary

The People & Engagement Generalist supports daily human resources operations for United Petfood's Decatur manufacturing facility and Siloam Springs warehouse. This position is responsible for coordinating recruitment, onboarding, payroll administration, benefits, employee relations, compliance, and employee engagement activities.

Working closely with the People & Engagement Manager and site leadership, the Generalist serves as a resource for employees and supervisors, ensures consistent application of company policies, and supports a positive, productive workplace culture.

Duties & Responsibilities

Recruitment, Hiring & Onboarding

• Coordinate full-cycle recruiting, including job postings, applicant screening, interviews, candidate communications, and pre-employment requirements.
• Prepare employment offers and complete hiring processes following management approval.
• Coordinate new hire orientation, onboarding, employment documentation, and required training.
• Manage temporary staffing coordination and maintain relationships with staffing agencies.

Employee Relations & Performance Management

• Serve as a resource for employees and supervisors regarding policies, attendance, performance, and workplace concerns.
• Provide guidance to supervisors on employee relations matters, corrective action documentation, and consistent policy application.
• Assist with workplace investigations, including interviews, documentation, and gathering relevant information.
• Coordinate employee separations and conduct termination meetings following management approval.
• Support performance reviews, employee development initiatives, and employee retention efforts.

Payroll, Benefits & HR Administration

• Support payroll processing, timekeeping administration, employee changes, and resolution of payroll discrepancies.
• Assist employees with benefits enrollment, eligibility questions, and leave administration.
• Maintain accurate employee records and HRIS information, including ADP TotalSource.
• Support HR compliance, required reporting, audits, and administration of company policies and procedures.
• Monitor workforce metrics, including turnover, attendance, and staffing trends.

Employee Engagement & Communications

• Independently plan and execute employee engagement events, recognition programs, and company-sponsored activities across both locations.
• Coordinate event logistics, vendors, purchasing, budgets, expense documentation, and reimbursements.
• Manage employee communications, announcements, and engagement initiatives.
• Support employee feedback, wellness initiatives, and programs that promote employee satisfaction and retention.

Organizational & Operational Support

• Partner with site leadership to address workforce needs, employee concerns, and HR-related operational priorities.
• Support organizational changes, HR process improvements, and company initiatives.
• Collaborate with other departments to ensure effective communication and consistent HR practices.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience performing human resources responsibilities, including recruitment, employee relations, payroll, benefits, or HR administration.
• Working knowledge of HR practices, employment laws, and employee documentation requirements.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to handle sensitive employee matters with confidentiality, professionalism, and sound judgment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and ability to work effectively with HRIS and payroll systems.
• Ability to independently manage multiple priorities and coordinate employee engagement activities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Education or professional training in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
• HR experience in a manufacturing, warehouse, or multi-shift environment.
• Experience with ADP TotalSource or similar HRIS and payroll systems.
• Experience supporting employee relations, workplace investigations, and performance management.
• Professional HR certification such as PHR.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Ability to build positive working relationships with employees and leadership.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in HR documentation and reporting.
• Ability to interpret and communicate company policies and procedures.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment within established authority and recognize when escalation is appropriate.
• Strong planning, coordination, and follow-through skills.

Workplace Safety

• Follow all company safety policies, procedures, and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Complete required safety training and use appropriate personal protective equipment when entering operational areas.
• Promote a safe workplace and promptly report safety concerns.

Quality & Food Safety

• Follow applicable Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), BRCGS standards, and company food safety requirements.
• Complete required food safety training and comply with established procedures when entering manufacturing or warehouse areas.
• Report potential food safety or quality concerns to appropriate personnel.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Primarily office-based within an active manufacturing environment, with regular interaction throughout the facility.
• Requires computer use, standing, walking, and occasional movement through production and warehouse areas.
• May involve exposure to manufacturing noise, dust, and varying temperatures.
• Occasional travel between the Decatur and Siloam Springs locations.
• Flexibility to support multiple shifts and occasional company events outside normal business hours.

Why Join Us?

At United Petfood, you'll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on our employees and workplace culture while supporting a growing international pet food manufacturer. This role offers broad exposure to HR operations, opportunities for professional growth, and the ability to contribute directly to employee engagement and organizational success.

Equal Opportunity Employer: United Petfood Producers USA Inc. is an equal opportunity workplace. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.