HR Generalist II

Be yourself at Protolabs
Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification.  We are an equal opportunity employer, and we are committed to building a diverse team that feels they are valued in the workplace.  So do you feel you do not meet every single requirement but still intrigued? We encourage you to still apply!  You can help make our company even better.  We do not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, age, mental or physical ability, or any way you represent yourself.  We strongly believe diversity makes for more successful teams.

Why Protolabs?
We are the leaders in digital manufacturing. We hire doers, makers, and creative thinkers who tackle our roles with an entrepreneurial spirit. Our culture is centered around meaningful work that brings new and innovative products to market at unprecedented speeds. We are a diverse team that comes from all walks of life and take pride in our team who is smart, genuine, humble, and passionate about what we do. It’s our people who fuel our creativity and make our culture feel like home.

The Human Resources Generalist II provides end-to-end HR support for a designated location and/or business unit, with a primary focus on operational excellence alongside a strong advisory partnership to managers and employees.

This role is responsible for delivering efficient and compliant day-to-day HR operations (approximately 60%), including core HR administration, onboarding, HR systems management, policy implementation, and employment law compliance. It also ensures accurate and timely provision of employee data and changes to support payroll processing in alignment with internal controls and deadlines.

In parallel (approximately 40%), the role acts as a trusted advisor to people managers and employees, providing guidance on employee relations, performance management, engagement, and people-related challenges to support a positive and high-performing work environment.

The HR Generalist II independently executes key HR processes while ensuring alignment with organizational policies and local regulatory requirements, and contributes to continuous improvement of HR practices and employee experience.

What you'll do::
• Provide end-to-end HR support for a designated location or business unit, ensuring a consistent and high-quality employee experience.

• Deliver day-to-day HR operations, including contract administration, employee lifecycle changes, leave of absence management, and maintaining accurate and compliant employee records.

• Ensure timely and accurate preparation and validation of employee data and changes to support payroll processing, partnering closely with payroll providers and adhering to internal deadlines and controls.

• Advise and support managers on employee relations matters, performance management, and the application of HR policies and employment legislation.

• Support on performance management processes, including goal setting, performance reviews, and development planning.

• Support and implement organizational changes, providing guidance to managers and employees through transitions.

• Lead employee relations activities, including counselling, investigations where appropriate, and managing exit processes and insights.

• Coordinate and support recruitment and onboarding activities, ensuring a smooth and engaging new hire experience.

• Manage leave management and workplace accommodation processes in line with policy and legal requirements.

• Drive employee engagement initiatives and promote a positive, inclusive, and high-performing culture.

• Ensure consistent application and compliance with HR policies, procedures, and local employment laws.

• Identify opportunities to improve HR processes, systems, and employee experience.

• Perform additional responsibilities as assigned.

What it takes::
• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent work experience) in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.

• 3+ years of progressive HR experience in a similar, fast-paced and international work environment.

• Solid experience in both HR operations and advisory roles, supporting the full employee lifecycle.

• Working knowledge of employment law and HR policies, with the ability to apply them pragmatically in day-to-day situations.

• Experience supporting HR processes in a multi-country or international context.

• Proficiency in HR systems (HRIS) and Microsoft Office Suite, with strong attention to detail and data accuracy.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trust and collaborate effectively with stakeholders at all levels.

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, solve problems, and deliver results in a structured and timely manner.

• Confidence in advising managers and supporting change initiatives in a dynamic environment.

• High level of integrity and ability to handle sensitive and confidential information.

• Cultural awareness and experience working with diverse teams across geographies.

• Fluent in English; additional European language skills (e.g., Dutch) are a plus.

• HR certification (e.g., PHR, SPHR, or local equivalent) is considered an advantage.

• Alignment with Proto Labs values of Teamwork, Achievement, and Trust.

What's in it for you::
Our success is built on our people. We are committed to creating an environment where everyone feels empowered to be their authentic selves and do their best work. Alongside a supportive and inclusive culture, we offer a range of benefits designed to make work both rewarding and enjoyable:

• Annual company bonus – we celebrate success together and reward both individual contributions and overall business performance.

• Flexible and hybrid working – we support flexible ways of working wherever possible and encourage open conversations about what works best for you.

• Well-being support – access to OpenUp, providing professional psychological support to help you stay healthy and balanced.

• Dog-friendly office – because we know pets can brighten the workday.

• Daily lunch and snacks – shared meals in the office create space to connect, recharge, and strengthen collaboration.

• Learning & development opportunities – access to external training and events, as well as our in-house LEARN platform, offering a wide range of courses and workshops to support your growth.

• Regular team events and socials – fostering connection, collaboration, and a strong sense of community.