Jobs › Synergy Flavors

Sr. HR Generalist

Synergy Flavors · Chicago, IL · $75,000–$102,000 a year · Full time

Posted Aug 31, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 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.

About your past

Tell me about an employee relations investigation you led. How did you gather facts and reach a conclusion?

What they are checking: Whether they run fair, documented investigations that would hold up if challenged later.

How do you coach a newer production supervisor who avoids hard performance conversations?

What they are checking: Whether they can build front-line managers' skills instead of handling every issue for them.

Tell me about a time you had to tell a senior manager that what they wanted to do wasn't compliant.

What they are checking: Whether they can push back with confidence and offer a workable alternative.

Tell me about an HR process you improved. What was the problem and what changed?

What they are checking: Whether they look for ways to make HR simpler and more consistent for managers and employees.

What would you do

A supervisor on the plant floor comes to you wanting to fire an employee for attendance today. Walk me through what you do.

What they are checking: Whether they slow down a rushed decision, check policy and documentation, and protect the company from risk.

You support operations in both Wauconda and Chicago and visit Wauconda monthly. How do you stay visible and trusted at a site you aren't at every day?

What they are checking: Whether they have practical ways to build relationships across sites and shifts.

How do you decide when an issue is routine enough to handle yourself versus when to bring in the HR Business Partner?

What they are checking: Whether they know the limits of their role and escalate complex matters at the right time.

Engagement scores are low on third shift. How would you find out why and what would you do?

What they are checking: Whether they listen directly to employees and turn feedback into real actions.

An employee comes to you with a harassment complaint about their supervisor and asks you to keep it confidential. How do you respond?

What they are checking: Whether they are honest about the duty to act while protecting the employee as much as possible.

About the work

An operator asks for time off for a medical condition. How do you work through FMLA and possible ADA accommodation?

What they are checking: Whether they know leave and accommodation rules well enough to handle them correctly without guessing.

What Illinois-specific employment rules do you keep in mind in a manufacturing setting?

What they are checking: Whether they keep up with state requirements like paid leave and wage rules that affect daily HR work.

Practice this interview out loud.

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The full job description

As published by Synergy Flavors.

Company Overview Synergy Flavors, part of the Carbery Group, is more than just a leading international supplier of ingredients to the global food and beverage industry—we’re a team driven by purpose. Our vision is simple yet powerful: enriching lives through healthier and tastier foods. We believe great flavor starts with great people. That’s why we’re committed to hiring creative, passionate individuals who want to make a real impact. With deep expertise across food, beverage, and nutrition, our teams develop high-quality taste solutions that inspire innovation and elevate everyday experiences. Your Role in Synergy's Success The Senior HR Generalist provides day-to-day HR partnership to designated operations client groups in both Wauconda and Chicago. This role serves as a trusted resource to employees, supervisors, and managers and provides guidance on employee relations, investigations, performance management, leave and accommodations, compliance, engagement, and HR processes. This position would be expected to be on site in Wauconda monthly to support business and operational needs. The Senior HR Generalist independently manages routine and moderately complex HR matters while partnering with the HR Business Partner on complex employee relations issues, organizational changes, workforce planning, and other strategic priorities. How You Will Contribute KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Employee Relations & Leadership Support • Serve as a primary HR contact for assigned operations client groups. • Manage routine and moderately complex employee relations matters, including attendance, conduct, performance, and workplace concerns. • Conduct employee relations investigations, including interviews, documentation, and recommendations. • Coach supervisors and managers on performance management, corrective action, attendance, conflict resolution, and policy application. • Escalate complex, high-risk, or legally sensitive matters to the HR Business Partner and/or VP HR. Compliance, Leave & Employee Support • Administer FMLA, ADA accommodations, workers' compensation, and applicable state and local leave programs. • Apply company policies and employment requirements consistently. • Conduct HR compliance audits and maintain accurate documentation. Talent & Workforce Support • Provide workforce data and insights related to staffing, turnover, absenteeism, and retention. • Support recruiting, onboarding, talent reviews, succession planning, and organizational changes. • Partner with Talent Acquisition and operational leaders to address workforce needs.Support workforce planning and talent initiatives led by the HR Business Partner. Engagement & Culture • Partner with leaders to address employee feedback and improve engagement and workplace culture. • Support change management initiatives. HR Operations & Analytics • Prepare HR metrics, dashboards, and workforce reports. • Monitor workforce trends and provide insights to HR and operational leaders. • Maintain accurate HRIS records and employee documentation. • Identify opportunities to improve HR processes, consistency, and employee experience. • Support HR programs, projects, audits, and process improvements.undefined SKILLS AND REQUIREMENTS • Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field, or equivalent experience. • 5+ years of progressive HR experience, supporting an hourly population. • Travel required up to 25% between the home plant and other supported plants, based on business need. • Experience with employee relations, investigations, performance management, and leave administration. • Working knowledge of federal, state, and local employment requirements. • Experience coaching frontline supervisors and managers. • Strong communication, problem-solving, organization, and relationship-building skills. • Experience with HRIS and Microsoft Office applications. • Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment. Preferred • PHR or SHRM-CP certification. • Experience supporting hourly or multi-shift manufacturing employees. • Experience with workforce analytics and HR reporting. • Workday or other enterprise HRIS experience. • Knowledge of Illinois employment laws and City of Chicago ordinances. Salary Range: $75,000 - $102,000 The actual compensation that you will be offered will depend on a variety of factors including geography, skills and abilities, education, experience and other relevant factors. This role will remain open until filled. For more information on our benefits click here . Department: Human Resources Location: Chicago/Wauconda, Illinois Work Arrangement: Hybrid Reporting To: HRBP Our Commitment to our People We are a diverse and growing workforce of over 1,000 people across eight countries globally. As we continue to grow, we want to ensure that Carbery Group continues to be a place where people are supported to develop and feel that they can do their best work. We are committed to driving growth, developing future capability and delivering results through our dedicated teams. We offer competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, and an inclusive workplace where your skills, perspectives, and experience help shape the future of our industry. Join us and be part of a team that values collaboration and makes a meaningful impact - from local communities to global markets. Carbery Group is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to fostering a supportive work environment.

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