The HR Specialist is responsible for optimizing HR operations, and managing employee relations matters to support a high-performing manufacturing workforce. This role serves as the operational backbone of the HR function by improving processes, maintaining compliance, providing actionable workforce analytics, and helping the HR team conduct thorough investigations into employee concerns. The HR Specialist role thrives in a fast-paced production environment and balances day-to-day HR support with proactive initiatives that improve retention, accountability, safety culture, and employee experience. RESPONSIBILITIES: Promote positive associate relations by resolving associate concerns proactively and providing excellent customer service. Partner with EHS and Operations teams to champion a strong safety culture. Foster a positive, inclusive, and high-performance culture rooted in collaboration, accountability, and psychological safety. Support HR Generalists with investigating employee concerns, policy violations, complaints, and workplace conflicts in a fair, consistent, and timely manner. Partner with the Leaves & Accommodations team to support FMLA, ADA, and other leave-of-absence cases. Serve as the main Timekeeper for Fiberon, partnering closely with the Payroll team to execute a smooth payroll process each week. Support onboarding, employee record management, status changes, and offboarding activities. Prepare and analyze reports on turnover, absenteeism, staffing, engagement, training, and workforce demographics to help leaders make informed decisions.  Identify opportunities to streamline HR processes and improve service levels for associates and supervisors across the organization.  Develop and maintain simple SOPs, checklists, and process documentation that make HR easier to work with for the plant.  Use Workday and UKG to process HR transactions accurately and in compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements, keeping employee, time, and payroll records accurate.  Conduct periodic audits to ensure employee records and organizational data remain accurate and compliant. Assist in organizing company functions and community relations activities.