HRIS Generalist - Benefits & Core Operations in Knoxville, Tennessee at Stowers Machinery Corporation

Position Scope:

The HRIS Generalist - Benefits & Core Operations serves as the functional HR systems and analytics, benefits administration, and core HR processes subject matter expert. This role is responsible for ensuring accurate employee records, efficient HR operations, benefits administration, reporting, and compliance while partnering closely with the HRIS Architect and Information Technology team to support system enhancements, integrations, process improvements, and data governance initiatives.

The HRIS Generalist acts as the primary liaison between HR users and technical resources, translating business requirements into system solutions that support organizational goals and employee experience.

General Knowledge and Skill Requirements:

Benefits Administration

• Administer employee benefits programs including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, FSA/HSA, retirement plans, and wellness programs.
• Coordinate annual open enrollment activities and benefits communications.
• Process benefit enrollments, life event changes, terminations, and eligibility updates.
• Reconcile benefit billing and coordinate with payroll and vendors to ensure accurate deductions.
• Assist employees with benefit-related questions and issue resolution.
• Maintain compliance with applicable benefits regulations and reporting requirements.
• Support vendor relationships and benefit program administration.

Core HR Operations

• Support HR compliance reporting, audits, and documentation requirements.
• Generate recurring and ad hoc reports for leadership, HR, payroll, and regulatory agencies.
• Monitor and improve HR operational processes for efficiency and effectiveness.
• Support payroll processing through data validation and employee record maintenance.

Compliance and Data Governance

• Ensure confidentiality and security of employee information.
• Maintain compliance with federal, state, and local employment regulations.
• Support internal and external audits by providing accurate documentation and reports.
• Develop and maintain data governance standards and operational procedures.
• Monitor system access and security permissions.

Metrics & Reporting

• Track and analyze event ROI and client satisfaction metrics.
• Prepare presentations and summaries for leadership, offering insights and recommendations.

HR Technology & Systems Partnership

• Partner with the HRIS Architect to support HR technology strategy, system implementations, upgrades, and enhancements.
• Gather, document, and prioritize HR business requirements for system improvements.
• Participate in testing, validation, and user acceptance testing (UAT) for system changes and releases.
• Collaborate on workflow automation and process optimization initiatives.
• Assist in maintaining HR data governance standards and security protocols.
• Support HRIS integrations between HR, payroll, benefits, timekeeping, recruiting, and learning systems.
• Serve as the functional subject matter expert for HR end users.
• Identify opportunities to improve employee and manager self-service functionality.
• Partner with IT and vendors to troubleshoot system issues and ensure timely resolution.

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Information Systems, or related field; equivalent experience may be considered.
• 3-5 years of HRIS administration, benefits administration, or HR operations experience.
• Experience working with HRIS platforms such as Workday, UKG, ADP, Ceridian Dayforce, Oracle HCM, SAP SuccessFactors, or similar systems.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel and data analysis.
• Experience generating HR reports and workforce metrics.

Preferred Qualifications

• HRIS certification or relevant system certification.
• Professional HR certification (SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or SPHR).
• Experience with benefits administration systems and vendor management.
• Knowledge of payroll processes and integrations.
• Experience with report writing and HR analytics.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and data accuracy.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel capabilities including pivot tables, lookups, and reporting.
• Ability to manage confidential information with discretion.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Customer-focused approach to employee and manager support.
• Understanding of HR compliance and employment regulations.

Communication

• Effectively communicates technical and non-technical information to diverse audiences.
• Translates HR business requirements into clear system and process recommendations.
• Develops and delivers presentations, training materials, and communications for employees, managers, and leadership.
• Builds strong partnerships with HR, IT, Payroll, Finance, and external vendors.
• Demonstrates active listening and provides exceptional customer service when resolving employee and manager inquiries.

Leadership

• Leads cross-functional projects and process improvement initiatives without direct supervisory authority.
• Influences stakeholders to adopt best practices, standardized processes, and technology solutions.
• Demonstrates ownership and accountability for HR systems, data integrity, and operational outcomes.
• Acts as a trusted advisor and subject matter expert for HR systems, benefits administration, and workforce data.
• Identifies opportunities to improve efficiency, employee experience, and organizational effectiveness.
• Mentors and supports HR team members in system utilization and process adherence.
• Drives change management and user adoption for new HR technologies and initiatives.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• HRIS data accuracy and integrity.
• Benefits enrollment and administration accuracy.
• Timely processing of employee lifecycle transactions.
• Compliance reporting accuracy and timeliness.
• HR dashboard and reporting effectiveness.
• Employee satisfaction with HR systems and benefits support.
• Resolution time for HRIS and benefits-related issues.

Physical and Mental Requirements:

• Ability to sit for extended periods and operate a computer and other office equipment.
• Clear and understandable speaking voice for telephone and virtual communication.
• Ability to lift objects up to 25 pounds.
• Occasional stooping, kneeling, or crouching.
• Correctable vision and hearing required for communication and computer use.

Work Environment:

Most work is conducted in a comfortable office environment but exposure to site conditions may also occur. Personal protective equipment must be worn in areas as required. Although the work usually is not considered inherently dangerous, employees must be careful while performing onsite services.

Why Stowers Machinery?

At Stowers Machinery, you’re not just taking a job—you’re joining a team that powers progress across East Tennessee as a trusted Caterpillar dealer. We invest in our people with hands-on training, clear career paths, and opportunities to grow across departments. You’ll work alongside experienced teammates who value safety, teamwork, and doing things the right way—while making a real impact on customers and communities.

What You’ll Get (Benefits & Perks):

• Competitive pay + performance incentives
• Comprehensive health benefits (medical, dental, vision)
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off + holidays
• Ongoing training and career development
• Opportunities for internal growth and advancement
• Employee recognition programs
• Supportive, team-first culture

If you’re looking for a place where your work matters, your skills keep growing, and your team has your back—Stowers is it.

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive, and the employee will also perform other reasonably related business duties as assigned by immediate supervisor and other management as required. Stowers Machinery Corporation reserves the right to revise or change duties as the need arises. This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.