HR Generalist

A.O. Smith is a global leader applying innovative technologies and energy‑efficient solutions to water heating equipment and boilers, as well as water treatment products. The company is headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and operates worldwide. A.O. Smith Water Treatment in Appleton, Wisconsin provides a full line of products for various applications and is expanding this year.

Supports multiple facilities, including the Appleton Plant and Clean Water Centers, by delivering consistent and effective human‑resources solutions aligned with operational needs. Serves as a key point of contact for leaders and employees, ensuring accurate execution of HR processes that support workforce readiness, compliance, safety, and employee engagement.

• Assisting in prescreening & interviewing candidates
• Working with hiring managers to set up onboarding schedules
• Attending job fairs and recruitment events
• Coaching front‑line supervisors through employee relations and performance management issues
• Ensuring the company complies with labor laws and follows HR policies
• Administering and maintaining UKG time and attendance records, including auditing attendance points and ensuring managers complete required write‑ups
• Coordinating first‑level time‑card approvals by managers
• Supporting leave administration by ensuring STD and FMLA records are maintained and up to date
• Running and distributing workforce reports, including the monthly hours report used for OSHA reporting
• Facilitating and coordinating special HR projects and initiatives under the direction of the HR Supervisor
• Partnering with site functional teams to foster a culture of mutual trust and respect, maintaining the site’s positive culture
• Proactively addressing any potential issues, involving the appropriate customer
• Assisting with employee education and training
• Performing other activities as needed or as directed

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources Management, Business Administration, or a related field
• 1+ year of related work experience
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to tailor message based on audience
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite, Word, Excel, and Outlook
• Ability to build strong relationships and achieve results working with others
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment

• PHR or SPHR certification is preferred
• Exposure to HRIS Systems (e.g. Employee Central, Success Factors, SAP, Kronos/UKG)
• Prior experience supporting hourly recruitment in a manufacturing or operations environment
• Experience administering FMLA, STD, and compliance‑related reporting
• 3+ years of related work experience

Competitive compensation package and comprehensive benefits plans which include medical and dental insurance, company‑sponsored life insurance, retirement security savings plan, short‑ and long‑term disability programs, and tuition assistance.

In developing this job description care was taken to include all competencies needed to successfully perform in this position. However, for Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) purposes, the essential functions of the job may or may not have been described for purposes of ADA reasonable accommodation. All reasonable accommodation requests will be reviewed and evaluated on a case‑by‑case basis.

We consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, gender identity and expression, marital or military status. We also provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and applicable state and local law.