Dakkota Integrated Systems Career Opportunities
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Showcase Your Advancement Potential as You Help Drive Positive Change

Make a Solid Impact Across Multiple Areas in Strong Growth Environment

If you are a strong HR Generalist with a track record of supporting positive change, this is a unique opportunity to make an impact and showcase your potential to move up. You will take point on many activities for our employees, including employee relations, recruitment, pre-employment testing, benefits (particularly FMLA), organizational development, and more. Quick question for you - click here We are pursuing ambitious improvement plans within an environment of ongoing growth at the Chicago facility. While we've made progress, there is a good deal of work to be done, making this an excellent proving ground. Combine that with our proactive approach to succession planning, and you could be in a position to pursue a manager position in our organization within a reasonable time frame.

World-class products & services from concept to delivery. Established in 2001, Dakkota Integrated Systems, a joint venture between Rush Group LLC and Magna International Inc., manages the complete assembly and sequencing of integrated automotive interiors for original equipment manufacturers. We deliver vehicle components for our customers, using our expert approach that is unparalleled in the automotive industry. Our workforce is unique and helps support the resurgence of the U.S. auto industry.

Video: Driving Dakkota, our video blog, provides an overview of our company's current activities, including operations, financials, community service and more.

The Requirements

To be a good fit for the HR Generalist opportunity you should have:
  • Solid and broad HR experience in manufacturing environments; automotive industry experience is strongly preferred. Quick question for you - click here
  • A strong process orientation and experience monitoring and documenting process milestones.
  • Experience with recruiting, hiring and onboarding.
  • Experience conducting exit interviews.
  • Benefits administration experience, including:
    • Coordinating open enrollment.
    • Strong knowledge of FMLA administration and compliance.
  • The ability to stay current on changes in employment regulations.
  • Experience in union environments and the ability to understand and ensure compliance with collective bargaining agreements (CBAs).
  • The ability to act as a consulting resource to different functional areas.
  • Computer proficiency, including:
    • Familiarity with Microsoft Office, including particularly strong Excel skills.
    • Experience with HRIS systems.
  • A bachelor's degree or higher, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Just as important as your experience and skills will be the following characteristics and competencies:
  • Excellent communication skills to work with employees of all levels, helping them understand, both verbally and in written form, how to fill out paperwork, what their benefits entail, and answering any questions that arise.
  • Strong presentation skills with the ability to effectively deliver presentations and training to large groups.
  • Excellent analytical and independent judgment skills.
  • Attention to detail and the ability to work on multiple projects concurrently.
  • Strong business acumen.
  • Conflict resolution skills.
  • A high level of professionalism and the ability to maintain confidential information.
You will need to be flexible to support a multi-shift environment. Human Resources maintains a 24-hour open door policy, and you may receive calls during your off hours. Typically, you will take the employee's name and number, look into the issue next time you are at work, and follow up with the employee.

You also may be asked to travel up to 5% of the time, particularly to attend training, help run events, and go to job fairs, among other things.

Role Overview

Note: the following is a high level overview of the role. To take a deeper dive into the details, see the Role Specifics tab.

You will report to the Human Resources Manager and have a dotted line relationship with the Plant Manager. The team also includes one other HR Generalist and an HR Administrator. You'll contribute to all areas of HR, including employee relations in a union environment, benefits, compensation, performance management, organizational development, recruiting and retention, compliance and more.

One area in which you can make an impact is in staffing. You'll manage a process that includes hiring, training and evaluating both contract and hourly associates. We use a contract-to-hire model that requires evaluation of contractors at 30, 60 and 90 days. If a contractor is moved to regular employee status, they will have evaluations after 30 and 60 days in that new status.

You'll follow up with operations supervisors to ensure evaluations are performed and documented. You also will coordinate with staffing agencies to ensure they follow all procedures, such as skills testing and background checks. Contractor orientations, which you will conduct, may happen as often as once a week. Once a contractor passes the 90-day trial period, you'll complete a three-hour on-boarding process.

Some other areas in which you'll invest your time:
  • Conducting exit interviews, looking for trends and recommending actions.
  • Supporting open enrollment periods, including answering questions and pointing employees toward additional resources.
  • Tracking FMLA to ensure employees and the company comply with guidelines. Quick question for you - click here
  • Keeping abreast of changes in employment laws (EEOC, NLRB, ILRB, etc.) to ensure we remain in compliance.
  • Understanding and managing the union CBA to ensure we comply with all provisions.

Role Specifics

Note: the following is a detailed description of the role. To get the 30,000 foot view, see the Role Overview tab.

Some of your specific tasks will be to:
  • Administer various human resources plans and procedures for designated facility including: benefits, leave of absence requests, unemployment, etc.
  • Provide assistance and guidance to managers and supervisors on HR policies and procedures.
  • Work cooperatively with supervisors to identify and resolve issues.
  • Be responsible for payroll administration and administration of the timekeeping system.
  • Maintain compliance with federal and state regulations concerning employment.
  • Participate in the Vision Committee and the weekly VIP Board meeting at the designated facility, if applicable.
  • Assist in responding to internal and external inquiries including: EEOC, legal authorities, government agencies, employee inquiries, notify HR Manager of Director of HR of such inquiries, and possibly represent company at hearings.
  • Conduct external and internal recruitment efforts for exempt and nonexempt personnel and temporary employees.
  • Monitor Human Resource programs such as: performance evaluation, transfer requests, corrective action, employee relations etc.
  • Produce and maintain reports and results of HR department in relation to established goals.
  • Recommend new approaches, policies and procedures to effect continual improvements in efficiency of department and services performed.
  • Support and serve as a role model for the company’s mission, vision and values.
  • Document all activities as required.
  • Any additional responsibility deemed necessary by management.
​Note: this description is intended to give you a general overview of the position and is not an exhaustive listing of duties and responsibilities.

Why Dakkota

Professional development -- we’re committed to helping team members build their careers here through training, mentorship, and a tuition assistance program that exceeds the offerings of most companies, and we want to help you reach your professional goals. Success in this role could set you up to pursue promotional opportunities as the come up here in Chicago or in other company locations. Some opportunities may require relocation.

Autonomy and support -- with a company our size, you’ll find that we are very close, and everyone helps each other. However, we’ll still expect you to drive and manage your areas of responsibility as a self-starter. That means you’ll have the autonomy to thrive and excel, while knowing there’s strong support when you need it.

Value-driven company -- Dakkota CEO Andra Rush has created companies that do more than generate profit: they impact the local community and economy by providing training and putting Americans to work. Rush was honored by President Obama in his State of the Union address in January 2014, along with GM CEO Mary Barra, for demonstrating the “strength of our work ethic and the scope of our dreams.”

Building community, creating jobs -- at Dakkota we strive to enhance the communities where we live and work by being environmentally and socially responsible and ensuring fair and equitable employment. We provide multiple opportunities for employees to make a positive impact on their community by devoting volunteer hours and resources to local charities, as you can see in the pictures here. We’re always looking for new ways to make a difference. Our employees have supported organizations like the United Way, Salvation Army, and Autism Speaks, as well as local food banks and schools.

Great environment -- at Dakkota, we enjoy working together toward common goals. In fact, we have vision and culture committees to help clarify and communicate those values. We are also strongly committed to diversity and have been awarded the Michigan Minority Supplier Development Console (MMSDC) Supplier of the Year Award for the last three years. We are a close-knit team, and we celebrate with birth announcements, seasonal picnics and parties, employee service awards, and more.

Excellent compensation -- in addition to a competitive salary and bonus incentive program, we offer comprehensive benefits. Our benefits include comprehensive and affordable medical, dental, prescription, and vision insurance programs; a 401(k) plan with company match; flexible spending accounts; tuition assistance; in-house training; company-paid employee life insurance and short-term disability insurance; voluntary employee life insurance and long-term disability insurance; voluntary spousal/dependent life insurance; paid holidays; and paid vacations.

Keys to Success

To excel in this role, you will leverage your knowledge and familiarity with HR laws, policies and procedures to make a direct impact on the organization. You'll support change initiatives and, as you know, change can be challenging for some. You may hear, "This is the way we've always done it," but you'll need to stand firm while also helping people understand the benefits of the changes. You'll also need to be assertive about ensuring everyone follows established operating systems and processes -- if you're the person we're looking for, you know that cutting corners can have serious consequences. 

You should be self-motivated, driven and eager to hit the ground running. We'll look to you to achieve goals autonomously but also contribute effectively as a team player, willing to pitch in and help wherever you're needed. We promote an entrepreneurial environment in which team members have the freedom to drive their positions and take ownership of their activities and decisions. At the same time, self-awareness will be key and you'll need to understand your limits and know when to seek assistance.

About Dakkota

Dakkota Integrated Systems was formed in 2001 to create a minority contract supplier that could thrive in a fast-paced, cost-competitive environment to support automotive original equipment manufacturers. We have excelled at delivering quality, process control and innovative solutions for warranty and sustainability concerns to address our customers’ needs.

Outstanding customer service and agility have propelled Dakkota from one facility with one customer to 13 facilities with GM, Ford, Chrysler, and many other customers in 13 years, earning launch and supplier partner awards along the way. Dakkota was among the first automotive suppliers to be awarded complete interior integration programs for General Motors. We dedicate resources to each new program and co-locate with our customers for a fully integrated approach.

Our in-house capabilities include:
  • Extensive use of proven engineering disciplines: DFMEA, GD&T, FEA, VE/VA, and PFMEA
  • Development of assembly tooling and fixtures
  • Packaging development and validation for complete systems, including customer-directed components
We are a team of more than 1400, from diverse backgrounds and disciplines, with a passion for our customers and their products. Our mission is clear: provide innovative solutions, quality parts and flawless execution.

Our vision and culture are firmly based on our high regard for our customers and solid respect for our employees. Dakkota strives to be considered to be one of the best places to work in North America, to maintain our reputation for best-in-class customer service, and to be known as a company that is “built to last.”

Video: the latest robotic loading process at Dakkota Windsor demonstrates the company’s commitment to staying on the leading edge.

Showcase Your Advancement Potential as You Help Drive Positive Change

Make a Solid Impact Across Multiple Areas in Strong Growth Environment

If you are a strong HR Generalist with a track record of supporting positive change, this is a unique opportunity to make an impact and showcase your potential to move up. You will take point on many activities for our employees, including employee relations, recruitment, pre-employment testing, benefits (particularly FMLA), organizational development, and more. Quick question for you - click here We are pursuing ambitious improvement plans within an environment of ongoing growth at the Chicago facility. While we've made progress, there is a good deal of work to be done, making this an excellent proving ground. Combine that with our proactive approach to succession planning, and you could be in a position to pursue a manager position in our organization within a reasonable time frame.

World-class products & services from concept to delivery. Established in 2001, Dakkota Integrated Systems, a joint venture between Rush Group LLC and Magna International Inc., manages the complete assembly and sequencing of integrated automotive interiors for original equipment manufacturers. We deliver vehicle components for our customers, using our expert approach that is unparalleled in the automotive industry. Our workforce is unique and helps support the resurgence of the U.S. auto industry.

Video: Driving Dakkota, our video blog, provides an overview of our company's current activities, including operations, financials, community service and more.

The Requirements

To be a good fit for the HR Generalist opportunity you should have:
  • Solid and broad HR experience in manufacturing environments; automotive industry experience is strongly preferred. Quick question for you - click here
  • A strong process orientation and experience monitoring and documenting process milestones.
  • Experience with recruiting, hiring and onboarding.
  • Experience conducting exit interviews.
  • Benefits administration experience, including:
    • Coordinating open enrollment.
    • Strong knowledge of FMLA administration and compliance.
  • The ability to stay current on changes in employment regulations.
  • Experience in union environments and the ability to understand and ensure compliance with collective bargaining agreements (CBAs).
  • The ability to act as a consulting resource to different functional areas.
  • Computer proficiency, including:
    • Familiarity with Microsoft Office, including particularly strong Excel skills.
    • Experience with HRIS systems.
  • A bachelor's degree or higher, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Just as important as your experience and skills will be the following characteristics and competencies:
  • Excellent communication skills to work with employees of all levels, helping them understand, both verbally and in written form, how to fill out paperwork, what their benefits entail, and answering any questions that arise.
  • Strong presentation skills with the ability to effectively deliver presentations and training to large groups.
  • Excellent analytical and independent judgment skills.
  • Attention to detail and the ability to work on multiple projects concurrently.
  • Strong business acumen.
  • Conflict resolution skills.
  • A high level of professionalism and the ability to maintain confidential information.
You will need to be flexible to support a multi-shift environment. Human Resources maintains a 24-hour open door policy, and you may receive calls during your off hours. Typically, you will take the employee's name and number, look into the issue next time you are at work, and follow up with the employee.

You also may be asked to travel up to 5% of the time, particularly to attend training, help run events, and go to job fairs, among other things.

Role Overview

Note: the following is a high level overview of the role. To take a deeper dive into the details, see the Role Specifics tab.

You will report to the Human Resources Manager and have a dotted line relationship with the Plant Manager. The team also includes one other HR Generalist and an HR Administrator. You'll contribute to all areas of HR, including employee relations in a union environment, benefits, compensation, performance management, organizational development, recruiting and retention, compliance and more.

One area in which you can make an impact is in staffing. You'll manage a process that includes hiring, training and evaluating both contract and hourly associates. We use a contract-to-hire model that requires evaluation of contractors at 30, 60 and 90 days. If a contractor is moved to regular employee status, they will have evaluations after 30 and 60 days in that new status.

You'll follow up with operations supervisors to ensure evaluations are performed and documented. You also will coordinate with staffing agencies to ensure they follow all procedures, such as skills testing and background checks. Contractor orientations, which you will conduct, may happen as often as once a week. Once a contractor passes the 90-day trial period, you'll complete a three-hour on-boarding process.

Some other areas in which you'll invest your time:
  • Conducting exit interviews, looking for trends and recommending actions.
  • Supporting open enrollment periods, including answering questions and pointing employees toward additional resources.
  • Tracking FMLA to ensure employees and the company comply with guidelines. Quick question for you - click here
  • Keeping abreast of changes in employment laws (EEOC, NLRB, ILRB, etc.) to ensure we remain in compliance.
  • Understanding and managing the union CBA to ensure we comply with all provisions.

Role Specifics

Note: the following is a detailed description of the role. To get the 30,000 foot view, see the Role Overview tab.

Some of your specific tasks will be to:
  • Administer various human resources plans and procedures for designated facility including: benefits, leave of absence requests, unemployment, etc.
  • Provide assistance and guidance to managers and supervisors on HR policies and procedures.
  • Work cooperatively with supervisors to identify and resolve issues.
  • Be responsible for payroll administration and administration of the timekeeping system.
  • Maintain compliance with federal and state regulations concerning employment.
  • Participate in the Vision Committee and the weekly VIP Board meeting at the designated facility, if applicable.
  • Assist in responding to internal and external inquiries including: EEOC, legal authorities, government agencies, employee inquiries, notify HR Manager of Director of HR of such inquiries, and possibly represent company at hearings.
  • Conduct external and internal recruitment efforts for exempt and nonexempt personnel and temporary employees.
  • Monitor Human Resource programs such as: performance evaluation, transfer requests, corrective action, employee relations etc.
  • Produce and maintain reports and results of HR department in relation to established goals.
  • Recommend new approaches, policies and procedures to effect continual improvements in efficiency of department and services performed.
  • Support and serve as a role model for the company’s mission, vision and values.
  • Document all activities as required.
  • Any additional responsibility deemed necessary by management.
​Note: this description is intended to give you a general overview of the position and is not an exhaustive listing of duties and responsibilities.

Why Dakkota

Professional development -- we’re committed to helping team members build their careers here through training, mentorship, and a tuition assistance program that exceeds the offerings of most companies, and we want to help you reach your professional goals. Success in this role could set you up to pursue promotional opportunities as the come up here in Chicago or in other company locations. Some opportunities may require relocation.

Autonomy and support -- with a company our size, you’ll find that we are very close, and everyone helps each other. However, we’ll still expect you to drive and manage your areas of responsibility as a self-starter. That means you’ll have the autonomy to thrive and excel, while knowing there’s strong support when you need it.

Value-driven company -- Dakkota CEO Andra Rush has created companies that do more than generate profit: they impact the local community and economy by providing training and putting Americans to work. Rush was honored by President Obama in his State of the Union address in January 2014, along with GM CEO Mary Barra, for demonstrating the “strength of our work ethic and the scope of our dreams.”

Building community, creating jobs -- at Dakkota we strive to enhance the communities where we live and work by being environmentally and socially responsible and ensuring fair and equitable employment. We provide multiple opportunities for employees to make a positive impact on their community by devoting volunteer hours and resources to local charities, as you can see in the pictures here. We’re always looking for new ways to make a difference. Our employees have supported organizations like the United Way, Salvation Army, and Autism Speaks, as well as local food banks and schools.

Great environment -- at Dakkota, we enjoy working together toward common goals. In fact, we have vision and culture committees to help clarify and communicate those values. We are also strongly committed to diversity and have been awarded the Michigan Minority Supplier Development Console (MMSDC) Supplier of the Year Award for the last three years. We are a close-knit team, and we celebrate with birth announcements, seasonal picnics and parties, employee service awards, and more.

Excellent compensation -- in addition to a competitive salary and bonus incentive program, we offer comprehensive benefits. Our benefits include comprehensive and affordable medical, dental, prescription, and vision insurance programs; a 401(k) plan with company match; flexible spending accounts; tuition assistance; in-house training; company-paid employee life insurance and short-term disability insurance; voluntary employee life insurance and long-term disability insurance; voluntary spousal/dependent life insurance; paid holidays; and paid vacations.

Keys to Success

To excel in this role, you will leverage your knowledge and familiarity with HR laws, policies and procedures to make a direct impact on the organization. You'll support change initiatives and, as you know, change can be challenging for some. You may hear, "This is the way we've always done it," but you'll need to stand firm while also helping people understand the benefits of the changes. You'll also need to be assertive about ensuring everyone follows established operating systems and processes -- if you're the person we're looking for, you know that cutting corners can have serious consequences. 

You should be self-motivated, driven and eager to hit the ground running. We'll look to you to achieve goals autonomously but also contribute effectively as a team player, willing to pitch in and help wherever you're needed. We promote an entrepreneurial environment in which team members have the freedom to drive their positions and take ownership of their activities and decisions. At the same time, self-awareness will be key and you'll need to understand your limits and know when to seek assistance.

About Dakkota

Dakkota Integrated Systems was formed in 2001 to create a minority contract supplier that could thrive in a fast-paced, cost-competitive environment to support automotive original equipment manufacturers. We have excelled at delivering quality, process control and innovative solutions for warranty and sustainability concerns to address our customers’ needs.

Outstanding customer service and agility have propelled Dakkota from one facility with one customer to 13 facilities with GM, Ford, Chrysler, and many other customers in 13 years, earning launch and supplier partner awards along the way. Dakkota was among the first automotive suppliers to be awarded complete interior integration programs for General Motors. We dedicate resources to each new program and co-locate with our customers for a fully integrated approach.

Our in-house capabilities include:
  • Extensive use of proven engineering disciplines: DFMEA, GD&T, FEA, VE/VA, and PFMEA
  • Development of assembly tooling and fixtures
  • Packaging development and validation for complete systems, including customer-directed components
We are a team of more than 1400, from diverse backgrounds and disciplines, with a passion for our customers and their products. Our mission is clear: provide innovative solutions, quality parts and flawless execution.

Our vision and culture are firmly based on our high regard for our customers and solid respect for our employees. Dakkota strives to be considered to be one of the best places to work in North America, to maintain our reputation for best-in-class customer service, and to be known as a company that is “built to last.”

Video: the latest robotic loading process at Dakkota Windsor demonstrates the company’s commitment to staying on the leading edge.
Dakkota Integrated Systems, LLC. is committed to equal employment opportunity for all employees and applicants. Dakkota prohibits discrimination based on height, weight, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, marital or familial status, veteran status, non-disqualifying disability, status as a smoker or non-smoker, protective order status, or any other legally protected status under federal, state or local law. This policy applies to all employment practices and personnel actions, including recruiting, hiring, compensation, promotion, discipline, and termination.
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