Human Resources Generalist

The Company

Great Northern Cabinetry is a manufacturer of high-quality custom cabinetry sold through a network of dealers. The company, which started as a small business in 1972 still operates in its original location in Rib Lake, WI. Ownership has experience working for larger, world-class companies, and they desire to build a company that has the capabilities of a large company and the atmosphere of a small company.

Great Northern Cabinetry manufactures and sells two lines of cabinetry (face framed and frameless), which are marketed to kitchen and bath dealers, home builders and remodeling contractors. Cabinetry is an $18B segment within the $160B kitchen and bath building products industry. Most of the company’s sales are used in single family residential new construction and existing home remodeling projects. With an improving environment for housing related building products, company ownership believes that over the next five years it can develop a sales presence in the entire continental U.S., where today the company reaches about half the country.

Ownership is committed to creating a culture of trust, respect, integrity, and accountability. Culturally, ownership is looking to build a team that buys into three critical operating principles : People and their safety come first; our business is centered around the dealer; and we seek improvement every day. Great Northern Cabinetry is a small company today with ambitions to grow.

The Position

The HR Generalist is a critical role at Great Northern Cabinetry, reporting directly to the Finance Manager. Expectations are that this person :

• Conducts day-to-day HR functions, including employee relations and engagement.
• Oversees bi-weekly payroll administration and benefits management, while building relationships with the employees.
• Assists employees with 401(k) enrollment, contributions and general understanding of the program.
• Creates and implements new hire orientation for employees of all levels.
• Engages with employees throughout the manufacturing floor, and makes him / herself accessible as needed.
• Reviews, tracks, and documents compliance with mandatory and non-mandatory training, including safety training, anti-harassment training and more.
• Performs routine tasks required to administer and execute human resource programs including but not limited to compensation, benefits, and leave; disciplinary matters; disputes and investigations; performance and talent management; productivity, recognition, and morale; occupational health and safety; and training and development.
• Handles employment-related inquiries from applicants, employees, and supervisors, referring complex and / or sensitive matters to the appropriate management.
• Recruits, interviews, and facilitates the hiring of qualified job applicants for open positions; collaborates with department supervisors to understand skills and competencies required for openings.
• Conducts or acquires background checks and employee eligibility verifications.

The Candidate

Ideally, the selected candidate will have experience in a manufacturing environment. The successful candidate will be a self-starter who can work independently and has strong analytical and communication skills, and capable of building relationships across the constituencies noted above. A four-year degree from an accredited college or university is strongly desired.

Other skills / experiences include :