HR Business Partner

Essendant is a purpose-driven company that reaches beyond business goals to define its success within commerce today. We support our associates, customers and communities – our core values and guiding principles shape what we aspire to do. Integrity, Collaboration, Customer-Centric, Embrace and Drive Change are our core values that serve as the foundation of our pathway to success. Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Giving Back, Associate Safety, and Accountability are our guiding principles that motivate us to focus on creating a safe and rewarding experience. Essendant is a leader in supporting the supply chain industry and has been in business for 100 years to deliver the best practices for our customers and associates. Join us at Essendant, the better way to commerce.

Scope

This position may be assigned a single large facility or multiple small facilities, dependent upon the HR to associate ratio, the span of geography and the complexity of the facility leadership structure. 

Major Responsibilities

Ensures the effective delivery of HR transactions for the assigned associates and leadership teams through the HR Services Center. Interacts with HR specialists as required. Delivers Field HR services to assigned location associates and leadership teams, including new hire orientation, performance management, associate relations, communication planning, talent assessment (both new hires and current associates), coaching, and facilitation. Develops effective relationships with business partners and supports their needs consistent with overall Company and functional objectives. Coaches and counsels Operational Leaders on tactical and sensitive associate relations issues.  Assists in the coaching and development of local leadership. Promotes solid employee relations using Associate Relations Plans and effective Total Communication Plans. Proactively identifies issues and concerns and creates/implements corrective plans of action. Understands employee population and how HR can provide value-added services.  Ensures the effective implementation of HR plans, projects, and programs to positively impact the results of their assigned locations. Supports HR functional excellence, both locally and across organizational boundaries.  Supports the performance of the facility via training, coaching, and development. Acts as liaison between Field and Corporate HR leadership and the facility. Coordinates and conducts effective training programs as directed.  Identifies training and development needs of associates supported. Participates as a key member of the Local Business Team as assigned.  Supports and promotes the Company's Diversity initiatives at assigned facilities and ensures compliance. Provides facility-level support regarding the Company's compensation and benefits practices.  Ensures internal equity and that compensation practices are market competitive. Supports facility Safety initiatives. Understands the local business and how HR can provide value-added services. Maintains effective labor relations through relationship management. Supports the General Operations Manager to develop his/her leadership team to effectively manage in a union environment. Builds and sustains an effective working relationship with the union's officials and the union stewards.  Participates in Labor-Management meetings. Responds to all grievances in writing, negotiates settlements and acts as a representative at all arbitrations Participates in a collective bargaining process and interprets and applies contracts and agreements. Coaches and collaborates with management and union leadership to resolve business challenges by facilitating conflict resolution during the grievance process. Understands and demonstrates Essendant’s Core Values and Guiding Actions. Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills/Knowledge Required

Strong HR Generalist experience with emphasis on union-free Associate relations. Knowledge of current and pending labor, wage, and hour laws, etc. Strong negotiation and conflict resolution skills. Excellent organizational skills are required; the ability to multi-task and prioritize is critical for success. Must possess a high level of professionalism, discretion, and business ethics. Ability to establish trust and credibility with Associates at all organizational levels. Excellent business partner coaching skills. Solid research and networking skills. Must operate with high levels of integrity and fairness; will uphold company Code of Conduct. Ability to formulate policy based on Company strategic direction.

Education and Experience

Bachelor's Degree required; Master's Degree or related experience preferred. Minimum seven years of Human Resources and Labor Relations experience required. 

Benefits:

Health benefits (Medical, Dental, Vision) 401k with matching Company Holidays Overtime Pay for hourly employees Paid Vacation, Floating Holidays, and Sick Time Maternity and Parental leave benefits Employee discount Tuition Reimbursement Employee Assistance Program

 

Essendant drives to be inclusive and celebrates diversity by starting with our associates. We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer that is committed to building a diverse and inclusive environment. We strongly encourage candidates to apply for opportunities, even if you do not believe you meet every one of the qualifications described. At Essendant we are building an elevated community by creating a safe and supportive work environment. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind, including or based on age, race, color, disability, ancestry, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, marital status, national origin, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. People are what drives our company. We are one team with endless possibilities. We are Essendant.

 

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