HR Generalist

Job Description

Located in the heart of Central Ohio, Illuminate USA is transforming solar panel manufacturing from our cutting-edge facility in Pataskala. As a new standalone joint venture established by two global leaders in renewable energy, we’ve rapidly grown to over 1,500 associates and are now fully operational in our 1.1 million-square-foot factory. Our vision is to establish one of the largest solar panel manufacturing operations in the Western Hemisphere.

This is an exciting time to join Illuminate USA as we continue to grow and innovate. We’re not just building solar panels—we’re building a team of dedicated, passionate associates eager to make a real impact. If you’re looking to be part of a collaborative, people-focused, and forward-thinking workplace, we want to hear from you!

We offer competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and continuous opportunities for career growth. Come join us on this journey to create a brighter, more sustainable future in the Columbus area!

Job Summary

The Human Resources Generalist is a key partner to both associates and leaders, helping to create a positive, respectful, and high-performing workplace. This role is highly visible on the floor and focused on building strong relationships, listening to associate concerns, and working collaboratively with leaders to find thoughtful, fair solutions.

You will play an important role in supporting day-to-day employee relations, ensuring policies are applied consistently, and helping leaders navigate complex situations with confidence. Success in this role comes from being approachable, solutions-oriented, and committed to creating an environment where associates feel supported, heard, and set up to succeed.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as a trusted HR partner to front-line leaders, providing guidance on employee relations, workforce management, and policy interpretation.

• Serve as a primary point of contact for associates, addressing concerns, answering questions, and ensuring a positive and respectful employee experience.

• Lead and conduct complex workplace investigations, ensuring timely, thorough, and consistent outcomes.

• Advise and coach leaders on performance management, corrective action, and progressive discipline, ensuring fairness, consistency, and risk mitigation.

• Support a labor and unionized environment by helping leaders interpret and apply collective bargaining agreements, ensuring compliance with established processes, and maintaining consistency in practice.

• Assist in the administration and documentation of grievance processes, partnering with leadership to support timely and appropriate resolution.

• Partner with leadership to proactively identify employee relations trends and implement solutions to improve engagement, retention, and overall workplace culture.

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws, company policies, and applicable labor agreements.

• Support key HR processes including leaves of absence, workers’ compensation, and unemployment claims with a focus on compliance and associate experience.

• Facilitate training for leaders and associates on policies, workplace expectations, and employee relations best practices.

• Maintain accurate documentation and reporting related to employee relations matters and HR metrics.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field.

• 3+ years of progressive HR experience with a strong focus on employee relations.

• Experience supporting a union or labor environment and familiarity with collective bargaining agreements.

• Demonstrated experience handling complex investigations and workplace conflict resolution.

• Strong working knowledge of employment law and HR best practices.

• Proven ability to influence and coach leaders in a fast-paced, manufacturing or industrial environment.

• High level of professionalism, sound judgment, and ability to handle sensitive matters with confidentiality.

• Preferred Qualifications:

• Workday or similar HRIS experience.

• SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or SPHR certification.

• Manufacturing or industrial experience in a high-growth environment.

Illuminate USA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any protected status as defined by law.

Illuminate is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.