Senior HR Generalist

Obayashi Corporation is seeking a detail‑oriented and experienced Senior HR Generalist to join our team. This role manages day‑to‑day human resources operations and serves as the primary point of contact for employee relations, recruitment, benefits administration, and policy compliance. Handle onboarding, performance management, and HRIS data maintenance, requiring strong interpersonal skills and knowledge of employment laws. This versatile role supports both salaried and hourly employees across NACG (North American Civil Group), ensuring compliance and enhancing the employee experience.

This role will be based in Foster City, CA, and will report to the Vice President, Strategy.

• Ownership of HR tasks and outcomes: mobilization/onboarding, job changes, separations, leave coordination, and benefits support delivered with urgency and accuracy.
• Partner with project office managers to provide HR support to field operations
• Maintain employee personnel records and ensure HR documentation compliance
• Develop job descriptions, source and screen candidates, conduct initial interviews, and collaborate with hiring managers to identify staffing needs
• Serve as the first point of contact for employee inquiries, mediate conflicts, address grievances, and conduct internal investigations.
• Oversee employee benefit programs (health insurance, retirement plans, leave of absence) and ensure accurate payroll processing.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulatory reporting requirements across multiple states and public works (e.g., Davis Bacon, prevailing wage, etc.)
• Support union labor administration and coordination activities as needed
• Assist managers with performance appraisals, goal‑setting frameworks, and document performance improvement plans.
• Coordinate employee training and development, and compliance training
• Assist in developing scalable HR policies, procedures, and organizational systems
• Help establish HR infrastructure and best practices for a growing organization
• Develop and maintain HR templates, workflows, and process documentation
• Assist NACG leadership with organizational communication and change management initiatives
• The responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to, those listed above, and other duties may be assigned

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Management, Human Resources, or related field.
• 5+ years of progressive HR experience, with at least 2 years in a generalist or senior‑level role.
• Experience in the construction industry is required.

• Able to build trust with project leadership—communicates clearly without ’HR‑speak’.
• Ability to perform detailed analysis and apply business acumen to develop insightful value‑added solutions/process improvements.
• Demonstrated field‑first HR approach—prioritizes jobsite operational needs while ensuring compliance and consistency.
• High initiative, strong judgment, and ability to provide solutions.
• Excellent communication skills between jobsites and the Home Office.

• Experience supporting heavy civil and/or underground projects required.
• Experience with union and non‑union work environments.
• Experience with multi‑state compliance, including federal compliance.
• Versatility and the ability to work on multiple software platforms are required.
• Familiarity with Viewpoint Vista HR software is preferred.
• SHRM‑CP, SHRM‑SCP, or PHR certification is preferred.

• Office‑based with occasional travel to project sites, depending on business needs.

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. This position is not eligible for sponsorship.

$90,000-$120,000 USD / yr

In accordance with California state law, Obayashi Corporation is committed to providing clear and transparent information regarding the compensation for this position. The final salary offered will be based on various factors, including the candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, and relevant market considerations. This salary range reflects what we reasonably expect to pay for this role within California. Compensation in other states may vary based on local…