HR Generalist

Position Summary

Galata Chemicals [https://www.galatachemicals.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] is seeking an experienced and highly organized Senior Human Resources Generalist to support both plant and corporate operations at our Taft, Louisiana facility. This role serves as a key HR partner to employees and leadership across hourly and salaried populations, supporting all major areas of Human Resources including employee relations, payroll administration, recruiting, onboarding, compliance, investigations, performance management, training, and culture initiatives.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on HR professional who thrives in a manufacturing environment, maintains strict confidentiality, demonstrates strong independent judgment, and can effectively navigate complex employee situations while supporting operational goals. This position is designed as a succession pipeline opportunity for future HR leadership growth within the organization.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Serve as a primary HR contact for plant and corporate associates located at the Taft facility.
• Support and administer day-to-day HR operations for approximately 118 associates across hourly and salaried employee groups.
• Partner with leadership to provide guidance on employee relations matters, performance management, policy interpretation, and workplace concerns.
• Conduct workplace investigations and maintain thorough, organized, and confidential documentation in partnership with the Plant Director and Corporate HR Director.
• Participate in disciplinary meetings, corrective actions, and terminations while ensuring consistency and compliance with company policies and employment practices.
• Manage payroll and timekeeping processes, including ownership of ADP timecard corrections, payroll review, attendance tracking, and related reporting.
• Coordinate recruiting efforts including job postings, candidate screening, interview scheduling, onboarding, and new hire orientation.
• Support benefits administration, leave administration, workers’ compensation coordination, and employee questions regarding HR policies and procedures.
• Assist leaders with employee development, accountability initiatives, and organizational culture efforts.
• Maintain HR records, personnel files, compliance documentation, and reporting with a strong emphasis on accuracy and organization.
• Support training initiatives and ensure compliance with company policies and employment regulations.
• Maintain visibility within the plant environment and build positive working relationships with associates and leadership.
• Assist with HR projects, audits, reporting initiatives, and process improvement efforts.
• Provide occasional after-hours or on-call HR support as business needs arise.
• Travel occasionally to corporate or other business locations as needed.

Qualifications

• Education and Experience
• Associate degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field preferred.
• Minimum of eight (8) years of Human Resources experience required.
• In lieu of a degree, ten (10) years of progressive HR experience will be considered.
• Previous manufacturing or chemical industry experience strongly preferred.
• Experience supporting both hourly and salaried employee populations required.
• Experience with payroll administration and HRIS systems required.
• Experience conducting employee investigations and handling employee relations matters is required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong understanding of Human Resources principles, employment practices, and employee relations.
• Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality and professionalism.
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and recordkeeping accuracy.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to interact effectively at all organizational levels.
• Ability to navigate difficult conversations and challenging workplace situations professionally and objectively.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and HRIS/payroll systems, preferably ADP Workforce Now.
• Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking capabilities.

Physical and Work Environment Requirements

• Ability to work in both office and manufacturing plant environments.
• Ability to walk production areas and wear required personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Ability to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods as needed.
• Ability to occasionally respond to urgent HR matters outside normal business hours.

Compensation and Benefits

• Salary Range: $60,000 - $75,000 annually based on proven experience and qualifications.
• Target Annual Incentive Plan (AIP): 5%
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and 401(k).

Equal Employment Opportunity

• Galata Chemicals is an Equal Opportunity Employer
• Committed to cultivating a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve