Specialist Associate Relations & Policy Development

Position Summary

The Specialist II Associate Relations & Policy Development is responsible for managing escalated field-based associate relations (AR) inquiries, overseeing the company's speak-up line, and supporting consistent application and interpretation of HR policies across ADUSA Distribution & Transportation.

Principle Duties and Responsibilities

• Associate Relations Intake & Issue Management
• Field and triage associate relations inquiries across distribution centers and transportation hubs.
• Manage the company speak-up line, ensuring timely and confidential response to associate concerns.
• Evaluate and resolve AR issues independently, following established policies and procedures.
• Escalate complex or high-risk matters to HR Business Partners, Labor Engagement leadership, or Legal as appropriate.
• Track and document all AR cases, outcomes, and follow-ups to ensure consistency and accountability.
• Policy Management & Interpretation
• Maintain and manage all company HR and operational policies relevant to associate conduct, compliance, and operations.
• Interpret and provide guidance to associates, supervisors, and leaders on policies and procedures.
• Ensure policies are consistently applied across sites and functions, reducing risk and supporting workforce stability.
• Coordinate regular review and updates of policies to maintain compliance with changing regulations, legal requirements, and organizational standards.
• Partner with HR, Legal, and Labor Engagement leadership to communicate policy changes and ensure organization-wide understanding.
• Reporting & Documentation
• Maintain accurate records of AR inquiries, resolutions, and escalations in HR systems.
• Generate reports and metrics on AR trends, common issues, policy inquiries, and resolution outcomes.
• Provide insights and recommendations to the team and senior leadership to improve associate experience and prevent recurring issues.
• Associate & Leadership Support
• Provide consultative guidance to site leadership and associates on associate relations topics and policy application.
• Reinforce the organization's culture of openness, trust, and compliance through day-to-day interactions.
• Aid in training leaders and supervisors on policy interpretation, AR best practices, and proactive conflict resolution.
• Continuous Improvement & Compliance
• Identify opportunities to enhance AR processes, intake procedures, and policy management practices.
• Participate in special projects or initiatives related to associate relations, labor engagement, or policy updates.
• Monitor compliance with federal, state, and local labor regulations, as well as company standards, and escalate risks as needed.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business, or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience: 3-5 years of experience in Employee/Associate Relations, HR Generalist, or HR policy management roles. Experience in multi-site or distribution/transportation operational environments preferred.
• Knowledge: Knowledge of associate relations principles, HR policies, and employment law basics. Understanding of distribution center or transportation operational environments. Familiarity with compliance requirements, escalation processes, and HR case management practices.
• Skills & Abilities: Effective intake, assessment, and resolution of AR inquiries. Policy interpretation and application. Data tracking, reporting, and trend analysis. Strong organizational and time management skills. Clear written and verbal communication. Ability to handle sensitive information confidentially and professionally. Ability to provide guidance and coaching to leaders on policy and AR topics. Ability to exercise sound judgment in evaluating AR cases and determining appropriate actions. Ability to apply policies consistently and interpret them in alignment with organizational values. Ability to manage multiple priorities and cases in a dynamic operational environment. Ability to escalate complex or high-risk issues appropriately. Ability to work collaboratively with leaders, associates, HR teams, and Legal partners. Ability to contribute to a positive associate experience and support organizational compliance and culture.

Other Requirements

• Travel Required: Approximately 20-30% to distribution centers and transportation sites.
• Flexible Hours: To address urgent associate relations needs.
• Operational Standards: Operates within established policies, labor engagement strategies, and professional standards, with defined escalation and reporting protocols.

Salary Range

$75,000-105,000, depending on experience.

Company Values

• Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEI&B)
• Treats all employees and prospective employees with respect and dignity.
• Equal Opportunity Employer
• Complies with all applicable federal, state and local laws.

Additional Information

• ADUSA Distribution and ADUSA Transportation provides supply chain operations for one of the largest omnichannel grocery retail groups in the nation, serving the grocery brands of Ahold Delhaize USA – Food Lion, Giant Food, The GIANT Company, Hannaford and Stop & Shop, through a self-distribution model for the future.
• Under the Federal Transparency in Coverage rule, group health plans are required to make publicly available machine-readable files that include in-network rates and out-of-network allowed amounts and billed charges.
• ADUSA Distribution and ADUSA Transportation are committed to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEI&B).
• We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. If you have a disability and require assistance in the application process, please contact our Talent Acquisition Department at recruiting@adusasc.com.