Join the Valley Natural Beverages team. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of our start up facility in Bakersfield, CA. 

California Dairies, Inc. is the leading dairy processing cooperative in California. As a farmer-owned cooperative, we operate several processing facilities located throughout California. CDI employees are highly valued and are provided with competitive benefits packages and career growth plans. Valley Natural Beverages is the newest of our manufacturing facilities. and will be located in Bakersfield, CA. 

What we offer you in return! 

• Competitive wages - $85,000 - $138, 237 annualized salary
• Family medical/dental/vision
• Generous company contributions to 401k
• Relocation Assistance
• 10 Paid holidays
• Paid vacation
• Tuition reimbursement

Job Summary:

The HR Manager will, under general direction, perform highly responsible and professional work in planning, organizing and directing the plant and company Human Resources programs and all phases of human resources activity, including employee/labor relations, job classifications, compensation, recruitment and selection, employee evaluations, training & development, disciplinary actions, complaint investigations, coaching, counseling and affirmative actions. This position needs to build and foster a relationship of open communication and trust between management and employees, by being professional, knowledgeable, assessable, understanding, and responsive. 

 Essential Functions List of significant/essential duties, tasks and/or responsibilities required of this position.

• Act as a Business Partner to, and be a part of, the local Plant Management team, assisting the location achieve its goals, budget and plans. Provide necessary support, advise, counsel and guidance to line management and employees.
• Translate the strategic and tactical business and HR plans into local and standardized actions/practices.
• Identify legal requirements and government reporting regulations affecting the human resource’s function and ensure policies, procedures, and reporting are in compliance.
• Coordinate the recruitment, interviews, testing, selection, and background checks of candidates to ensure timely and efficient processing to fill vacant positions.
• Plan and conduct new employee orientations, to foster positive attitude and understanding of Valley Natural Beverages, its goals, and its policies and procedures.
• Maintain records of benefit plan participation, such as; insurance and retirement plan(s), and of personnel actions, such as; hires, promotions, transfers, performance reviews, terminations, and employee statistics for government reporting, including, Federal Contractor AA/EEO requirements.
• Coordinate management training in communications, team building, interviewing, hiring, terminations, promotions, performance review, safety, diversity, discrimination and sexual harassment.
• Work closely with the VP of Employee and Labor Relations to advise management in appropriate resolution of employee relations issues.
• Ensure regular presence on the plant floor, to be assessable to employees while building morale.
• Determine and recommend employee relations practices necessary to establish a positive employer-employee relationship and promote a high level of employee morale at each plant/location.
• Administer FMLA/CFRA, PFL, SDI and other leaves and benefit coordination, by providing necessary paperwork, documentation, and coordination.
• Respond to management and employee inquiries regarding policies, procedures, and programs.
• Assist in administration of benefit programs, such as life, health, dental and disability insurances, retirement plans, vacation, sick leave, leave of absence, and employee assistance programs.
• Conduct wage surveys within labor market to determine competitive wage rates and make recommendations on increases in wages and benefits for hourly employees.
• Prepare employee separation notices and related documentation and conduct exit interviews to determine reasons behind voluntary separations. Respond to claims for unemployment benefits, as necessary.
• Remain up to date on California labor code and FLSA pay practices. Develop familiarity with the payroll & timekeeping system and provide guidance to the payroll clerk in contract and legal wage & hour interpretation.
• Conduct investigations into inappropriate employee actions and/or behaviors, or issues that may result in disciplinary action. Write and assist with delivery of disciplinary actions, including terminations.
• Prepare reports, tracking employee absenteeism and subsequent disciplinary action.
• Coordinate Quarterly Employee departmental and informational meetings, safety luncheons and annual employee holiday observation.
• Work with the site management team to foster an environment with open communications, and fair and consistent treatment for all employees.
• Represent VNB at Human Resources related hearings and investigations.
• Assist in the development of company policies and procedures. Participate in the VNB Policy Committee.
• Assist in updating employee handbook(s) as needed.
• Coordinate reporting, tracking and management of Workers’ Compensation claims for plant of responsibility, and participate in claims reviews, as necessary.
• Develop and/or update job descriptions for all jobs at the location.
• Maintain ability to get along with co-workers, management personnel, customers, vendors, and employees in accordance with the company policies and working rules while ensuring a harmonious and conducive work environment.
• Maintain a positive attitude and contribute towards a quality environment.
• Excellent regular full-time attendance in support of company objectives.
• Use initiative and judgment in making decisions, keeping with VNB’s best interests.
• Follow all safety and working rules.
• Perform other duties as assigned by management.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to relate to people at all levels of business and management.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Skilled in investigation, mediation, and conflict resolution.
• Adept at managing complex personnel situations to attain the most favorable outcome.
• Knowledge and experience in a broad range of employment law.
• Computer literate Microsoft office.

Education and/or Experience

Degree in Human Resources, Business Administration or a related field, and minimum of 5 years of experience in a leadership role; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Relevant experience in the field may be substituted all or in part for education. SHRM and/or HRCI certification is desired.

• College level verbal and written communication skills.
• Leadership, team development, coaching, and /or teaching experience.
• Demonstrated math and statistical skills required.

Language Skills

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common legal and technical journals, financial reports and legal documents. Ability to respond to common inquires or complaints from employees, customers, regulatory agencies or members of the business community. Ability to write speeches and training presentations that conform to prescribe style and format.

Reasoning Ability

To determine need for developing personnel policies, procedures and programs to improve recruitment, career development and employee relations; provide guidance and assistance to management staff and employees in implementing plant objectives; work independently; prepare and present plans, programs, reports and training; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships; direct and evaluate the work of subordinate staff if applicable; operate a personal computer and use office software programs. 

ADA/FEHA

The Company will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act.

EEO

The Company is an equal employment opportunity employer.

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. 

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is required to walk; use hands to finger, handle, or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

Sitting/Standing/Walking: Sits, stands & walks throughout the course of the workday and completion of job responsibilities.

Lifting/Carrying: Occasional lifting requirements as job demands.

Pushing/Pulling: Occasional pushing/pulling requirements.

Bending/Stooping: Occasional bending and stooping requirements.

Squatting/Kneeling/Crawling: Occasional squatting/kneeling/crawling requirements.

Twisting/Turning: Ongoing twisting or turning requirements.

Climbing/Balancing: Occasional climbing/balancing requirements.