HR Generalist

HR Generalist

While the good old boys are drinking whiskey and rye, our young, rebellious team of creators have no time for nostalgia. We're too busy relentlessly trying new things to unlock the potential of America's oldest spirit, and we are just getting started. Once the leading American spirit, Rye Whiskey faded from popularity after prohibition... until a dedicated crew of Rye enthusiasts settled in an unlikely place, turning a historic dairy barn into a world class whiskey distillery in remote Shoreham, Vermont, where we keep the things that make Rye great, throw out the rest, and constantly innovate to make whiskey our way.

Location: Middlebury, VT/ Hybrid

Category: Human Resources

Position: HR Generalist

Role Summary: The HR Generalist owns the day-to-day human resources functions for the organization, serving as the primary HR contact for employees and managers across the organization. This role manages recruiting, hiring, onboarding, terminations, employee relations, HR policy, compliance, and owns the relationship with the Company's outsourced payroll, benefits, and leave-of-absence provider. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced HR professional, comfortable operating with significant autonomy and exercising sound independent judgment on sensitive matters.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage full-cycle recruiting, onboarding and offboarding for all roles hourly production, warehouse/distillery operations, and corporate
• Assist with compensation administration tasks (data entry, offer letter prep) under guidance from leadership
• Serve as the primary point of contact for employee relations matters, including investigations, conflict resolution, and performance management coaching for managers
• Manage the day-to-day workflow with the outsourced payroll and benefits provider process enrollments, terminations, payroll data submission, and benefits changes
• Coordinate leave of absence handoffs with the outsourced provider (manager notifications, return-to-work tracking) while the vendor manages compliance paperwork
• Help maintain compliance with basic federal and state labor law requirements, safety, and OSHA recordkeeping
• Maintain HRIS administration and reporting (headcount, turnover, analytics)
• Maintain personnel files and assist with employee handbook updates
• Track workers' comp and unemployment claims in coordination with the outsourced providers
• Act as a trusted advisor to leadership on people-related decisions
• Other duties as assigned

The Mashbill: Compensation, Benefits & Perks

The compensation for this role is a competitive base salary plus an annual bonus, determined by individual performance paired with company performance and goals. Paid personal time off, paid sick time, paid volunteer time, and paid holidays. Industry-leading paid parental leave benefits - up to 10 weeks, fully paid! Insurance plan through Cigna Healthcare + FSA, Delta (dental and vision), and Renaissance (accident and STD/LTD/AD&D coverages as well as life insurance) with generous company contribution, all available upon first day of employment. Safe Harbor 401K plan with generous company match. Support and resources via EAP access, financial wellness benefits through FinFit, as well as discounts on and access to hundreds of benefits and services through Working Advantage, our Employee Perks program.

Position Requirements - Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in HR, Business Administration, or related field
• 58+ years of progressive HR generalist experience
• Demonstrated ability to operate independently with strong judgment
• Basic working knowledge of employment law, FLSA, and OSHA
• Experience managing outsourced payroll/benefits relationship preferred
• Excellent judgment and discretion in handling sensitive, confidential matters
• Prior manufacturing, food/beverage, or industrial experience preferred
• Live within a commutable distance to Middlebury, Vermont

Physical requirements: Hybrid work is performed in an office environment at our operational sites. There is frequent computer use and long periods of sitting/standing. This position requires the ability to handle multiple platforms and workflows and must maintain focus on fast-paced environment with changing priorities. Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.

EOE Statement: This philosophy and policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training. WhistlePig Whiskey is committed to breaking the rules, defying tradition, and blazing new trails with determination, laughter, and grit. We changed the Rye Whiskey game over a decade ago, and continue to set the standard every day, in every way, providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment, prohibiting discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. WhistlePig provides reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities as both applicants and employees. Such individuals are encouraged to seek accommodations to allow for application, consideration, and successful employment. We also comply with the Fair Chance Act - no need to share a criminal history or undergo a background check until we offer you a job. If a recorded conviction raises concerns for us, you'll have the opportunity to explain or dispute it.