Human Resources Business Partner - IL, WI, TX

Whitsons is seeking a dynamic Human Resource professional to join our team!

Be the heart of our company, fuel our growth and unlock potential, become an HR Business Partner.

SUMMARY:

As a strategic partner the HR Business Partner works closely with the Senior Vice President, Human Resources and Senior Management to align Whitsons HR plans and programs with Whitsons’ annual business plan and long term strategic objectives. The HRBP will be responsible for managing all HR issues in the region while interpreting policies and consulting with managers and team members on complex HR matters. HRBP will provide leadership coaching and counseling for managers and be responsible for executing Human Resources programs including Management/Employee Development, Talent Acquisition and Workforce Planning.

 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS, RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

• Partners with management to ensure that all employee relations matters are approached and resolved in a confidential and professional manner.
• Provides consultation to management and staff regarding performance issues, including review and coaching of performance assessments and disciplinary actions. Facilitates meeting discussions.
• Conducts effective, thorough and objective investigations and responds to employee relation issues. Proactively works toward issue and/or conflict resolution on a variety of employee relation issues. Communicates with administration, managers and legal counsel as needed.
• Proactively counsels managers on a variety of Human Resource issues including policies/procedures and appropriate employment decisions.
• Supports proactive one point of contact service model and ensures continuity of exceptional internal client services.
• Maintains in-depth knowledge of legal requirements related to day-to-day management of employees, reducing legal risks and ensuring regulatory compliance.
• Works closely with management and team members to improve work relationships, build morale, increase productivity and retention.
• Provides timely communication to promote positive staff relations and responds to management reporting needs on a variety of Human Resources related activities and programs.
• Serves as internal Human Resources consultant by analyzing and recommending solutions to Human Resources issues. In partnership with Management provides supporting climate for positive change and employee engagement. Assists with organizational change management initiatives. Skillfully, facilitates conflict resolution.
• Maintains current knowledge of system wide and location specific procedures, processes, policies and operations. Utilizes e-mail, voicemail, and other technology to maintain open channels of communication.
• Assist the Director of HR with local union negotiations, attending union negotiation sessions when necessary. Ensures management compliance with all collective bargaining agreements. Counsels and assists managers on interpretation of collective bargaining agreements and grievance process.
• Process, investigate and respond to union grievances and NLRB charges in a timely manner; escalate to Vice President, HR as needed; seeks advice and counsel from employment/labor counsel as needed.
• Interact with union representatives as needed, and ensure harmonious relationships with unions.
• Attend union arbitrations and NLRB hearings as needed.
• Represent the Company at any unemployment claims hearings or other agency hearings, as needed.
• In partnership with Corporate Talent Acquisition team, manage recruitment efforts for all exempt and non-exempt team members, student interns and temporary employees. Participate in new employee orientations, as needed.
• In partnership with Corporate Talent Development team, execute hourly employee training programs including coordination/execution of employee development programs and reporting/compliance where required.
• Manage all safety initiatives throughout region under direction of the Safety Director
• Ensure that Whitsons is maintaining thorough and accurate personnel records, keeping in compliance with all government regulations.

INTERACTION:

• This position interacts on daily basis with managers, employees, union representatives, and fellow HR professionals, and must be able to command respect and influence.  This position does not have any direct reports.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Performs additional duties and work on special projects as assigned including serving on task forces, committees, etc.

This role offers a salary range of $90,000-$100,000 annually, based on skills, experience, and location. Employees also receive a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, 401(k) with company match, generous PTO, and paid holidays.

Qualifications

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS & COMPETENCIES

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources or related field required
• Master’s degree in Human Resources or Industrial Relations preferred

Certifications

• PHR, SPHR, or equivalent certification preferred

Experience & Technical Skills

• 7–10 years of progressive Human Resources management experience required
• Significant experience working in unionized environments; multi-union experience strongly preferred
• HRIS experience required (ADP, Ceridian, UltiPro, or similar platforms)
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong working knowledge of multiple HR disciplines, including employee relations, compensation, performance management, diversity, and employment law
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• High emotional intelligence and sound judgment when handling sensitive matters
• Strong planning, organizational, and time-management skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment
• Demonstrated ability to maintain strict confidentiality
• Ability to travel to and work at remote locations; reliable personal transportation required
• Excellent command of the English language (spoken and written)
• Fluency in Spanish strongly preferred

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND OTHER DETAILS

 

Expected Hours of Work:

This is a full-time exempt position. Days and hours of work are generally Monday – Friday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm. As an exempt position, it is expected that Team Member will devote whatever time necessary to accomplish the goals and responsibilities. This position may require extended work hours, evening, and/or weekend work.

 

Travel Requirements:
Travel is required. Most traveling will be confined to day trips in the region but from time-to-time, may also include overnight stays as well.

 

Physical Demands of the Job:
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. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

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

 

Work Environment:
The work is performed primarily in a company or home-office setting. The noise level in the company work environment is moderate.

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work and duties that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duty does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, or a logical assignment to the position, and the Company reserves the right to add additional duties or modify existing duties.

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the Company and employee and is subject to change by the Company as the needs of the Company and requirements of the job change. Employee’s signature below constitutes an employee’s understanding of the requirements, essential functions, and duties of the position.