Sr. HR Representative

Overview

Sr. HR Representative –

Location:

La Vergne, TN

With over 85 years as an industrial technology leader, Kennametal delivers productivity to customers through materials science, tooling and wear-resistant solutions. The role provides HR support to assigned plants, business units and/or functions under the general oversight from the Manager, HR Service Delivery. The position focuses on the full employee lifecycle from recruiting through off-boarding, ensuring effective HR practices, policy compliance, and a positive work environment.

The Sr. Representative collaborates with business management to anticipate and plan for long-term human resource needs and trends.

• Align site HR objectives with the business to drive organizational value; actively partner with site leadership, North American leadership and corporate HR teams to drive continuous improvement toward expected business results.
• Partner with the site leadership team to foster a culture of mutual trust and respect, maintaining the site's positive culture.
• Lead continuous improvement of the site's employee engagement efforts, providing consultation and recommendations in talent management, employee relations, change management, performance management, safety, wellness, and other people initiatives.
• Review, track, and document compliance with mandatory and non-mandatory training and work assessments.
• Recruit, interview, and facilitate hiring of qualified job applicants; collaborate with managers to understand skills and competencies required for openings.
• Implement new hire orientation and employee recognition programs.
• Perform routine tasks required to administer and execute HR programs, including but not limited to:
• Manage compensation; leaves; disciplinary matters; disputes and investigations; performance and talent management; productivity, recognition, and morale; training and development.
• Coach front-line supervisors through employee relations and performance management issues.
• Manage Employee Services such as benefits; payroll; leaves; employee and manager inquiries, referring complex matters to appropriate management.
• Attend and participate in employee disciplinary meetings, terminations, and investigations.
• Maintain compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations, and best practices; review policies to maintain compliance.
• Stay informed on trends, best practices, regulatory changes, and new technologies in HR, talent management, and employment law.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• 3+ years of HR Generalist experience in a manufacturing or similar environment.
• Proven expertise in Employee Relations issue resolution and conflict management.
• Strong coaching and guidance skills for managers and employees to foster a positive work environment.
• Experience conducting investigations related to workplace issues, including policy violations and misconduct.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive employee information with professionalism.
• Knowledge of manufacturing labor laws, regulations, and safety compliance requirements.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple HR initiatives simultaneously.
• Experience with Success Factors (HRIS) or similar HR systems for management, reporting, and data analysis is preferred.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to tailor messages to different audiences.
• Ability to build strong relationships and achieve results working with others.
• Must be able to operate with a sense of urgency; able to identify opportunities, develop and execute action plans, and evaluate results.
• Strong problem-solving skills with ability to drive to root cause.
• Ability to influence and drive change while balancing people and culture considerations.
• Excellent project management skills; able to manage multiple daily issues and advance projects in parallel.
• PC proficiency with the ability to navigate HRIS systems.