The Gellert Global Group (GGG) is the largest privately held food importer in the United States. Comprised of several companies (Atalanta Corporation, Camerican International, Finica, Tipico Cheese Products), GGG sources the highest quality cheese, meats, frozen fruit, shelf stable fruit, vegetables, seafood, and specialty products. These items are sourced from over 60 countries and sold to leading retailers, food service distributors, restaurant chains, and food manufacturers. GGG is a third-generation family-run business with 600 employees and combined revenues exceeding $1.7 billion. GGG is headquartered in Elizabeth, NJ with an office in Paramus, a cheese manufacturing facility in Lakewood, and warehouses/offices in Miami, Carson, CA, and Mississauga, Ontario.
GGG is seeking a Head of Human Resources to develop, lead, and execute human resource strategies in support of the overall business plan and strategic direction. The role is focused on the areas of talent management, talent acquisition, employee engagement, succession planning, change management, organization capability, performance management, training and development, employee communication, and compensation. The Head of Human Resources provides strategic leadership by identifying needs and advising the Gellert family and the senior leadership team (SLT). The individual also leads and develops the HR team of eight professionals to ensure HR operations are efficiently and effectively executed. This position reports to the two co-presidents/owners. Working onsite five days/week is strongly preferred.
Responsibilities include and are not limited to:

• Develop HR plans and strategies to support the achievement of the overall business operations objectives.
• Establish and implement HR efforts that effectively communicate and support the company's mission and strategic vision.
• Function as a strategic business advisor to the executive/senior management of each business unit or specialty group regarding key organizational and management issues.
• Work with the Gellert's and SLT to establish a sound management succession plan that corresponds to the strategy and objectives of the company.
• Lead comprehensive strategic recruiting and retention plans to meet the human capital needs associated with strategic goals.
• Partner with the CFO to develop and implement compensation and benefits plans that are competitive and cost-effective.
• Provide overall leadership and guidance to the HR function by overseeing talent acquisition, career development, succession planning, retention, training, engagement, leadership development, compensation, and benefits.
• Optimize the HR function/team, modernize and refine key processes and activities that promote the achievement of strategic objectives.
• Partner with Finance in overseeing departmental budget and headcount.
• Ensure that compensation philosophy and practices are aligned with organizational objectives, leverage salary benchmarking and surveys regularly.
• Oversee the company's performance management program, including providing guidance and support to managers on performance reviews and disciplinary action.
• Guide the HR team in supporting Visa and Immigration, Policy, and Compliance.
• Mitigate organizational risks utilizing outside legal counsel where appropriate.
• Counsel, coach and guide managers and staff in addressing concerns and complaints to assure fair and equitable treatment while ensuring compliance with local labor regulations and practices.
• Coach and mentor fellow colleagues/managers and develop leadership bench strength capable of addressing the challenges of a highly dynamic organization.
• Mediate employee relations and performance issues and provide counsel to fellow managers on appropriate methods of performance management.
• Manage the development and implementation of policies, procedures, and programs to support human resources operations and maximize efficiency and effectiveness.
• Ensure all HR functions are compliant with relevant laws, regulations, and best practices.

Skills and Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required. Advanced degree or MBA preferred. Certifications in HR helpful (SPHR, GPHR).
• 15 years of relevant business experience ideal, with at least 10 years of progressive HRBP experience, and 2-3 years leading an HR function.
• General business and financial acumen with the ability to develop and utilize HR data and metrics as they relate to and impact business topics in Finance, Sales, Marketing, Business Development, Operations, and IT (Information Technology).
• Excellent communications skills - written, oral and interpersonal - and an ability to tailor communication style to diverse audiences globally.
• Demonstrated capability in adapting and innovating HR practices and solutions and right-sizing them to the needs of a fluid and fast-paced, entrepreneurial organization.
• Drive initiatives with limited resources and roll-up-your sleeves attitude to achieve desired results.
• Unquestionable personal integrity, fairness and credibility are necessary to gain the trust and commitment of individuals at all levels of the organization.
• Demonstrated success at cultivating strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders and creating partnerships at all levels within the organization to achieve results.
• Empathetic and engaging individual who listens well and is responsive, solutions-focused and results oriented.
• Passionate about the mission of GGG, enthused by the challenges confronting the organization, and dedicated to achieving its goals.
• Excellent interpersonal and leadership skills.
• Able to think strategically and collaborate effectively with senior leadership and stakeholders.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Thorough knowledge of employment-related laws and regulations.
• Knowledge of and experience with varied human resource information systems.

The Gellert Global Group of companies is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, pregnancy, leave status, disability, veteran status, genetic information and/or any other characteristic or status protected by national, federal, state, or local law.