People Operations Generalist

The Role

We are seeking an experienced, efficient, and confident People Operations Generalist to join our collaborative team, serving as the team's go-to lead for benefits and leave administration. You will work alongside talented HR colleagues who share the work of supporting our employees. Within that team, you will bring strong knowledge in benefits and leaves of absence, guide best practices, and help teammates handle these areas with confidence. You will work closely with the Director of People Operations on complex benefits and leave matters. You will also take part in the full range of People Operations work, from onboarding and employee relations to recognition and culture-building. The ideal candidate builds trusted relationships at every level of the organization, from the warehouse floor to the executive team, and communicates with ease in both English and Spanish.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

Benefits Administration (Team Lead)

• Serve as the team's subject matter expert on employee benefit programs, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short- and long-term disability, EAP, and 401(k).
• Lead open enrollment planning and execution in partnership with the People Operations team, brokers, and carriers.
• Oversee benefits enrollments, qualifying life event changes, and COBRA processes, working with teammates to keep them accurate and timely.
• Partner closely with the Director of People Operations on complex benefits questions and on escalated claim, eligibility, and billing issues.
• Partner on monthly invoice reconciliation, HRIS and carrier data audits, and benefits compliance, including ACA tracking and reporting and required notices.

Leave Administration (Team Lead)

• Lead the team's approach to leaves of absence, including FMLA, CFRA, Pregnancy Disability Leave, California paid sick leave, and personal leaves.
• Guide employees and teammates through State Disability Insurance (SDI) and Paid Family Leave (PFL) and how leave coordinates with benefits, pay, and disability plans.
• Partner with managers, employees, and the People Operations team on the ADA/FEHA interactive process and reasonable accommodation requests.
• Develop and maintain leave tracking tools, templates, and processes so that entitlements, certifications, and notices are handled consistently across the team.
• Coordinate with Safety on workers' compensation leaves and modified duty.
• Train and support teammates on benefits and leave procedures, and keep the team current on legal and policy changes.

Employee Relations & Generalist Support

• Advise employees and managers on policy interpretation, employee relations matters, discipline, and separations, recommending solutions where appropriate.
• Assist with sensitive investigations related to policy violations and employee relations concerns.
• Coordinate onboarding and new hire orientation to deliver an exceptional first-day experience, and conduct exit interviews.
• Maintain accurate HRIS records and help keep the employee handbook, directory, and organizational chart current.
• Support performance programs, employee recognition initiatives, and West Pak Cares events.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of HR experience, with significant hands-on experience in benefits and leave administration (required).
• A true team player who enjoys sharing expertise, mentoring colleagues, and lifting the performance of the whole team.
• Fully bilingual in English and Spanish, with strong speaking, reading, and writing skills (required).
• Working knowledge of California and federal leave and benefits laws, including FMLA, CFRA, PDL, ADA/FEHA, COBRA, and ACA.
• Experience in a manufacturing, distribution, agriculture, or plant environment strongly preferred.
• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field preferred; PHR, SHRM-CP, CEBS, or CLMS certification a plus.
• Proficiency with MS Office Suite and HR systems such as ADP.
• Proven ability to build relationships and earn trust across all levels of the organization.
• Highly organized and efficient, with the ability to manage multiple cases and deadlines at once.
• Discretion and sound judgment with confidential information.
• A confident, proactive self-starter who thrives in a fast-paced, high-energy environment and loves to keep learning.

Physical Requirements / Working Conditions

This position requires frequent sitting for prolonged periods with occasional standing and walking, including visits to warehouse areas. The role requires the ability to hear and speak in person and by phone and to use a computer and standard office equipment. Physical demands include bending, stooping, and reaching above and below shoulder level to access records, and lifting and carrying files and materials typically weighing less than 25 pounds, with or without assistance. Occasional setup and cleanup at company events may be required.

Compensation

$73,000 - $90,000 per year, depending on experience. West Pak offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability coverage, and a 401(k) plan.

Day Shift, Monday through Friday with flexibility for overtime and 5-10% travel to New Jersey and Texas.