Specialist HR Operations - Greenville/New Bern

About the role

Provides functional, technical, and process guidance to ensure the company's treatment of associates is fair, respectful, and consistent with core values and policies. Promotes positive working relationships and drives associate engagement. As the primary HR resource for a region, the HR Operations Specialist reviews concerns and questions directly from assigned Store Managers and Directors of Operations, responds to associate contacts through HR self-service cases and Ethics Point, and provides advice and counsel to all business partners. Ensures consistent application of policies, HR practices, and programs within the assigned geography.

Must reside in or near the Greenville/New Bern, NC areas, as the position will support these and surrounding regions.

Responsibilities

• Provides advice, counsel, and guidance to retail Directors and Store Managers on HR-related questions, processes, policies, and procedures (e.g., coaching, counseling, disciplinary actions) and documents interactions in the HR case management system.
• Offers recommendations to associates on mediating sensitive work situations, management/associate conflict, and peer relations; documents interactions in the HR case management system.
• Partners with retail Directors to leverage HR data and develop action plans to improve work relationships, morale, productivity, and retention.
• Provides on-site support for crisis management, workplace violence, and critical incidents as needed.
• Reviews all accommodation requests (medical, religious, pregnancy, etc.) and documents the interactive process in the HR case management system.
• Collaborates with the Asset Protection team to provide critical incident support and dispositions for investigations.
• Cascades HR-related communications and trainings across assigned regions and drives successful implementation of HR programs/processes (e.g., talent management, merit process, wage/compensation reviews, HR-related trainings).
• Engages with the shared services organization for specialized expertise and ensures proper execution of HR processes (e.g., LOA and Workers' Compensation).
• Responds to preventive labor activity in assigned geographical areas as needed.
• Conducts thorough, confidential, and timely workplace investigations as required.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Solid knowledge of HR concepts, practices, and procedures.
• Thorough knowledge of employment-related local, state, and federal laws and regulations (e.g., EEO, wage and hour, employee benefits, leave).
• Ability to interpret policies and procedures consistently and objectively, tailored to individual circumstances.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to interact effectively with all levels of staff and management.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion, integrity, and professionalism.
• High degree of independence in completing work assignments and making decisions concerning HR activities.
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team.
• Field-based role requiring residence within or near the assigned geography.
• Prolonged periods of sitting while performing computer work functions.
• Maintain a valid Class C driver's license.
• Ability to access and navigate travel in a multi-unit geography.
• 25% to 30% travel as needed; must maintain a registered and insured motor vehicle.
• Visits retail locations as needed; may travel outside of assigned geographies for meetings, training, or HR support.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in HR, Industrial and Organizational Psychology, or a related field.
• HR certification.
• 3 to 5 years of HR-related work experience.
• Experience working in a multi-unit environment.

Skills

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong conflict resolution skills.
• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to prioritize tasks.
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite and HR case management software.
• Ability to quickly learn the organization’s HRIS.