Whitsons is seeking an HR Leader to join our team! Be the heart of our company, fuel our growth and unlock potential, become an HR Partner. SUMMARY: As a strategic partner the HR Business Partner works closely with the Vice President, Human Resources and Senior Management to align Whitsons HR plans and programs with Whitsons’ annual business plan and long term strategic objectives. The HRBP will be responsible for managing all HR issues in the region while interpreting policies and consulting with managers and team members on complex HR matters. HRBP will provide leadership coaching and counseling for managers and be responsible for executing Human Resources programs including Management/Employee Development, Talent Acquisition and Workforce Planning. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS, RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES: · Partners with management to ensure that all employee relations matters are approached and resolved in a confidential and professional manner. · Provides consultation to management and staff regarding performance issues, including review and coaching of performance assessments and disciplinary actions. Facilitates meeting discussions. · Conducts effective, thorough and objective investigations and responds to employee relation issues. Proactively works toward issue and/or conflict resolution on a variety of employee relation issues. Communicates with administration, managers and legal counsel as needed. · Proactively counsels managers on a variety of Human Resource issues including policies/procedures and appropriate employment decisions. · Supports proactive one point of contact service model and ensures continuity of exceptional internal client services. · Maintains in-depth knowledge of legal requirements related to day-to-day management of employees, reducing legal risks and ensuring regulatory compliance. · Works closely with management and team members to improve work relationships, build morale, increase productivity and retention. · Provides timely communication to promote positive staff relations and responds to management reporting needs on a variety of Human Resources related activities and programs. · Serves as internal Human Resources consultant by analyzing and recommending solutions to Human Resources issues. In partnership with Management provides supporting climate for positive change and employee engagement. Assists with organizational change management initiatives. Skillfully, facilitates conflict resolution. · Maintains current knowledge of system wide and location specific procedures, processes, policies and operations. Utilizes e-mail, voicemail, and other technology to maintain open channels of communication. · Assist the Vice President, HR with local union negotiations, attending union negotiation sessions when necessary. Ensures management compliance with all collective bargaining agreements. Counsels and assists managers on interpretation of collective bargaining agreements and grievance process. · Process, investigate and respond to union grievances and NLRB charges in a timely manner; escalate to Vice President, HR as needed; seeks advice and counsel from employment/labor counsel as needed. · Interact with union representatives as needed, and ensure harmonious relationships with unions. · Attend union arbitrations and NLRB hearings as needed. · Represent the Company at any unemployment claims hearings or other agency hearings, as needed. · In partnership with Corporate Talent Acquisition team, manage recruitment efforts for all exempt and non-exempt team members, student interns and temporary employees. Participate in new employee orientations, as needed. · In partnership with Corporate Talent Development team, execute hourly employee training programs including coordination/execution of employee development programs and reporting/compliance where required. · Manage all safety initiatives throughout region under direction of the Safety Director · Ensure that Whitsons is maintaining thorough and accurate personnel records, keeping in compliance with all government regulations. INTER-ACTION: · This position interacts on daily basis with managers, employees, union representatives, and fellow HR professionals, and must be able to command respect and influence. This position does not have any direct reports. ADDITIONAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: * Performs additional duties and work on special projects as assigned including serving on task forces, committees, etc. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND COMPETENCIES: Education: * Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources required * Masters in HR or Industrial Relations preferred Certifications: * PHR or SPHR (or equivalent) certification preferred Other Qualifications, Experience: * 7- 10 years HR Management experience required. * Proficient in Microsoft Office such as Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint * HRIS experience required – ADP, Ceridian or UltiPro * Excellent communication and people skills * Significant experience working with Union environments – multiple union experience helpful * Possess high emotional intelligence to deal with variety of issues * Planning/organizing—the individual prioritizes and plans work activities, uses time efficiently and develops realistic action plans. * Ability to work successfully with others as well as independently. * Possess excellent judgment and able to identify when additional help is necessary * Understands confidential nature of the position and work assigned and consistently maintains confidentiality Required Competencies: * Communication * Effectively write, present and transfer ideas and information for the advancement of individual and company performance. * Customer Focus * Act in the best interest of the customer, both internal and external. * Innovation * Create new ideas, processes or products which when implemented lead to positive effective change. * Organization Leadership * Apply strategic thinking, prioritization and decision-making to drive results. * Dependability * Is consistently at work and on time, follows instructions, responds to management direction and solicits feedback to improve performance. * Significant experience working with Union environments – multiple union experience helpful * Working knowledge of multiple Human Resource disciplines including compensation practices, diversity, performance management and federal and state employment laws. * Must be able to perform duties at remote locations, provide personal transport as needed. * Must have excellent command of the English language (speaking, reading and writing). * Fluency in Spanish strongly preferred. PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THE JOB: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the team member is frequently required to sit, walk, talk and hear; mentally process information; use hands and fingers to feel, handle, or operate objects, tools, keyboards, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is frequently required to walk within multiple buildings at clients’ work sites and occasionally required to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. The employee must be able to multi-task. Position will require frequent travel to multiple work sites in different states and cities and occasional out-of-town travel, and may require extended hours including evenings and/or weekends. Must possess driver’s license in good standing and be able to drive his/her own vehicle to other work sites, and have his/her own smart phone for performance of job duties. WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The work is performed partially in an office setting and partially at client locations (schools primarily). The noise level in the work environment is moderate. The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change. Equal Opportunity Employer Minorities/Women/Protected Veterans/Disabled