About the role
Job Overview
The Principal HR Generalist delivers end‑to‑end HR operational support for a project workforce, including onboarding, performance management administration, employee relations support, total rewards administration, employee mobility coordination, reporting, and offboarding activities. This role independently manages complex, high‑volume, and time‑sensitive HR operations typical of project environments, ensures compliance with company policies and local requirements, and maintains accurate HR data and documentation. The Principal HR Generalist acts as the senior operational authority on‑site, escalating strategic or policy‑setting matters while owning execution and resolution at the project level.
Key Tasks and Responsibilities: Performance Management & Talent Reviews
Own operational execution of performance management processes for project‑based employees
Ensure project‑specific timelines, system readiness, and data accuracy
Support and facilitate calibration and talent review sessions
Resolve complex performance process issues within established policy
Serve as the on‑site escalation point for performance management administration
Inclusion & Belonging
Execute Inclusion & Belonging initiatives at the project site
Ensure participation tracking and compliance with global programs
Support site‑specific communications and activities aligned to enterprise standards
Talent Acquisition
Support project hiring activities, including onboarding readiness and workforce ramp‑up coordination
Partner with Talent Acquisition and HR Business Partners to ensure smooth execution of hiring plans
Resolve onboarding and mobilization issues impacting project schedules
Employee Relations
Independently manage employee relations cases at the project site within established policy
Advise managers and employees on HR policies and procedures
Conduct fact‑finding and documentation for employee relations matters
Identify employee relations trends and escalate risks impacting the project workforce
Total Rewards
Administer compensation and benefits transactions for project employees within defined frameworks
Resolve complex benefits, pay, and allowance inquiries related to project assignments
Support operational execution of annual compensation and benefits initiatives for project populations
Coordinate with Total Rewards COE on exceptions and data issues
Employee Mobility
Coordinate project‑based mobility activities, including relocation, travel, and assignment documentation
Serve as the primary on‑site HR contact for mobility‑related inquiries
• Ensure compliance with mobility, immigration, and assignment processes in coordination with the COE
Talent Analytics
Produce and validate HR reports related to project workforce metrics
Ensure accuracy of job, position, and employee data for project reporting
Provide workforce data and insights to support project staffing and compliance needsIdentify data quality issues and drive resolution
Training & Career Development
Support administration of training and certification requirements for project employees
Monitor completion of mandatory and project‑specific training
Coordinate with Learning and Development COE on site‑based training needs
Recognition
Execute employee recognition programs at the project site
Support managers with recognition processes and documentation
Ensure timely processing and accurate recordkeeping
Strategic Workforce Planning & National Content
Maintain workforce data accuracy to support project staffing and forecasting.
Coordinate National Content requirements, documentation, and reporting where applicable
Identify gaps or risks impacting workforce availability and escalate appropriately
Other Responsibilities
Serve as the senior HR operational presence at the project site
Provide guidance and informal mentoring to HR Generalists and Associates assigned to the project
Coordinate closely with HR Business Partners to ensure alignment between project execution and enterprise standards
Partner with COEs to ensure global programs are executed effectively in a project environment
Lead operational problem‑solving to address workforce issues impacting project delivery
Ensure compliance with HR systems, data governance, audit, and local requirements
Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned
Essential Qualifications and Education: Bachelor’s degree preferred or equivalent relevant experience.
8+ years of experience in Corporate HR generalist or operational HR role, preferably from a project‑based, oil & gas, construction or EPC environment
Strong working knowledge of HR policies, employee lifecycle processes, and HR systems (Oracle, ADP and Asurint)
Strong understanding of Must have US HR Generalist experience and background with US employment law
Must have experience with employee relations, compliance matters, benefits knowledge and onboarding
Demonstrated ability to operate independently in fast‑paced, in-office environments
Experience managing complex, high‑volume HR operations
Must have strong judgment and problem‑solving skills within established policy frameworks
Must have the ability to build effective working relationships with project leadership and employees
Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive matters with discretion
Certifications is a plus
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