What does a Principal HR Generalist do?
Human resources generalists manage the day-to-day operations of a human resources office and the administration of human resources policies, programs, protocols, and procedures. They recruit and handle staffing logistics and work in organizational and space planning techniques. They are responsible for assisting with performance management and improvement systems where necessary.
Human resources generalists work to ensure regulatory compliance and reporting remain up-to-date; they are tasked with employee orientation, development, and implementing new employee training programs and initiatives. They work in policy development and documentation and assist with relationship management between employees and employers. They originate and lead human resources practices and objectives that provide employee-oriented high-performance cultures and advise company managers on human resources related issues. Human resources generalists need a minimum bachelor's degree in human resources, business, or organizational development. Some positions require specialized training in employment law, compensation, or related fields.
- Provide guidance, solutions and training to employees and managers.
- Assist in the development of department goals, objectives and systems.
- Support a high performance culture that increases employee engagement.
- Support the HR team with special projects as needed.
- Assist in organizing and coordinating HR policies and procedures.
- Develop and maintain learning metrics for each co-op assignment.
- Serve as primary liaison between human resources and payroll teams.
- Provide primary support on employee relations and compliance issues.
- Assist in the development and administration of compensation strategy, performance management.
- Assist in the development and improvement of company policies and procedures.
- Administer job posting process to ensure timely postings of positions.
- Function as a change leader in support of the organization 's initiatives.
- Participate in continuous improvement of HR functions and processes.
- Review and respond to general unemployment agency inquiries.
- Conduct external personnel file audits on a monthly basis.
- Conduct new employee orientation and other training programs when needed.
- Lead the employment function including, interviewing, and the separation process.
- Lead HR team, either through direct reporting or through matrix, as needed.
- Associate's or Bachelor's Degree in business, business administration or human resources, or equivalent experience.
- Fluent in processes such as new personnel onboarding and current personnel termination.
- A leader and problem solver with strict attention to detail.
- Solid professionalism and an eye on continuous improvement.
- Prior experience as a consultant.
- Demonstrated negotiation, collaboration, and decision making skills.
- A sound manager of time and tasks.
- Can work with multiple teams and pipelines.
How much does a Principal HR Generalist make near United States?
Base Pay
Additional Pay
$186,132
/ yrPrincipal HR Generalist Career Path
Learn how to become a Principal HR Generalist, what skills and education you need to succeed, and what level of pay to expect at each step on your career path.
Years of Experience Distribution
Principal HR Generalist Insights
Scanline VFX“Lighting Lead was not helpful and misrepresented my work to vfx supe to make himself look good.”
Havas Health and You“Some of the people I worked with were very pleasant and kind and I truly enjoyed working with them.”
NeoDocto“The task are really relevant for our career path and working with them is so good.”
Rise“Was able to have a flexible schedule and also felt that my opinion was very valued.”
Sonepar USA“I enjoy the warm and welcoming environment and many career opportunities in the electrical industry.”
Toll Brothers“Everyone was so welcoming and willing to teach me everything I needed to know to succeed.”
Axia Women's Health“Axia truly cares about its patients and team and is a great place to work!”
AllPeople Marketplace“My coworkers and I shared such an amazing dynamic and it was just the absolutely amazing working with them!”
Frequently asked questions about the role and responsibilities of HR generalists
An HR generalist works in the human resources office of an organization. Common tasks include recruiting staff, conducting onboarding and training, and liaising between staff and management. They may also help with policy development.
Good HR generalists are highly sought after and are key members of the HR team. Because they know all aspects of human resources, they can choose to specialize in one field or continue to generalize. Careers in human resources are typically highly rewarding as well.
HR generalists do get well paid, with an average base salary of $186,132 per year in the United States. While an entry level position might pay $147,985 they can earn up to $237,535 per year with more experience or specific skills and certifications.
Working as an HR generalist offers challenges. They must be able to understand employee behavior and handle personal information with absolute discretion. Sometimes, employee relations can be stressful, such as with exit interviews.
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