Human Resources Assistant

Human Resources Assistant
Winona, MN - Hybrid (4 days in office, 1 day remote)

The Watkins Company has been a pioneer in natural products since 1868. From our world famous Vanilla Extract, to our unique Cinnamon and Black Pepper, The Watkins Company continues to be innovative in categories including but not limited to Extracts, Spices, Dry Seasoning Mixes, and Baking Decorations.

The Watkins Company is looking for a talented Human Resources Assistant. As a Human Resources Assistant, you will support the day-to-day administrative and operational functions of the HR department while serving as the primary point of contact for front desk activities. This role coordinates recruiting and candidate screening, partners with staffing agencies to fulfill temporary labor needs, and facilitates onboarding and new hire orientations.

The position also maintains employee data and compliance records, supports payroll and timekeeping processes, reconciles benefit invoices, and manages submission of HR-related invoices into the ERP system. Additionally, this role coordinates employee programs and company-wide activities while ensuring a professional and responsive experience for employees, candidates, and visitors.

The duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:
Coordinate recruiting activities including job postings, interview scheduling, candidate communication, and applicant tracking.
Conduct initial candidate screenings via phone interviews and determine appropriate next steps based on defined criteria.
Partner with staffing agencies to coordinate temporary labor needs, including requisitions, candidate flow, and onboarding logistics.
Own and facilitate new hire orientations for both direct hires and temporary employees, ensuring a consistent and compliant onboarding experience.
Maintain accurate employee records and ensure data integrity across HRIS systems.
Assist with payroll, timekeeping administration, and compliance tracking including I-9s, training, and policy acknowledgements.
Prepare and maintain HR reports and dashboards.
Coordinate and execute employee programs and company-wide activities.
Reconcile benefit invoices and manage submission of HR-related invoices into the ERP system.
Provide front-line HR support and oversee front desk operations, including employee inquiries, visitor management, and incoming communications.
Our ideal candidate will have at minimum:
Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field preferred.
Minimum 2 plus years of experience in an administrative, HR support, or office coordination.
Experience supporting recruiting processes, including candidate screening or interview coordination preferred
Demonstrate intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office including Excel, Word and PowerPoint.
In addition to working in a strategic, dynamic and collaborative work environment, with a tight knit team, The Watkins Company offers a competitive benefits package including best in class Medical, Dental, Life and AD&D Insurance, 100% employer paid leave, as well as a flexible working environment, hybrid scheduling for remote and in office work, generous PTO package available upon hire, 10 fully paid holidays, and $1 for $1 401k match program.

The Watkins Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. #LI-Hybrid