Human Resources Generalist in Palatine, Illinois at OMI Industries Inc

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title: Human Resources Generalist

ABOUT OMI INDUSTRIES

OMI is the worldwide leader in odor elimination chemistry with industrial, consumer, and commercial applications. We are looking for a motivated Human Resources Generalist to join our team!

JOB PURPOSE

The Human Resources Generalist supports the day-to-day execution of Human Resources across the employee lifecycle. This role manages key HR functions, including talent acquisition, onboarding, benefits administration, leave management, HR systems, employee data, and employee support.

This position is ideal for someone who is detail-oriented, thrives in a fast-moving environment, and enjoys balancing hands-on employee support with process improvement. This individual will report to OMI’s Sr. Director of Finance.

WHY JOIN OMI?

This role offers the opportunity to gain broad HR experience and make a visible impact within a growing, entrepreneurial organization. The Human Resources Generalist will support employees across both a corporate office and a manufacturing and R&D facility, providing exposure to office-based, production, and laboratory environments. This position will work closely with leadership, take ownership of key HR programs, and help shape the processes that support the employee experience.

JOB RESPONSIBILITY SUMMARY

• Support HR operations across OMI’s corporate office and manufacturing and R&D facility, adapting HR support to the needs of each employee population.
• Manage full-cycle recruiting for a variety of roles, including job postings, candidate communication, interview coordination, offer letters, and pre-employment requirements.
• Own the onboarding and offboarding experience, ensuring employees have a smooth transition into and out of the organization.
• Administer employee benefits, annual open enrollment, and leave programs, including FMLA, disability, and workers’ compensation.
• Track legislative and compliance updates and research relevant HR topics to support continuous improvement of policies and practices.
• Coordinate performance review cycles and support managers with employee-related questions, documentation, and HR processes.
• Maintain accurate employee data, reporting, and HRIS workflows while identifying opportunities to streamline and automate administrative processes.
• Support internal communications, employee engagement initiatives, and the company’s internship program.
• Other duties as assigned.

KEY COMPETENCIES:

• Relationship building: Establishing positive, trusted working relationships with employees, managers, leadership, and external partners.
• Communication: Communicating HR information clearly, professionally, and with the appropriate level of discretion in both written and verbal interactions.
• Organization and attention to detail: Managing multiple deadlines, employee records, and administrative processes accurately and consistently.
• Judgment and confidentiality: Handling sensitive employee information with discretion and applying sound judgment when navigating HR questions and employee situations.
• Employee service: Providing timely, thoughtful support to employees and managers while helping them understand HR processes, policies, and available resources.
• Time management: Prioritizing responsibilities, following through on key deliverables, and managing competing needs in a fast-moving environment.
• Problem solving: Identifying practical solutions, asking the right questions, and knowing when to escalate complex issues.
• Process improvement: Looking for opportunities to improve workflows, reporting, communication, and overall employee experience.
• Adaptability: Remaining flexible and effective as priorities shift within a growing, entrepreneurial organization.
• HR systems aptitude: Demonstrating comfort with HR technology, employee data, reporting, and learning new systems and tools.

TRAVEL/ATTENDANCE:

• This is a hybrid position based out of OMI’s corporate office in Palatine, IL. In-office attendance is required Tuesday through Thursday, with the ability to work remotely on Monday and Friday.
• The Human Resources Generalist will travel to OMI’s manufacturing and R&D facility in Southeastern Indiana at least once per month to provide on-site HR support. Additional travel may be required based on employee needs, business priorities, or company events.
• Reliable attendance and the ability to maintain a consistent on-site presence at both locations are essential to success in this role.

PERKS

• Flexible schedule: Hybrid schedule (Tues/Wed/Thurs in office)
• Easy Commute: Located steps away from Palatine Metra station – easy commute from city or other UPNW train locations!
• Affordable Insurance: Health, dental, vision, and voluntary benefits (available first of the month following the date of hire)
• 401k Match: Up to 5% of your annual salary (basically an automatic 5% bonus)!
• Annual bonus: Eligible after one year of employment
• Growth: Rapidly growing company with proven history of growing with employees
• Social Events: Jam-packed social calendar – Cubs tickets, happy hours, holiday parties, and more!
• Milestone awards: Get rewarded for 1, 3, 5+ years of service
• Swag: Annual swag drops for company merch
• Safe and friendly work environment
• Community Involvement: OMI is simply unmatched in our hands-on and financial commitments to our Chicago non-profit partners. Point blank: It’s a priority to make a difference in our communities.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES

(To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and ability required.)

• 3–5+ years of Human Resources experience in a Generalist or similar role.
• Experience supporting exempt and non-exempt employee populations; manufacturing experience is a plus.
• Working knowledge of employment laws and HR compliance requirements, including FMLA, ADA, EEO, and wage and hour regulations.
• Proficiency in Paylocity or a comparable HRIS platform.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to handle employee matters professionally and confidentially.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities independently.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/HAZARDOUS WORKING CONDITIONS

(The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential work functions.)

• OMI Industries manufactures odor eliminating solutions. Chemical exposure to raw materials including plant oils, fragrances, and other materials will occur.
• This is a hybrid role, with in-office work required Tuesday through Thursday.
• The role is primarily sedentary, involving long periods of sitting and working at a computer.
• Frequent use of standard office equipment, including computers, phones, and printers.
• Must be able to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Occasional lifting of items up to 10 lbs (e.g., laptops, office materials).
• The position is based in a typical office environment with moderate noise levels.

JOB TYPE

Full Time. Exempt