Human Resources Manager

Guittard Chocolate Company is an American-based chocolate maker and has made the world’s best chocolate for five generations. We are the oldest continuously family-owned chocolate company in the United States. The company was founded in 1868 and is headquartered in Burlingame, California.

As the Human Resource Manager your key responsibilities are implementing policies, oversee talent acquisition, manage employee relations with the office staff and the labor relations with the Union employees. Foster a positive workplace culture across the entire company. The HR Manager position is an exempt, full-time and fully benefited position, and reports to the VP of Operations.

Responsibilities

• Provide support to the operations, production and office teams in interpreting and enforcing rules, policies, and procedures. Review annually for compliance with any change in laws or regulations.
• Collaborate with all union officials and production management.
• Act as the primary point of contact for all employees, acting as a liaison between staff and management to resolve conflicts, grievances, and disciplinary actions objectively.
• Maintain and enhance employee benefits programs, including compensation, health insurance, expense reimbursement, and vacation.
• Strong mediation and negotiation skills to handle grievances fairly and consistently.
• Handle confidential matters with discretion.
• Advise management on workforce planning, salary trends, and other HR issues.
• Oversee employee relations and inform management of any changes in retention or job satisfaction, making it easier to develop long-term business strategies.
• Coach all management on performance development and corrective action.
• Lead disciplinary meetings, terminations and investigations for the Company.
• Maintain knowledge of trends, best practices, regulatory changes, and new technologies in human resources, talent management, and employment law.
• Oversee payroll for the processing of the Union employee’s payroll and Workers’ Compensation claims.
• Manage the HR Business Partner, Payroll Specialist, Recruiter, and Receptionist.
• Commute to the Fairfield, CA facility a few times a month to support all employees and management.
• Assist all Management with End of Year Performance and Bonus Process.
• Plan and lead all Employee engagement activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education and Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, business management, hospitality management/integration, statistics, or related degree, required.
• At least ten (10) years of experience in related areas such as employee relations, employee benefits, employee retention, and/or equal opportunity compliance required.
• SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP preferred.

• Preferred experience within the food industry and/or manufacturing. Union experience is a plus.
• Ability to work independently with little supervision, multitask, attention to detail and team orientated.
• Strong integrity with ability to maintain confidentiality and apply absolute discretion to all matters given managing highly sensitive information.
• Knowledgeable in Human Resources procedures and current laws and regulations relating to State and Federal Leaves, Disabilities, Labor/Hours and Wages, Hiring Practices, Master Contract and Addendum, and Workers Compensation.
• Knowledge of UKG Timekeeping or an HRIS system is a plus. Knowledge of ERP systems; Business Central is a plus.
• Deep understanding of manufacturing operations, challenges, and specific HR needs within a food production environment.
• Comfort in dealing with any level employee and fostering a fair-minded trusting rapport

Location: Burlingame, CA

Guittard Chocolate Company is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity.