HR Generalist

Universal Windows Direct - HR Generalist

Job Type: Full-Time, Exempt.

Location: Cleveland, OH (Hybrid – 3 days onsite, 2 days remote)

Universal Windows Direct is seeking a detail-oriented, organized, and approachable HR Generalist to serve as the primary day-to-day HR contact for its central, field, and corporate employees. Reporting to the VP of HR, People Strategy and Operations, this role provides hands-on support across employee relations, HR administration, employee communications, performance management, and workforce planning. The HR Generalist will partner closely with HR leadership and shared services teams to ensure accurate employee records, timely issue resolution, consistent HR processes, and a positive employee experience.

• Serve as the primary point of contact for employee and manager inquiries regarding HR policies, pay, benefits, and procedures. Resolve routine questions, coordinate with Payroll, Benefits, Onboarding, and Leave Administration, and escalate complex or sensitive matters to HR leadership.

• Support employee relations activities, including documenting concerns, gathering information, assisting with investigations, and maintaining accurate meeting notes under HR leadership's direction.

• Assist managers with employee accountability and performance documentation, utilizing GDI forms and Smartsheet to track actions and follow-up dates.

• Review and process personnel action forms (PAFs), terminations, and transfers in ADP, ensuring complete documentation and approvals. Coordinate exit paperwork and final pay with Payroll as needed.

• Maintain accurate employee records, personnel files, and UWD/GDI organizational charts, ensuring data integrity and compliance with record retention requirements.

• Manage employee communications through YourCo, including responding to employee texts and distributing HR updates and announcements.

• Support talent reviews, employee development, and workforce capacity planning by compiling manager feedback, maintaining 9-box data, tracking development actions, and updating headcount and open-position trackers.

• Prepare and maintain HR reports and metrics, including headcount, turnover, new hires, and other workforce information.

• Assist with leave of absence and accommodation documentation in coordination with the Leave Administrator and HR leadership.

• Support HR compliance activities, including employment verifications, unemployment claims, labor law postings, policy acknowledgments, required training, and audits.

• Coordinate employee engagement and retention initiatives, including PULSE surveys, recognition programs, and related follow-up activities.

• Partner with Recruiting and Onboarding to monitor new-hire timelines and ensure alignment with hiring managers and business needs.

• Perform additional HR responsibilities and projects as assigned.

• High school diploma or equivalent required; bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field preferred.

• Minimum of 1 year of experience in Human Resources, recruiting, payroll, or another people-focused administrative role; recruiting or onboarding experience is a plus.

• Working knowledge of HR practices, employment laws (FLSA, FMLA, ADA, Title VII), and company policies, or demonstrated ability to learn quickly.

• Strong attention to detail, with the ability to maintain accurate employee data, documentation, and confidential records.

• Sound judgment, discretion, and the ability to recognize when sensitive or complex matters require escalation.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively support employees and leaders through phone, email, and Microsoft Teams.

• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize competing requests, manage deadlines, and follow through on responsibilities.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Smartsheet, and YourCo; HRIS experience preferred, with ADP experience considered a plus.

• HR certification, such as aPHR or SHRM-CP, preferred but not required.

• Ability to work a hybrid schedule, with three days onsite at the UWD office and two days remote per week.

• Ability to work at a computer for prolonged periods and lift up to 15 pounds, with reasonable accommodations available for qualified individuals.

UWD is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

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