The Human Resources Business Partner is responsible for aligning business objectives and overall corporate strategy with associates and management in specified business units. As the liaison between the business and Human Resources Division, this associate ensures that HR programs and services are directly in line with the needs of the business unit. In this role, the Business Partner acts as champion for both the associates and management to drive the strategic agenda forward by being an advocate for change.
Core Functions:
- Collaborates with business units in projecting talent needs and defining a strategy for developing a talent pipeline.
- Maintains ongoing contact/relationship with high potential candidates who were sourced through various avenues (LinkedIn, affiliation networking, referrals, etc.) to recruit them for future opportunities within Wakefern business units.
- Partners with the business units in the recruitment, interviewing and selection of candidates needed to support the overall business strategy.
- Assists in providing associates with development opportunities that align with current and future performance standards.
- Identifies training needs and develops plan for implementation.
- Facilitates short and long term initiatives aligned with the strategic goals of the business units
- Actively participates in business units' meetings, which include, but is not limited to committee meetings, strategic initiatives meetings, vendor meetings etc.
- Identifies and executes best practices across all functions to promote continuous improvement
- Ensures all HR programs and services are aligned with the needs of the business units.
- Regularly reviews key business performance targets and related talent opportunities with business leaders.
- Values associate opinions and looks for opportunities to regularly engage with the team to solicit input on business objectives and strategy.
- Acts as coach, mentor and advisor.
- Collaborates with business unit leadership to address associate issues, gather documentation and provide counsel as required.
- Conducts timely EEO investigations.
- Supports the associate survey process and helps implement action plans within the business units. Seeks feedback beyond the survey so associates can influence ongoing improvement of processes and services provided by the organization.
- Analyzes HR trends, important data and relates specific metrics to the business.
- Collaborates with Business Unit leadership to redesign the infrastructure to meet the needs of the organization.
- Drives a culture of associate engagement through transparent communication.
- Maintains accurate knowledge of HR guidelines and practices, providing guidance as needed
- Consults with Legal and/or Compliance as required.
Knowledge and Skills:
- Bachelor's degree in Human Resources Management, Business Administration, Labor Relations, or related field is required. Willingness to pursue HR certification if major is not HR related. Graduate degree preferred.
- Minimum of two years of experience in Human Resources, five years preferred.
- Ability to serve as a strategic HR partner, supporting the business within core functions such as staffing, learning & development, retention, organization development, and belonging, inclusion & diversity.
- Working knowledge of progressive Human Resources policies, practices and procedures.
- Experience in the following areas: employment law, associate relations, staffing, learning & development, organization development, talent management, change management, culture development.
- Understand the link between HR initiatives and business strategy. Able to design and implement HR initiatives to support strategy.
- Strong business acumen and the ability to use insights about the business to improve HR strategy, activities, and delivery.
- Ability to collect and analyze appropriate data, recognize trends and issues, and develop recommendations based on data analysis.
- Strong communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
- Ability to maintain the strictest level of confidentiality.
- Awareness of external market trends and best practices.
- Ability to engage, inspire, and influence others. Strong team player, collaborator, networker.
- Demonstrated experience in managing conflict/problem resolution with the ability to coach and counsel associates at all levels.
- Strong ability to exercise a keen sense of judgment.
Working Conditions & Physical Demands
- Availability to work a varied, flexible schedule to meet business demands.
- Ability to monitor computer screens for long periods of time.
- Ability to work a hybrid schedule as established by the division (4 days on-site, 1 day remote)
Competencies
- Communicate Effectively: Communicates thoughts and ideas in a well-organized manner, encouraging two-way communication.
- Build Relationships: Creates cross-functional partnerships through the development and maintenance of constructive and cooperative relationships.
- Stay Competitive: Demonstrates a mindset of continuous improvement while exhibiting passion and enthusiasm for their work.
- Embrace Change: Looks for new ways of working by supporting advancements in processes and technology.
- Develop You: Identifies and capitalizes on opportunities for personal and professional career growth.
- Drive for Results: Supports divisional and strategic objectives through achievement of work goals.