HR Generalist

Fresh Start Foods Canada Ltd.

At Fresh Start Foods you'll find qualified professionals that stand out with their experience and understand that customers are at the centre of everything we do.

We are seeking individuals:

• Who are customer centric
• Who are able to deliver on their commitments
• Who value individual excellence and collective performance
• Who care and give back - sustainable agriculture, the environment, corporate citizenship
• Who go above and beyond to provide options for our customers
• Who understand the foodservice/hospitality/retail business and bring extensive knowledge and experience

Fresh Start Foods Canada Ltd. was founded in 1993 to provide Foodservice Customers with a fresh alternative. An outstanding supply network, efficient distribution, and our thoroughly modern processing plant are all part of our commitment to provide the freshest fruits and vegetables possible.

As our business continues to grow, we are seeking an experienced and highly consultative Human Resources Generalist to partner closely with senior leaders and support our designated divisions. This role is designed for a confident HR professional who brings strong business acumen, thrives in a manufacturing environment, and plays a meaningful role in shaping culture, retention strategies, and workforce effectiveness.

The successful candidate will function as a strategic advisor to site leadership—balancing hands-on execution with high-level consultation—while driving people initiatives that support business outcomes.

Position: Full-Time, Permanent.

Salary: Depending on experience, between $70,000-75,000 per year, plus performance bonus.

Schedule: Monday to Friday, business hours. Once per month, must be able to work one (1) afternoon/evening shift (ie. 12:00-8:00pm, 1:00-9:00pm).

Location: Milton, ON. 5 days in office.

Travel: Must be able to travel to offices in Ottawa (every 2 months) and London (every 2 weeks).

Essential Functions:

• Serve as a trusted advisor to site and senior leaders on employee relations, performance management, engagement, and retention strategies.
• Interpret workforce analytics—including turnover, hiring patterns, and diversity data—and provide actionable insights.
• Lead workforce planning efforts, including internal movement and offer processes.
• Guide leaders through complex employee matters, investigations, accommodations, and corrective action.
• Proactively identify organizational risks and recommend practical, compliant solutions.

• Support local recruiting and retention strategies through community partnerships, outreach events, and employer branding efforts.
• Strengthen onboarding and first-90-day programs to improve new-hire success.
• Champion inclusion, wellness, and engagement initiatives.
• Design and facilitate HR training sessions and leadership workshops.

• Manage WSIB claims and non-occupational leaves, focusing on early return-to-work and cost control.
• Ensure completion of health and safety inspections and follow-up on JHSC actions.
• Maintain compliance with employment legislation and internal policies.
• Oversee off-boarding processes and analyze exit trends.

• Partner with HR Shared Services to ensure consistent and effective service delivery.
• Oversee payroll coordination and onboarding from offer through probation.
• Manage unemployment claims and vendor invoices.
• Lead benefits education and annual enrollment activities.

Requirements:

• Must be bilingual in English and Punjabi.
• Must have access to a vehicle.
• 4+ years of progressive Human Resources Generalist experience, ideally within manufacturing, food processing, or distribution environments.
• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources or related field preferred.
• Strong consultative approach with the ability to influence leaders at multiple levels.
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and problem-solving skills.
• Proven ability to analyze data and develop workforce solutions.
• Knowledge of employment legislation and HR best practices.
• Experience with Workday, UKG/Kronos, and Google Suite is an asset.
• Solid understanding of company culture, policies, and regulatory environments.

Fresh Start Foods offers a range of benefits, including:

• Comprehensive health and dental benefits (including vision, prescription drugs, and extended health coverage)
• Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) Matching Program
• Annual Profit Sharing Bonus
• Employee Family Assistance Program
• Opportunities for career advancement
• Employee Recognition Programs
• Company-sponsored events
• Training opportunities
• Annual Safety Boot Allowance Program
• Full-time hours
• A team-oriented work environment

This job is for one (1) existing vacancy.

We thank all applicants for their interest, however only those selected for the next stage will be contacted. Fresh Start Foods is an equal opportunity employer who strives to provide an inclusive work environment that involves everyone and embraces the diverse talent of its people. All qualified applicants and employees will receive consideration for employment, or in terms or conditions of employment, without regard to any enumerated or analogous grounds of discrimination, including race, religious beliefs, colour, gender, gender identity, gender expression, physical disability, mental disability, age, ancestry, place of origin, marital status, source of income, family status, sexual orientation or status as a qualified individual with disability.

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