What are the responsibilities and job description for the Human Resources Business Partner position at Columbia Distributing?
Summary
We’re looking for a high-impact HR Business Partner (HRBP) to provide HR support to teammates across multiple branch locations in Washington, serving a diverse employee population spanning merchandising, warehouse, delivery, corporate functions, and sales. As an HRBP, you serve as a strategic partner and trusted advisor to business leaders and employees. In this role, you’ll blend strategic partnership with hands-on execution, influencing talent decisions, shaping culture, and delivering data-driven HR solutions that move the business forward.
Primary Responsibilities
- Partner with leaders to understand business priorities and design people strategies that drive results.
- Collaborate with business leaders to understand organizational goals and translate them into effective people strategies.
- Coach and guide managers on employee relations, performance management, and change leadership.
- Use HR data and metrics to identify trends, risks, and opportunities — and turn insights into action.
- Lead organizational design, workforce planning, and succession planning conversations.
- Provide data-driven insights to guide decision-making on workforce planning, organizational design, and talent strategies.
- Drive employee engagement, morale, and retention initiatives.
- Support recruiting efforts through job design, interview participation, and onboarding improvements.
- Collaborate with Learning & Development to deliver training that builds leadership and workforce capability.
- Ensure compliance with employment laws and internal policies, while finding modern, scalable solutions.
- Lead, supervise, and coach the HR Generalist, providing guidance, feedback, and professional development opportunities to strengthen team capability.
- Own the employee lifecycle from hiring and onboarding through promotions, transfers, and terminations — ensuring each stage supports a positive employee experience, aligns with compliance requirements, and is processed accurately and on time.
- Partner with Payroll and HRIS teams to ensure all employee changes are documented, approved, and processed promptly for accurate pay and data integrity.
- Continually assess and refine employee lifecycle processes to improve efficiency, reduce risk, and enhance employee experience.
Work Environment
On-site role, located in our Kent, WA headquarters.
Physical Demands
- 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.
- While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, and sit. The employee is regularly required to talk and hear. The employee must occasionally lift or move up to 25 pounds.
Expected Hours of Work
This is a full-time position. Typical days and hours of work are Monday through Friday, during business hours. Occasional evening work may be required as job duties demand.
Travel
Ability to travel up to 30% to assigned business units.
Required Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in HR, Business, or related field OR equivalent combination of education and experience.
- 5 years of progressive HR experience, including HRBP or advisory responsibilities and complex employee relations and leaves administration and support.
- Employee relations and leaves in WA and OR
- Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
- Strong knowledge of employment law and HR best practices.
- Demonstrated experience influencing and partnering with senior leaders.
- Ability to analyze data and use insights to drive actions and decisions.
- Excellent communication, coaching, and relationship-building skills.
Preferred Education and Experience
- HRIS experience, ADP etc.
- SPHR or SHRM-CP certification preferred
- Experience supporting organizational change and transformation.
- Background in a matrixed or fast-paced environment.
- Experience in distribution, manufacturing, or similar experience with operations and commercial makeup.
Compensation
- Actual compensation packages are based on a wide array of factors unique to each candidate, including but not limited to skill set, years and depth of experience, certifications, and specific location.
- Employees (and their families) are eligible for medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance. Employees are able to enroll in our company's 401k plan. Employees are also eligible for 80 hours of vacation every year and 7-8 days of paid holidays throughout the calendar year (depending on location).
- Hired applicants may be eligible for incentives/bonuses/annual bonuses.