The Associate Relations Manager is responsible for Human Resources leadership as well as   partnering with leadership throughout the organization to plan, create and execute company-wide initiatives, business strategies and programs. Responsible for working with leadership to ensure we have optimal resources available to meet changing business objectives. Advises and coaches leaders on associate relations activities. Provides policy and procedure implementation, compensation assistance, associate communication, and benefits assistance.  Addresses associate acquisition and retention needs, ensures legal compliance and staff development for assigned occasions. Provides direction, interpretation and support to HR leadership in the implementation of company-wide initiatives, policies and procedures. Advises leaders on local and state laws as applicable to market.

Responsibilities

·         Manages the implementation of organizational and HR strategies that support the company’s goals and objectives within assigned geographic territory/locations.

·         Consults and advises leadership on establishing strategic direction for the business, including identification of organizational development needs and overall alignment of human resources systems to achieve business results. 

·         Serves as role model, ambassador, and teacher of company values, vision, and standards of conduct.  Advises, counsels and support leaders and associates.  Evaluates teams and recommends effective actions that will lead to the desired culture. 

·         Assesses existing talent and proactively identifies talent needs, issues and solutions.

·         Conducts complex and or escalated misconduct and policy infraction investigations. Manages investigations pertaining to misconduct and policy infractions. Reviews dispute recommendations and provides guidance toward resolution.  Manages legal and government agency complaints.

·         Develops and facilitates Human Resources related training to leaders and front line associates.

·         Identifies and utilizes key HR metrics to analyze causes, needs and act upon findings.

·         Analyzes and monitors performance management process to ensure the development of associates to meet client and organizational goals.  Monitors and assists leaders with associate development to facilitate organization development.  Consults in the selection, development, and evaluation of leaders.

·         Analyzes and executes affirmative action program and efforts to create a diverse, quality workforce.

·         Researches best practices; develops and manages ongoing projects to address associate relations and retention issues.  Recommends and implements policies and programs necessary to retain key associates and minimize turnover. 

·         Oversees the administration of Human Resource polices and procedures and provides interpretation.  Addresses associate questions related to Human Resources policies and procedures, benefit and compensation programs and other concerns related to the workplace.

·         Provides expertise and assistance with company acquisition and divestiture activities as needed.

·         Reviews and oversees the administration of compensation and incentive bonus programs and initiatives. Provides input regarding strategic decisions to organization-wide impacting compensation and benefits changes.

·         Manages outside vendors supporting local and company-wide initiatives as needed.

·         Ensures Talent Acquisition and leadership select the best candidates for open positions.

·         Completes special projects as assigned by immediate manager and the HR Leadership.

·         Leads, coaches and develops staff of Associate Relations Representative and or HR Coordinator.

The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by associates and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, abilities, and skills required of associates so classified. Additional responsibilities may be assigned as needed.

Qualifications

·         Bachelor's Degree required; Masters preferred.

·         6-8 years of broad, progressively more complex HR knowledge and experience, such as generalist and recruitment, is required.

·         2-3 years of leadership experience in Human Resources positions preferred.

·         Experience managing highly confidential information and complex situations with discretion and sensitivity.

·         Strong facilitation and training skills in presenting to small and large groups.

·         HR project leadership required.

·         Demonstrated leadership competencies (i.e. coaching, people development, executing strategy)

·         Excellent interpersonal skills with strengths in relationship building and influencing without authority.

·         Excellent oral and written communication skills.

·         Proficient to advanced working knowledge of employment law required.

·         PC literacy required knowledge of Microsoft applications: Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

·         Experience working with SAP or equivalent Human Resources Information System preferred.

• Positions requires occasional to moderate travel, dependent upon assigned function/geography.