HR Generalist
Date: Aug 19, 2026
Location: Blacksburg, VA, US
Company: Tenneco
Position Summary
The Human Resources Generalist supports daily HR operations in a fast-paced, unionized manufacturing environment. This role partners closely with plant leadership, hourly employees, union representatives, and corporate HR to ensure consistent application of company policies, labor agreements, employment law compliance, and effective workforce management.
Essential Responsibilities
Employee Relations & Labor Relations
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Serve as a primary HR contact for employees and supervisors regarding policies, attendance, benefits, performance management, discipline, and workplace concerns.
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Support employee investigations, corrective action processes, grievance administration, and conflict resolution.
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Assist in the consistent interpretation and administration of the Collective Bargaining Agreement.
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Partner with leadership to promote employee engagement and a positive work environment.
Attendance, Leave & Workforce Administration
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Track attendance, PTO, vacation, FMLA, and leave programs.
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Maintain accurate employment records and HR documentation.
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Support workforce planning, staffing, and employee status changes.
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Ensure compliance with company policies and labor requirements.
Recruiting & Onboarding
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Coordinate recruiting activities, interviews, and candidate communications.
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Manage new hire onboarding and orientation processes.
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Maintain personnel files and onboarding documentation.
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Support retention and employee integration efforts.
Compliance & HR Administration
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Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment regulations.
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Maintain HR reports, records, and audit documentation.
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Assist with unemployment claims, workers' compensation administration, and regulatory reporting.
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Support implementation of HR policies and procedures.
Training & Development
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Coordinate employee training programs and maintain training records.
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Support leadership development and succession planning initiatives.
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Assist departments with training compliance and skills tracking.
Reporting & Analytics
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Prepare and analyze HR metrics including turnover, absenteeism, staffing levels, hiring, and training.
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Maintain HR dashboards, reports, and workforce trackers.
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Identify trends and provide recommendations to leadership.
Qualifications
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Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field preferred.
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Minimum of 3-5 years of Human Resources experience, preferably in a manufacturing environment.
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Experience working in a unionized environment preferred.
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Strong knowledge of employment laws, labor relations, and HR best practices.
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Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and HR systems.
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Excellent communication, interpersonal, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
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Ability to maintain confidentiality and manage multiple priorities.
Preferred Competencies
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Employee Relations |
Labor Relations |
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Investigations & Corrective Action |
Talent Acquisition & Onboarding |
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HR Compliance |
Data Analysis & Reporting |
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Conflict Resolution |
Training & Development |
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Workforce Planning |
Continuous Improvement Mindset |
Work Environment
This position operates in both office and manufacturing environments and regularly interacts with plant leadership, supervisors, hourly employees, and union representatives. The employee may be exposed to manufacturing equipment, noise, heat, and production-floor conditions while supporting plant operations.
Physical Requirements
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Ability to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods.
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Ability to frequently move throughout a large manufacturing facility.
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Ability to occasionally lift up to 25 pounds.
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Ability to conduct investigations and employee meetings throughout the facility.
Tenneco is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to maintaining a diverse and inclusive workplace