HR Generalist

About Hawaiian Host Group

Hawaiian Host Group (HHG) is a prominent Hawai‘i-based consumer goods company with a diverse brand portfolio including Hawaiian Host, Mauna Loa, MacFarms, and Kapua Orchards. Their products, ranging from flavored macadamia nuts to premium treats, are distributed internationally in over 23 countries. The company operates multiple offices in Honolulu, Hilo, Kona, Los Angeles, and Tokyo in addition to three manufacturing plants and the largest macadamia farm in Hawai‘i. HHG is driven by a vision to spread the Spirit of Hawai‘i while actively supporting local communities through initiatives like the Takitani foundation, a solar farm, and various social and environmental projects.

Position Summary

Reporting directly to the Senior HR Business Partner, the HR Generalist will serve as a multi-faceted HR expert supporting various human resources activities, including employee support, payroll, and benefits administration. This role requires proficient communication at all organizational levels and timely escalation of critical HR matters.

Key Responsibilities

• Welcome and interact professionally with employees and applicants.
• Conduct orientations for new hires and support employee recognition initiatives.
• Promote a positive workplace by promptly addressing employee issues and responding to HR-related inquiries such as benefits, payroll, and policies, escalating complex concerns as necessary.
• Ensure adherence to employment laws and internal policies, covering areas such as compensation, benefits, disciplinary actions, investigations, performance management, workplace safety, and training.
• Monitor and document compliance with mandatory trainings including safety, anti-harassment, and professional certifications.
• Manage employee benefit plan enrollments and assist in administering leaves such as TDI, WC, FMLA, HFLL, and related benefit deductions.
• Provide administrative support for documentation, reports, correspondence, including handling COBRA packets.
• Process payroll and timekeeping functions, maintain accurate records, and meet reporting deadlines.
• Analyze payroll and HR data for accuracy and reporting purposes.
• Maintain secure filing systems for employee records following privacy standards.
• Support company-wide meetings and HR events and provide backup teamwork within the HR department.
• Maintain confidentiality of payroll and HR information.
• Continuously update knowledge on HR regulations and perform other assigned duties.
• Regular attendance and ability to work under deadlines with attention to detail and positive attitude required.

Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Human Resources, or a related field, or equivalent HR experience.
• At least two years of experience in human resources, particularly supporting unionized employees and familiarity with collective bargaining agreements.
• General understanding of federal and state employment laws.
• Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to handle multiple deadlines effectively.
• Proficient in math and Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint), including advanced Excel functions such as V Lookup and Pivot Tables.
• Flexibility to travel occasionally, including evenings and weekends.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Accounting, or related discipline.
• Five or more years of professional experience managing payroll and timekeeping systems.
• Familiarity with KRONOS and ADP payroll platforms is advantageous.

Physical and Work Environment Requirements

• Ability to perform various physical activities such as carrying items under 25 pounds, bending, stooping, and walking.
• Effective communication with employees and external parties via oral and written channels.
• Work primarily in an office environment with occasional exposure to outdoor conditions during travel.
• Generally low noise levels at the workplace.

Employee Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
• Paid time off, sick leave, holiday pay, and floating holidays.
• Company-paid life and disability insurance.
• 401(k) retirement plan with company matching.
• Flexible spending accounts and employee assistance program.
• Discounts on company products.

Additional Information

Hawaiian Host Group values equal opportunity employment and affirmative action. The recruitment process may involve text message communication. They also utilize artificial intelligence tools to assist with application review and assessment, while final hiring decisions remain with human recruiters. Candidates are encouraged to review the company’s privacy policies for details on data protection.