Human Resources (HR) Generalist

We are looking for an experienced Human Resources Generalist to provide on-site HR support for a busy industrial workforce in Norfolk, Virginia. This contract position with potential for a permanent role will serve as a key resource for employees and leaders, helping to strengthen employee relations, recruiting efforts, onboarding, performance processes, and day-to-day HR operations. The ideal candidate brings a practical, people-focused approach and is comfortable partnering with both frontline teams and management in a fast-moving construction and contractor environment.

Responsibilities:

• Advise supervisors and managers on employee relations matters, including attendance concerns, performance issues, corrective action, and workplace conflict resolution.
• Guide investigations and maintain thorough documentation to support fair, consistent handling of employee concerns and policy-related matters.
• Manage recruiting coordination for trade, office, and leadership roles, from job posting support through candidate communication and onboarding logistics.
• Lead orientation and onboarding activities for new employees to help them transition smoothly into the organization and understand workplace expectations.
• Support internal employee movement and employment status changes, including promotions, transfers, and separations, while ensuring accurate records are maintained.
• Partner with leadership to track staffing trends, turnover patterns, and retention challenges, and recommend practical workforce planning improvements.
• Assist with performance review cycles, development planning, and supervisor coaching to strengthen employee growth and accountability.
• Act as a local HR contact for benefits, leave administration, and workers’ compensation questions, including injury reporting and return-to-work coordination.
• Maintain personnel files, audit-ready documentation, and compliance records in alignment with company standards and applicable employment laws.
• Identify opportunities to improve HR processes, enhance service delivery, and support implementation of standardized policies across the business.
• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related discipline, or equivalent hands-on experience in HR.
• At least 5 years of progressive human resources experience, including substantial exposure to employee relations and HR administration.
• Working knowledge of federal and Virginia employment laws, HR compliance practices, and documentation standards.
• Demonstrated ability to support both hourly craft employees and salaried leaders in a fast-paced operational setting.
• Experience with onboarding, benefits support, leave coordination, and maintaining accurate employee records within HR systems.
• Strong communication, organization, judgment, and problem-solving skills with the ability to handle sensitive matters professionally.
• Background in construction, manufacturing, shipyard, ship repair, or another industrial environment is strongly preferred.
• HR certification and familiarity with HRIS, payroll platforms, or applicant tracking systems are considered a plus.