HR Generalist

The Company: Czarnowski is one of the four studios of the Czarnowski Collective. It combines operations, strategy, design, and fabrication to create exhibits and events that engage communities, generate brand enthusiasm, and educate consumers. It’s been over 75 years since we opened our doors, but we’re still not resting on our reputation or accolades. We’re wondering “what if...” anticipating what’s next and embracing our role within the Czarnowski Collective as forward-thinkers for forward-thinking brands. Joining the Czarnowski Collective means the opportunity to be more than a number, more than a job title, more than a spectator. We are a collective of dreamers and thinkers, doers, and makers…and we’re searching for more of the same to join the ranks. The Purpose: We are looking for an HR Generalist to join our team in Austell! As an HR Generalist, you’ll be a trusted HR partner for an assigned site, region, or client group, working closely with employees, frontline leaders, and senior HR leadership. You’ll be the go-to resource for workplace concerns, policy questions, leaves, accommodations, and other employee needs throughout the employee lifecycle. You’ll take ownership of employee relations matters from start to finish — from day-to-day questions and routine concerns to more complex investigations involving multiple employees or managers. You’ll use your judgment and discretion to navigate situations where the answer isn’t always clear, determine when a matter needs to be escalated, and partner with HR Leadership or Legal when appropriate. This role is a balance of hands-on HR support and independent decision-making. You’ll help shape how policies are applied, provide guidance to leaders, and build trusted relationships across the organization. Depending on the business needs, your scope may support one site or multiple locations, including complex or unionized employee populations. The Job: Employee Relations Serve as the first point of contact for employee concerns, questions, and complaints; listen, triage, and respond with discretion and consistency. Intake, document, and track employee relations matters in the case management system, maintaining accurate, objective, and confidential records. Independently plan and conduct workplace investigations end to end — including higher-risk, multi-party, and manager-as-subject matters — determining findings and recommended action, and deciding what requires HRBP or Legal involvement. Coach frontline supervisors through performance conversations, corrective action, and documentation, helping them address issues early and consistently. Administer progressive discipline in partnership with managers, ensuring actions are fair, well-documented, and aligned with policy and past practice. Partners with our Benefits Admin to manage leave administration (FMLA, ADA, state leave) and lead the interactive process for accommodations. Conduct exit interviews, track attrition themes, and surface trends to leadership. Interpret policy where it is silent and apply sound judgment in ambiguous situations, setting precedent for future matters. HR Operations & Administration Manage onboarding and offboarding logistics, including new-hire orientation, documentation, and exit processes. Maintain accurate employee records and process transactions in the HRIS (status changes, transfers, terminations). Coordinate performance review cycles, engagement surveys, and other people programs at the operational level. Prepare HR reports and pull data as requested to support the HRBP's analysis. Help ensure day-to-day compliance with company policies and employment regulations across the assigned site(s). Support recruiting logistics (scheduling, coordination) in partnership with Talent Acquisition as needed. Scope Cover multiple sites or a more complex/unionized population as assigned, adapting practice to local requirements and CBA terms. The Person: Bachelor's degree in HR, Business, or related field (or equivalent experience). 5–7 years of HR experience with substantial employee relations exposure, including independent investigation ownership. Demonstrated ability to run a high-risk investigation and make the call on a manager-as-subject matter without close oversight. Working knowledge of employment law (FMLA, ADA, state leave requirements) and, where applicable, collective bargaining agreements. Proficiency with HRIS platforms and Microsoft Office / Google Workspace. Strong organizational skills, sound judgment, and attention to detail. Experience working in a manufacturing, fabrication, or industrial production environment, with an understanding of shift-based and shop-floor employee relations dynamics — this seat covers Atlanta's combined corporate and production/warehouse population. Comfortable spending regular time on the production floor, including exposure to a shop environment (noise, equipment, varying temperatures). This position is eligible for health care benefits, life insurance, time off benefits and participation in the Company's 401(k) plan. What we offer: Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits effective within 30 days (or less) of your start date 401K matching with no vesting period (you are fully vested as of day 1) Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) Paid Holidays Collaborative Work Environment Collective Culture Core Values: We recognize that the success of our business rests with the skills and efforts of our people, and in return for their contributions, our employees can expect a flexible work environment that delivers on the 10 principles that define our company culture: We celebrate creativity, curiosity, innovation and imagination. We are humble and respectful. We act with honesty and integrity. We empower and trust one another. We embrace individuality and an entrepreneurial spirit. We champion initiatives that bolster diversity, equity and inclusion. We prioritize safe, ethical and sustainable business practices. We foster a culture of meritocracy - rewarding skills and abilities, instead of influence. We always deliver. We don’t take ourselves too seriously. Through several existing and future initiatives, Czarnowski Collective is exploring thoughtful and creative ways to embrace individuality, and more effectively champion diversity, equity and inclusion across our network. EEO Statement Czarnowski Collective is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We don't just accept difference – we honor, nurture, and celebrate it! All aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. We don’t discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, sex/gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.