Senior HR Generalist

About the Role
We're seeking an experienced Senior HR Generalist who is comfortable operating across all areas of Human Resources while providing strong leadership in employee relations. This role blends strategic partnership with hands-on execution and will support employees and managers throughout the full HR lifecycle. Key focus areas include employee relations, benefits administration, performance management, and talent acquisition.

Key Responsibilities
Employee Relations

• Serve as the primary contact for employee relations matters, offering guidance, coaching, and conflict resolution.
• Conduct fair and thorough investigations and maintain accurate documentation.
• Partner with managers on performance issues, policy interpretation, and team dynamics.
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and compliant workplace culture.

Benefits Administration

• Manage day-to-day benefits operations, including enrollments, changes, and employee inquiries.
• Support open enrollment, vendor coordination, and benefits communications.
• Ensure compliance with federal and state regulations such as FMLA, ADA, and COBRA.
• Identify opportunities to improve benefits education and employee experience.

Performance Management

• Guide managers and employees through performance reviews, goal-setting, and development planning.
• Provide coaching on feedback delivery, performance improvement plans, and career progression.
• Support enhancements to performance management processes.

Talent Acquisition

• Lead full-cycle recruiting for a variety of roles.
• Partner with hiring managers to define role requirements and sourcing strategies.
• Ensure a positive candidate experience and consistent employer brand.
• Support onboarding to ensure new hires are set up for success.

Additional Responsibilities

• Maintain HRIS data integrity and support reporting needs.
• Assist with policy updates, compliance initiatives, and HR-related projects.
• Contribute to culture-building and employee engagement initiatives.
• Provide general HR support across the employee lifecycle.

Qualifications

• 5-7+ years of progressive HR experience, with strong emphasis on employee relations.
• Solid understanding of employment laws and HR best practices.
• Experience in benefits administration, performance management, and recruiting.
• Strong communication, discretion, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to manage sensitive situations with professionalism and empathy.
• Ability to work on-site 3 days per week and travel within NC occasionally.

What You'll Bring

• A balance of strategic thinking and hands-on execution.
• Confidence in navigating complex employee matters.
• A collaborative approach and genuine interest in supporting employees and leaders.
• Curiosity, adaptability, and a drive to improve HR processes.

Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco/Highspring depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to the individual's skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, office location and other geographic considerations, as well as other business and organizational needs. With that said, as required by local law in geographies that require salary range disclosure, Vaco/Highspring notes the salary range for the role is noted in this job posting. The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses, and can participate in medical, dental, and vision benefits as well as the company's 401(k) retirement plan.

Additional disclaimer:

Unless otherwise noted in the job description, the position Vaco/Highspring is filing for is occupied. Please note, however, that Vaco/Highspring is regularly asked to provide talent to other organizations. By submitting to this position, you are agreeing to be included in our talent pool for future hiring for similarly qualified positions. Submissions to this position are subject to the use of AI to perform preliminary candidate screenings, focused on ensuring minimum job requirements noted in the position are satisfied. Further assessment of candidates beyond this initial phase within Vaco/Highspring will be otherwise assessed by recruiters and hiring managers. Vaco/Highspring does not have knowledge of the tools used by its clients in making final hiring decisions and cannot opine on their use of AI products.