Sr. HR Generalist

About the role

The Senior HR Generalist provides hands on HR support to managers and employees while independently managing defined areas of HR program execution. This role partners closely with HR Business Partners and Centers of Excellence to deliver consistent, high quality HR services and to ensure HR programs are executed effectively for the supported population. Operating with moderate autonomy, this role applies judgment to common and moderately complex HR matters, identifies patterns and risks, and recommends actions to HRBPs. The role balances execution excellence with practical HR advisory support , serving as a trusted resource for managers while remaining aligned to established HR strategies and frameworks. How you will thrive and create an impact HR Program Execution & Ownership Independently manage execution of assigned components of HR programs (e.g., performance management phases, talent review preparation, compensation inputs, engagement follow up actions) Serve as a program or process lead for designated populations or activities, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and consistency Partner with HRBPs to translate program expectations into clear manager actions and timelines Develop summaries, insights, and recommendations based on program outcomes and manager feedback Manager Advisory & Employee Relations Provide ongoing HR guidance to managers on performance management, employee relations, compensation principles, and development practices within established policy and guidelines Coach managers on effective communication, feedback delivery, and issue prevention Build credibility with managers through sound judgment, responsiveness, and practical advice Workforce Insights & Issue Identification Analyze people data, trends, and case activity to identify themes, risks, or improvement opportunities Provide synthesized insights and recommendations to HRBPs to inform workforce planning, manager capability needs, or process enhancements Act as an early warning signal for emerging employee experience or performance concerns within supported groups Compensation & Rewards Partnership Partner closely with the Compensation team to support job profile and leveling reviews, including role scoping, benchmarking inputs, and documentation preparation Coordinate compensation‑related activities for supported populations, such as annual merit cycles, off‑cycle adjustments, retention actions, and project‑based or spot bonus recommendations, ensuring alignment to guidelines and approvals Serve as the HR execution lead for manager compensation requests by validating inputs, advising on policy parameters, and facilitating timely review with Compensation and HRBPs Support managers in understanding compensation outcomes by helping translate decisions into clear, consistent employee communications in partnership with HRBPs Identify trends or recurring compensation themes (e.g., retention risk, role compression, market pressure) and escalate insights to HRBPs and Compensation partners Process Improvement & Operational Excellence Identify gaps or inefficiencies in HR processes impacting the supported population and recommend improvements Partner with HR Operations or Solutions teams to refine workflows, documentation, and manager resources Ensure accurate data management and documentation in HR systems (e.g., Workday) Change & Communication Support Support organizational and operational changes by reinforcing communications, preparing manager toolkits, and addressing employee questions Help managers navigate transitions by clarifying expectations, timelines, and available HR resources Provide feedback to HR leadership on change adoption and employee sentiment

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business, or related field
• 5-7 years of progressive HR experience
• Demonstrated experience advising managers and handling employee relations matters
• Experience independently managing components of HR programs or processes
• Strong working knowledge of HR policies, employment practices, and compliance fundamentals
• Proficiency in Workday and Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint)
• Strong judgment, organization, and communication skills
• What Success Looks Like
• Managers rely on you for practical, trusted HR guidance
• Assigned HR programs and processes run smoothly with minimal rework
• Emerging risks and patterns are surfaced early with clear recommendations
• HRBPs view you as a dependable execution lead and thought partner
• Employees experience consistent, fair, and timely HR support
• Disclaimer:
• Why Avantor?
• Dare to go further in your career. Join our global team

Benefits

Your Match

How well this role fits your profile.

Company Intel

What employees say

Worked at vwr? Share your experience