Sr. Human Resources Business Partner - Howell, NJ

JOB OVERVIEW:

The Senior Human Resources Business Partner partners with operational leadership and is responsible for implementing and executing key projects and initiatives within the facility/group. Reporting to the Sr. HR Manager, the Sr. HR Business Partner is responsible for effective execution of human resources functions, such as Talent Development, Talent Selection, Workforce Panning, Engagement, Recognition, Performance Management, Organizational Development, Training, Associate Relations, Compensation, Benefits, Wellness, Risk Safety, Labor Relations, Sustainability and Philanthropy.

What does it mean to be a part of our HR Operations team?

While providing on-site support for our 50 distribution centers, our HR Operations team ensures effective execution of human resources strategies in areas such as Talent Development, Workforce Planning, Talent Selection, Engagement, Recognition, Performance Management, Organizational Development, Training, Associate Relations, Compensation, Benefits, Wellness, Risk Safety, Labor Relations, Sustainability and Philanthropy. In addition, this team plays a pivotal role in our current transformation journey. They are instrumental in helping to develop and retain the right talent, that is fully engaged with this strategy, as well as embodying a true “people first” mindset to help drive UNFI’s company culture of collaboration and engagement.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

Execution of HR Activities and Programs

• Provides functional HR expertise and successfully executes on key HR projects and assigned HR functions.
• Leverages best practices and participates in collaboration within the region/group, and nationally.
• Executes HR programs within the facility/group in accordance with HR processes and programs.
• Maintains and updates HRIS records and associate files. Ensures associate files are complete and compliant.
• Partner with business leaders and Total Rewards to ensure that personnel actions have appropriate approvals; ensure delegated tasks such as data entry/submission are accurate and completed and that associate data is accurate. Collaborates with HR colleagues to share best practices and leverage successes across the company. Supports peer networks across the company.
• Executes core annual programs, such as performance objectives and goal setting, performance evaluations, compensation planning, talent assessment, succession planning, wellness, annual enrollment, etc.
• Executes local/department-level programs for areas such as workforce planning, engagement, recognition, training, wellness, and labor relations.
• Manages and tracks all leaves of absence and accommodation requests.
• Possesses thorough knowledge of HR policies and procedures as well as federal, state/province and local laws.
• Executes human resources functions, including talent development, promotions, employee relations, terminations, exit interviews, recordkeeping, etc. in accordance with Company procedures and applicable legal requirements. Implements Affirmative Action Plan and goals, where applicable.
• Provides transparency into work.
• Leverages network for learning when encountering a new challenge. Manages personal development following changes to company, business and/or HR strategy. Participates in the development of HR colleagues.
• Conduct workplace investigations assigned – including interviewing witnesses, reviewing and collecting statements/evidence and preparing investigation reports.
  
  

Business Partnership

• Leverages a deep understanding of business needs and participates in solving business problems within the facility/group through the talent lens.
• Builds effective working relationships with leaders.
• Provides coaching to leaders and individual contributors at SVP level and below, with the goal of making others successful.
• Participates and collaborates in supervisor, management, and staff meetings.
• Implements HR initiatives and programs in new ways to adapt to changing associate and business needs. Seeks feedback from business leaders and associates on how HR could improve implementation of HR programs.
• Reviews metrics derives insights and uses those insights to solve business problems and improve processes.
• Demonstrates knowledge, understanding and impact of key HR KPI’s.
• Completes reports and information requests accurately and timely.
  
  

Talent & Onboarding

• Responsible for implementing the workforce and talent agenda that attracts the right people in a competitive market and drives enterprise productivity, in partnership with Talent Acquisition.
• Advises leaders on effective onboarding strategies and plans to ensure successful assimilation of new hires.
• Conducts new hire orientation and ensures that new associates are well informed of HR benefits, policies, and programs. Implements effective onboarding strategies and plans for successful assimilation of new hires.
• Deliver training programs.
  
  

Engagement & Associate Relations

• Ensures that associate questions are promptly and courteously resolved.
• Supports associate engagement surveys and action plans. Identifies opportunities to systematically address disengagement issues.
• Addresses associate concerns with open communication techniques. Communicates with associates in a timely and courteous manner.
• Advises supervisors on tactics to improve performance including observation coaching, corrective actions, and performance appraisals.
• Responsible for being a steward of the company culture. Drives change management among leaders to ensure strategic changes that impact associates are rolled out in an engaging, well communicated, and reinforced way.
  
  

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

Education/Certification:

• Bachelor’s degree in business or related field or PHR/SPHR/CHRL/CPHR Certification preferred.
  
  

Experience:

• Minimum 4 years of HR experience required.
  
  

Knowledge:

• Human Resources techniques in the areas of talent, engagement, and workforce planning
• Federal, state/province and local employment laws.
• Knowledge of talent acquisition techniques, including recruitment, interviewing skills, and selection.
• Understanding of compensation and benefit policies and programs, employee relations practices
• Good judgment is required for this position as there may be times when direct supervision may not be immediately available.
  
  

Skills/Abilities:

• Excellent communications skills, written and verbal
• Analytical skills
• Action Oriented
• Relationship building skills
• Problem solving skills
• Change management skills
  
  

Competencies

• Critical Thinking
• Solving Complex Problems
• Driving for Results
• Interacting with People at Different Levels
• Delivering High Quality Work Product
  
  

WORK ENVIORNMENT:

Onsite Role:

• This position requires the associate to perform all duties at one of our UNFI locations, such as a distribution center or office.
  
  

PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT/ DEMANDS:

• Some travel may be required.
• Most work is performed in a temperature-controlled office environment.
• Incumbent may sit for long periods of time at desk or computer terminal.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear.
• Incumbent may use calculators, keyboards, telephone, and other office equipment during normal workday.
• Stooping, bending, twisting, and reaching may be required in completion of job duties.
  
  

ABOUT UNFI:

• We are North America’s premier grocery wholesaler, delivering the widest variety of fresh, branded, and owned brand products to community grocers and retail chains alike. A pioneer in natural and organic foods, we are growing and transforming to meet the needs of an evolving workplace. Our 29,000 employees work across America in our 50 Distribution Centers and corporate offices.
  
  

BENEFITS:

• Competitive 401K Match
• PTO
• Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
• Annual Merit
• Education Assistance
• Mentorship/ Development Program
• Diversity Belonging & Innovation Groups
  
  

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. UNFI is an Equal Opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive and respectful environment for all. - M/F/Veteran/Disability. VEVRAA Federal Contractor.