HR Generalist

Nashwauk, MN
Full Time
Entry Level
About Mesabi Metallics:

When you join the team at Mesabi Metallics, you become part of a pioneering group advancing sustainable mining practices and driving innovation in the iron ore industry. Our commitment extends to providing a safe work environment, supporting environmental stewardship and generating value for all stakeholders. You will be joining us at a pivotal moment in Minnesota’s mining history: Mesabi Metallics’ cutting-edge iron ore mining and pelletization project is currently under construction. Once completed, it will mark the first new mine and pellet plant in Minnesota in nearly 50 years. More importantly, you’ll be immersed in a positive, supportive work environment that values your contributions and fosters your professional growth. Our culture is shaped by our core values which are sustainability, integrity, inclusivity, innovation, teamwork, determination and performance, and our employees are empowered to make a difference every day. At Mesabi Metallics, you are part of a legacy of excellence, playing a key role in shaping the future of global infrastructure and industry.

Position Summary:

The HR Generalist is a key member of the Human Resources team at Mesabi Metallics, based in Nashwauk, MN. Reporting directly to the General Manager – Human Resources, this role provides dedicated operational support to the Compensation & Benefits Specialist across the full spectrum of benefits administration and compliance activities, and extends similar support to the Talent Acquisition Specialist on recruitment coordination and onboarding. The position is well-suited for an HR professional with 5–10 years of experience who brings strong execution capability, sound knowledge of employment law and benefits operations, and a commitment to delivering accurate, timely HR service in a fast-paced industrial environment. An MBA or equivalent with specialization in Human Resources is required.

Job Responsibilities:
 
Reporting to the General Manager – Human Resources, the HR Generalist will be responsible for the following:

Benefits Administration Support
The HR Generalist provides day-to-day operational assistance to the Compensation & Benefits Specialist, ensuring accurate execution of benefits programs and a responsive employee experience.
  • Serve as the first point of contact for employee benefits inquiries, resolving routine questions and escalating complex or plan-design matters to the Compensation & Benefits Specialist.
  • Process benefits transactions — enrollments, qualifying life event changes, and terminations — accurately in the HRIS and with carriers, under the guidance of the Compensation & Benefits Specialist.
  • Support the annual open enrollment process through employee communications, scheduling, HRIS data entry, and helpdesk assistance.
  • Administer leave of absence programs (FMLA, ADA, state leave) including documentation, manager notifications, and employee correspondence; escalate complex accommodation or plan interpretation matters to the Compensation & Benefits Specialist.
  • Coordinate workers’ compensation claim reporting, maintain case documentation, and liaise between employees, management, and the insurance carrier.
  • Reconcile monthly benefits invoices and flag discrepancies to the Compensation & Benefits Specialist and Finance for resolution.
  • Maintain organized benefits records and ensure all enrollment documentation is complete, current, and audit-ready.
  • Educate employees on benefits programs, enrollment windows, and leave entitlements through structured communications and one-on-one support.

HR Compliance & Policy Administration
The HR Generalist owns day-to-day compliance execution and HR recordkeeping, ensuring the organization remains audit-ready at all times.
  • Ensure HR practices comply with applicable federal, state, and local employment laws including FLSA, FMLA, ADA, Title VII, EEOC, MSHA, and OSHA regulations.
  • Maintain and periodically update the employee handbook and HR policy library in line with legislative changes and organizational requirements.
  • Prepare and submit mandatory compliance filings including EEO-1, VETS-4212, ACA reporting, and applicable Minnesota state submissions.
  • Conduct periodic HR audits of employee files, I-9 documentation, and HRIS data to ensure accuracy and compliance readiness.
  • Manage the I-9 and E-Verify process for all new hires, ensuring documentation is completed accurately and retained per legal requirements.
  • Monitor federal and Minnesota state employment law developments and brief HR leadership on relevant changes.
  • Support employee relations matters including complaint intake, fact-finding, and documentation, maintaining confidentiality and legal compliance throughout.
  • Coordinate MSHA and OSHA recordkeeping requirements with the Safety team, including OSHA 300 log maintenance.
  • Maintain accurate and confidential employee records in the HRIS (Workday, ADP, or equivalent).

Recruitment & Onboarding Support
The HR Generalist provides coordination and administrative support to the Talent Acquisition Specialist to facilitate smooth recruitment operations and new hire onboarding.
  • Coordinate interview scheduling, candidate communications, and pre-employment screening logistics (background checks, drug screens, reference checks) as directed by the Talent Acquisition Specialist.
  • Manage new hire onboarding administration: orientation scheduling, new hire paperwork, HRIS setup, and benefits enrollment, ensuring all compliance requirements are fulfilled prior to the start date.
  • Maintain and post job descriptions across approved platforms as directed by the Talent Acquisition Specialist and hiring managers.
  • Track onboarding completion status and provide regular updates to the Talent Acquisition Specialist and GM – HR.

HR Operations
  • Process employee lifecycle transactions — new hires, transfers, promotions, and separations — accurately in the HRIS.
  • Support the performance management cycle, training administration, and employee engagement initiatives.
  • Generate HR reports and provide data as required by the GM – HR, Compensation & Benefits Specialist, and Talent Acquisition Specialist.
  • Contribute to HR team projects and process improvement initiatives aligned with Mesabi Metallics’ growth objectives.

Skills and Qualifications:
  • 3–7 years of progressive HR generalist experience with demonstrated strength in benefits administration and HR compliance.
  • Solid working knowledge of federal and Minnesota state employment laws (FLSA, FMLA, ADA, Title VII, EEOC, ACA, MSHA).
  • Hands-on experience administering health & welfare benefit plans, coordinating open enrollment, and managing leave of absence programs.
  • Experience with EEO-1, ACA, VETS-4212, and other regulatory compliance filings.
  • I-9 and E-Verify compliance experience required.
  • Proficiency with HRIS platforms (Workday, ADP, UKG, or equivalent) and ATS tools.
  • Experience in manufacturing, mining, construction, or heavy industrial environments strongly preferred.
  • Ability to manage competing priorities and deliver results in a fast-paced, growing organization.
Education:
  • MBA or equivalent Master’s degree with specialization in Human Resources, Organizational Development, or a related field — required.
  • Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related discipline.
  • PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, or SHRM-SCP certification strongly preferred.
  • Minimum 2 years of progressive HR generalist experience.
Physical Requirements:
  • Ability to sit for extended periods while performing computer-based work; occasional standing and walking throughout the facility.
  • Ability to lift and carry up to 25 lbs. occasionally (e.g., HR files, training materials, office supplies).
  • Must be able to work in a standard office environment at the Nashwauk, MN facility.
  • Occasional visits to mine site or plant areas may require wearing PPE (hard hat, safety glasses, hi-vis vest, steel-toed boots) as directed.
  • Must be able to work in northern Minnesota climate conditions as needed.
Salary
$75,000 – $85,000 annually (commensurate with experience and qualifications)
Competitive range benchmarked against northern Minnesota industrial market for an HR Generalist with MBA-level credentials and 3-7years of experience.

Benefits:

Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical and dental coverage with an HSA option.
Retirement Plan: 401(k) with 6% company match.
Lincoln STD, LTD, & Life Insurance: Coverage provided by Mesabi Metallics.
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