HR Generalist

Smith & Jennings Inc. is a family-owned grading and utility contractor in High Point, NC, seeking a motivated and detail-oriented HR Generalist to join our team. This role is perfect for someone who enjoys wearing multiple hats—primarily focused on HR responsibilities , but also lending a hand to our accounting and accounts payable team when needed.

Main Purpose:

The HR Generalist is a hands-on partner supporting all aspects of human resources within a dynamic environment. This role blends HR expertise with administrative and light financial support, ensuring smooth operations both in the field and in the office. The HR Generalist must be comfortable working with a wide range of employees, from field crews to executives and provide practical, compliant, and people-focused solutions.

Core Accountabilities:

• Partner with leadership and field supervisors to align HR practices with operational needs.
• Manage full-cycle recruiting and onboarding for field and office positions; ensure new hires are trained on safety and company policies.
• Administer benefits programs including health, dental, life insurance, and 401(k); oversee open enrollment and vendor negotiations.
• Process and verify accounts payable invoices, vendor statements, and lien waivers in accordance with construction contract requirements.
• Maintain accurate personnel files, compliance documentation, and vendor records.
• Provide guidance on employee relations, performance management, and disciplinary actions.
• Assist with workers’ compensation claims, OSHA documentation, and coordinate with the Safety Manager on return-to-work accommodations.
• Support accounting with process improvements and implementation of electronic systems.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment regulations, including those specific to construction contracting.
• Assist with jobsite visits, safety meetings, and field staff communication as needed.

Key Outputs/Results:

• Positions are filled promptly with qualified candidates, reducing turnover.
• Benefit and vendor programs are managed accurately and cost-effectively.
• Accounts payable processes are compliant with construction contract requirements.
• Employee issues are resolved fairly, promptly, and within legal guidelines.
• HR and accounting records are accurate, organized, and audit-ready.
• Employee engagement and retention improve, especially among field staff.

Key Relationships:

• Reports directly to Controller/ Business Owner.
• Collaborates with Finance/Accounting, Safety Manager, and Project Managers.
• Supports field supervisors and employees across jobsites.
• Works with external vendors (benefits providers, staffing agencies, insurance carriers, suppliers).

Essential Knowledge:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Accounting, or related field preferred.
• 3–5 years of HR generalist experience in construction, utilities, or manufacturing required.
• Familiarity with lien waivers, vendor compliance, and construction contract documentation.
• Knowledge of HR best practices, wage and hour laws, OSHA, and workers’ compensation processes.

Technical Skills:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Experience with HRIS and payroll platforms.
• Familiarity with accounting software and accounts payable processes.
• Strong ability to maintain compliance documentation and produce reports.

What you bring to the job:

• Flexibility to shift between HR, payroll, AP, and compliance functions seamlessly.
• Strong judgment, especially when navigating complex or “grey area” employee situations.
• Integrity, confidentiality, and professionalism in handling sensitive information.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to connect with both field staff and leadership.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to manage competing priorities.
• A team-oriented mindset and a willingness to “roll up your sleeves.”
• Ability to communicate effectively in both English and Spanish (preferred).

This role is ideal for someone who is:

• Dependable – reliable and consistent in meeting commitments.
• Adaptable/Flexible – thrives when shifting priorities and supporting diverse needs.
• Detail-Oriented – attentive to compliance, documentation, and process accuracy.
• Achievement-Oriented – motivated by solving challenges and reaching goals.
• Independent/Autonomous – capable of taking initiative and working with minimal direction.
• Collaborative – enjoys working as part of a small, close-knit team.
• Resilient – able to manage pressure and maintain focus in a fast-paced environment.

Job Type: Full-time.

Benefits:

• 401(k).
• 401(k) matching.
• Dental insurance.
• Employee assistance program.
• Health insurance.
• Life insurance.
• Paid time off.
• Retirement plan.
• Vision insurance.

Ability to Commute:

• High Point, NC 27265 (Required).

About Our Workplace: We’re a small to medium sized family-owned company in the construction industry, and while our roots are close-knit and personal, our pace is fast and our standards are high. Our office is warm and inviting — a place where everyone knows your name — but we also thrive on efficiency, precision, and getting the job done right. Our team works hard, supports each other, and takes pride in doing quality work. The owner truly cares about every employee and treats the team like family, but we also value independence and accountability. We’re looking for someone who fits that balance — someone detail-oriented, dependable, and capable of managing their responsibilities with confidence while still being a great teammate.