Human Resources Generalist

Job Title: Human Resources Generalist

Job Description

The Human Resources Generalist facilitates organizational and leadership development efforts by partnering with employees and leaders to address the root causes of human resources issues. This role focuses on resolving employee relations matters through a systematic approach, supporting senior leadership in developing solutions from both cultural and process perspectives, and driving company-wide HR programs and initiatives. The position provides strategic input, HR solutions, daily leadership, creative consultation, and leadership coaching for facilities in the Kitchener and Waterloo region. Working closely with the North America ISC HR Business Partner and plant leadership, the HR Generalist helps define and implement short-term and long-term organizational needs and solutions in areas such as employee engagement and inclusion, change management, organizational design and job leveling, and compensation. The role also partners with HR Services, HR Centers of Excellence, and HR Business Partners to deliver the full value of HR to the business while capturing feedback from managers and employees to continuously improve HR processes.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate organization and leadership development initiatives by working closely with employees and managers to identify and address root causes of human resources issues.
• Resolve employee relations issues using a structured, systematic approach that promotes fairness, consistency, and compliance with applicable labour laws.
• Support senior management in developing HR and organizational solutions from both cultural and process perspectives to strengthen overall organizational effectiveness.
• Develop, implement, and drive company-wide HR programs and initiatives that enhance employee engagement, inclusion, and performance.
• Support the definition and execution of short-term and long-term organizational needs in partnership with the North America ISC HR Business Partner and plant leadership.
• Contribute to organizational design and job leveling activities to ensure roles, responsibilities, and structures align with business objectives.
• Assist with compensation-related initiatives to support equitable and competitive pay practices.
• Partner with HR Services, HR Centers of Excellence, and HR Business Partners to deliver integrated HR solutions and services to the business.
• Capture and relay feedback from managers and employees to support continuous improvement of HR processes, tools, and programs.
• Provide guidance to leadership on operating within Ontario and Canadian labour laws, including advising US-based leaders on local requirements.
• Support performance evaluation processes to ensure they are executed effectively and consistently.
• Coordinate and support onboarding activities to provide a positive and organized experience for new employees.
• Perform HR administration tasks including data entry, HRIS updates, and maintaining accurate employee records.
• Assist with recruitment activities and provide administrative support throughout the hiring process.
• Provide responsive and professional customer service to employees and leaders on HR-related inquiries.
• Support payroll-related activities in collaboration with relevant teams to help ensure accurate and timely processing.
• Select, develop, and support team members to contribute to the efficient operation of the HR function.
• Act as an energetic, hands-on contributor with a strong service orientation, consistently seeking opportunities to improve HR practices and outcomes.
• Demonstrate organizational savvy by effectively navigating complex situations and understanding how the organization functions.
• Build and maintain strong, consultative relationships with internal and external stakeholders, serving as a trusted advisor and sounding board.
• Collaborate as an effective team player, contributing to an environment where people work together enthusiastically and effectively to deliver outstanding results.

Essential Skills

• Minimum of 2+ years of human resources experience in a generalist or coordinator-level role.
• HR degree or diploma in human resources or a closely related field.
• Strong understanding of Canadian labour laws, including at least 2 years of experience applying Ontario labour legislation in practice.
• Ability to advise leadership, including US-based leaders, on how to operate in compliance with Ontario and Canadian labour laws.
• Demonstrated experience in employee relations, including handling issues through a systematic and fair approach.
• Experience with organizational development activities and supporting change management initiatives.
• Practical experience with performance evaluations and supporting performance management processes.
• Hands-on experience with onboarding processes for new employees.
• Proficiency in HRIS systems for data entry, record maintenance, and reporting.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Experience with recruitment and administrative support in HR functions.
• Ability to provide professional customer service to employees and leaders on HR-related matters.
• Exposure to payroll processes and human resource management practices.
• Strong interpersonal and listening skills, with a natural consultative communication style.
• Ability to navigate complex organizational situations with tact and professionalism.
• Demonstrated ability to work as an effective team player in a close-knit HR environment.
• Results-driven mindset with a strong service orientation and commitment to delivering high-quality work.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working in a manufacturing or industrial operations environment is an asset.
• Comfort partnering with multiple HR stakeholders, including HR Services, HR Centers of Excellence, and HR Business Partners.
• Ability to support company-wide HR programs and initiatives across different locations.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail in managing HR documentatino and processes.
• Demonstrated ability to handle confidential information with discretion and professionalism.
• Interest in building a long-term career in human resources, particularly in a generalist capacity.
• Ability to adapt to change and contribute to continuous improvement of HR processes and tools.

Work Environment

This role is based onsite five days per week in the Waterloo and Kitchener area and operates within a close-knit HR team of approximately three to four members. The position follows a standard full-time schedule of about 40 hours per week. You will work in a collaborative facility environment, partnering closely with plant leadership and broader HR teams, and using HRIS systems and Microsoft Office tools on a regular basis. The setting supports a professional, team-oriented culture where HR plays an integral role in supporting operations and organizational development. The role offers the potential to transition from a 12-month contract into a longer-term or permanent opportunity within a large organization, providing a strong entry-level platform to grow a career as an HR Generalist.

This is a Contract position based out of Cambridge, ON.

The pay range for this position is $26.44 - $28.85/hr.

This is a fully onsite position in Cambridge,ON.

Aston Carter fournit des solutions de talent de classe mondiale à des milliers de clients à travers le monde. Spécialisés dans la comptabilité, la finance, les ressources humaines, l'acquisition de talents, les achats, la chaine d'approvisionnement, et certaines professions administratives, nous étendons les capacités des entreprises à la pointe de l'industrie. Nous nous appuyons sur notre profonde expertise en matière de recrutement et sur notre vaste réseau pour répondre aux besoins évolutifs de nos clients et de notre communauté de talents avec agilité et excellence. Avec des bureaux aux États-Unis, au Canada, en Asie et en Europe, Aston Carter est au service d'un grand nombre d'entreprises du classement Fortune 500. Nous sommes fiers d'avoir remporté la désignation « Prix Platine » dans le cadre des prix Best of Staffing® Client et Talent décernés par ClearlyRated.

Aston Carter est un employeur souscrivant au principe de l'égalité des chances et accepte toutes les candidatures sans tenir compte de la race, du sexe, de l'âge, de la couleur, de la religion, des origines nationales, du statut d'ancien combattant, d'un handicap, de l'orientation sexuelle, de l'identité sexuelle, des renseignements génétiques ou de toute autre caractéristique protégée par la loi.

Si vous souhaitez faire une demande d'accommodement raisonnable, tel que la modification ou l'ajustement du processus de demande d'emploi ou d'entrevue à cause d'un handicap, veuillez envoyer un courriel à [email protected] pour connaître d'autres options d'accommodement.

Ordonnance sur l'égalité des chances de San Francisco: Conformément à l'Ordonnance sur l'égalité des chances de San Francisco, pour tous les postes situés dans la ville et le comté de San Francisco, nous examinerons les candidatures des personnes qualifiées ayant un casier judiciaire ou des antécédents criminels.

Utilisation de l'intelligence artificielle (IA): Nous pouvons utiliser l'intelligence artificielle (IA) pour soutenir certaines étapes de notre processus d'embauche, notamment la recherche, la présélection et l'évaluation des candidatures. L'IA aide à analyser les candidatures et les qualifications, mais les décisions finales sont prises par notre équipe de recrutement. En soumettant votre candidature, vous reconnaissez et acceptez que celle-ci puisse être examinée à l'aide d'outils d'IA.

Aston Carter provides world-class corporate talent solutions to thousands of clients across the globe. Specialized in accounting, finance, human resources, talent acquisition, procurement, supply chain and select administrative professions, we extend the capabilities of industry-leading companies. We draw on our deep recruiting expertise and expansive network to meet the evolving needs of our clients and talent community with agility and excellence. With offices across the U.S., Canada, Asia Pacific and Europe, Aston Carter serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® Platinum Award winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [email protected] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.