Human Resources Generalist Job at Ascend Performance Materials in Decatur

Ascend Performance Materials is a global leader in high-performance chemicals, fibers and plastics, committed to enhancing quality of life through innovation. With fully integrated manufacturing facilities across North America, Europe, and Asia, we develop essential solutions that drive safer vehicles, cleaner energy, advanced medical devices, and durable consumer goods.

The Human Resources Generalist will serve as a visible, trusted partner to employees and leaders at our Decatur manufacturing facility. Reporting to the Sr. HR Manager, this role delivers hands-on HR services while contributing to long-term people strategies that enhance culture, leadership capability, and workforce stability.

Targeted Outcomes

• Partner with leaders to foster a positive, inclusive, and performance-driven culture that aligns with Ascend’s values.
• Collaborate with leaders to strengthen front-line leadership capability and prepare emerging leaders for advancement.
• Deliver efficient HR processes across the employee life cycle to improve retention, engagement, and workforce readiness.
• Support recruiting, onboarding, and development programs that build the talent pipeline for current and future business needs.
• Partner with leaders to proactively address workplace challenges, focusing on prevention, transparency, and constructive resolution.

Responsibilities

Culture & Engagement

• Partner with leaders to embed safety, respect, collaboration, and accountability into daily operations.
• Collaborate with the Sr. HR Manager, engagement teams and site leadership to implement strategies that support an engaged culture.
• Implement pulsing and feedback loops, support leaders in action planning, and share best practices to strengthen engagement.

Talent Attraction & Recruitment

• Manage full cycle recruiting for hourly positions and support salaried hiring, including posting, screening, interviewing, and coordinating offers.
• Partner with hiring managers and the talent acquisition team to ensure effective sourcing strategies and a positive candidate experience.
• Support the intern and early-career recruitment efforts to build future talent pipelines.

Onboarding & Orientation

• Lead onboarding and orientation programs to accelerate integration, build cultural connection, and ensure readiness to perform.
• Partner with leaders to provide role-specific onboarding and early performance check-ins.

Development & Performance Management

• Support leadership capability building through facilitation of training, coaching sessions, and skills workshops.
• Assist with annual performance management processes and calibration sessions.
• Contribute to workforce planning and succession management processes at the site level.

Employee Relations & Retention

• Partner with leaders to address performance, policy, and workplace concerns in a fair and constructive manner.
• Collaborate on investigations and provide guidance on policy interpretation while enabling leader ownership of outcomes.
• Work with leaders to identify retention risks, recommend interventions, and track progress.

HR Operations & Compliance

• Manage HRIS data accuracy, time and attendance processes, and payroll sign-off.
• Monitor compliance with employment laws, corporate policies, and management business review requirements.
• Develop HR communications for site initiatives, policy changes, and programs.

Workforce Transitions

• Support redeployment, restructuring, or exit processes in a professional and compliant manner.
• Conduct exit interviews and analyze trends to inform retention strategies.

Team and Interactions

• Reports to: Sr. Human Resources Manager
• Works closely with site leadership, front-line supervisors and broader HR teams
• Frequent direct interaction with employees across all levels to provide HR guidance and support.

Required Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, business administration, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of progressive HR experience, preferably in a manufacturing or industrial environment.
• Strong employee relations background with proven ability to partner effectively across all levels.
• Experience supporting multiple areas of the employee life cycle, including recruitment, onboarding, performance management, and employee engagement.
• HRIS and applicant tracking system experience; Workday preferred.
• In-depth understanding of U.S. employment laws and HR compliance requirements.

Required Skills

• Ability to build trust and influence decisions through effective relationship management.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including presentation delivery.
• Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret HR metrics and recommend improvements.
• Detail-oriented, highly organized, and capable of managing multiple priorities.
• Resilient and adaptable, with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated discretion in handling sensitive and confidential information.
• Commitment to ongoing professional growth and development within the HR field.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in human resources or related field.
• PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, or SHRM-SCP certification.
• Experience in workforce planning, leadership development, and management change.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, citizenship, genetic information or other protected status under federal, state or local laws.