JobsGenerac

Senior Human Resources Generalist

Generac · Belvidere, IL

Posted Aug 25, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Sep 20, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

Behavioral

Tell me about the most complicated employee relations investigation you've handled. What made it complicated and how did you get to a resolution?

whether the candidate can run a fair, thorough investigation and defend a decision under scrutiny

Give me an example of a time you had to advise a manager who disagreed with your recommendation on how to handle a performance or conduct issue.

ability to influence leadership without just deferring to authority or digging in stubbornly

Tell me about a time you mentored a less experienced HR team member through a situation they weren't ready to handle alone.

whether they can actually build capability in others, not just do the work themselves

Tell me about a time you had to help a workforce get through a major organizational change, like a restructuring or a new system rollout.

skill in change communication and reading employee sentiment during instability

Have you worked in a manufacturing or technical environment before, and what's different about doing HR there compared to a typical office setting?

whether they grasp the operational realities of a plant environment like shift coverage and safety-driven culture

Tell me about a policy you personally helped write or revise. What problem was it solving and how did you get buy-in to roll it out?

ability to move from identifying a gap to actually building and implementing a solution

Technical

How do you stay current on federal, state, and local employment law changes, and can you give me an example where a law change actually forced you to update a policy?

real working knowledge of compliance versus surface familiarity

Walk me through how you'd design a leadership development program for frontline supervisors who've never managed people before.

practical program-building skills versus theoretical knowledge of leadership development

Describe your experience with salary planning and job evaluation. How do you decide when a role needs to be reclassified or repriced?

hands-on comfort with compensation administration, not just awareness that it exists

What's your experience working in Workday or a similar HRIS, and can you describe a process you improved using that system?

actual system fluency versus just listing it on a resume

Situational

Walk me through how you'd handle a harassment complaint that comes in against a plant supervisor who has a strong production track record.

whether the candidate will protect process and compliance even when there's pressure to protect a valued manager

This plant runs on shifts and has a mix of hourly manufacturing staff and salaried office staff. How would you approach an engagement initiative that actually lands with both groups?

whether they understand manufacturing floor dynamics versus office culture and won't apply a one-size-fits-all program

If you had three competing priorities land on your desk in one morning, say a grievance, a compensation review deadline, and a manager asking for help with a difficult conversation, how would you decide what to do first?

judgment on triage and prioritization under real workload pressure

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The full job description

As published by Generac.

We believe power is a promise - a shared commitment to be there for others when it matters most. For more than 65 years, we've turned big ideas into solutions that help protect homes, strengthen businesses and build a more resilient, efficient, sustainable energy future. Ready to Power a Smarter World with us? Primary Purpose   Under the direction of the HR Director or HR Manager, the Human Resources Generalist Senior is responsible for more complex and strategic HR initiatives while overseeing core HR functions such as employee relations, recruitment, and talent management. This role often serves as an advisor to leadership and plays a larger role in the development and execution of HR policies and strategies.  This position will also partner with supervisors and employees by providing full generalist support. The ability to manage multiple priorities and communicate with all layers of the organization will be key to the success of this role. This position may plan and administer corporate events, employee orientation and employee engagement activities.     Major Responsibilities     • Partners with internal customer groups to ensure coordination of HR programs and processes within a specific business function or segment of the company. • Handle more complex employee relations issues, including conflict resolution, mediation, and investigations into employee complaints or grievances. • Collaborate with department heads to identify leadership development needs and create targeted development programs. • Implements programs and policies that drive employee engagement and performance. • Serves as a trusted advisor for managers in employee relations, training and development of their teams. • Administers compensation programs, salary planning, and job evaluation. • Ensures personal and company compliance with all Federal, State, and local laws and regulations; ensures compliance with company policies and procedures. • Provide guidance and mentoring to less experienced HR staff, supporting their development and ability to handle routine HR functions.   Minimum Job Requirements   Education • Bachelor’s degree in business, Human Resources or related field or equivalent experience Work Experience • 5 years of experience in Human Resources ​ Knowledge / Skills / Abilities • Ability to think strategically about HR initiatives and align them with organizational goals and long-term plans. • Ability to make high-level decisions regarding employee relations, policy development, and HR strategy, often under pressure. • Ability to mentor junior HR staff and develop leadership programs that enhance managerial skills across the organization. • Ability to lead and manage the human aspect of organizational change, including communication strategies and employee engagement during transitions. • Strong attention to legal compliance in all HR activities, ensuring that the organization follows applicable labor laws and regulations at all times.   Preferred Job Requirements     Certification / License • PHR Certification Work Experience • Experience implementing Human Resource processes and programs. • Experience in a manufacturing and/or technical environment. Knowledge / Skills / Abilities • Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite software. • Workday experience • Proven track record of successfully managing shifting deadlines and priorities. • Demonstrated skills in problem solving and conflict resolution. • Prior experience in fast paced, growth oriented company. • Ability to influence decision-making at the leadership level. Generac is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. The salary range for this role is based in Belvidere, IL is $78,200 - $117,400 USD. This compensation will ultimately be in line with the location in which the position is filled. Final compensation for this role will be determined by various factors such as a candidate's relevant work experience, skills, certifications and geographic location. This role is eligible for variable compensation including short-term and long-term incentives. “We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.”

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