HR Business Partner

HR Business Partner

The Vermont Creamery Human Resources Business Partner provides human resources support to employees of the Vermont Creamery business, with an emphasis on manufacturing personnel. 

The position provides support in managing human resource initiatives, employee relations, and HR administration for more than 100 staff.  Among the HR Business Partner’s responsibilities is leading recruitment and on-boarding of hourly employees in partnership with Vermont Creamery leaders and the Land O’Lakes Talent Acquisition team. 

A key skill for the HR Business Partner is the ability to understand the big picture of Vermont Creamery’s work while integrating HR into business operations in a detail-oriented manner. This position is responsible for interpreting situations, communicating often with employees, and consistently applying company policy while exercising good judgement.      

Required Qualifications & Experiences:

• Undergraduate degree in human resources or a related field, or the equivalent combination of education and experience.  

• 3+ years of experience in a Human Resources Partner or Generalist role.

• Recruitment and Hiring,  Compensation and Wage Structure, and Performance Management Experience required.

• Food Manufacturing experience highly preferred.

Competencies-Skills (Required): 

• Demonstrates strong communication skills and the ability to lead and support change in a manufacturing environment.

• Communicates clearly, openly, and in a timely manner; consistently interprets and administers HR policies and procedures fairly.

• Handles all HR matters with a high degree of confidentially, tact and professionalism. 

• Effectively manages multiple priorities with a strong sense of urgency, flexibility, and personal accountability. Exhibits strong organization, attention to detail, and follow-through to ensure accurate and timely completion of work.

• Effectively leverages company systems and technology to manage workload and support HR operations.

• Hours: This is a three-shift manufacturing plant; the incumbent will need to be flexible to work off-shifts from time to time or switch shifts as needed for communication purposes.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities:

• Use good independent judgement to execute daily work requirements.  

• Deliver strategic human resource initiatives that support business objectives. 

• Effectively collaborate with local, regional, and corporate HR teams to achieve plant objectives. 

• Protects the interest of employees at VC by ensuring legal requirements for equal employment and compliance are met.

• Counsels management on compensation and organizational structure.

• Oversees execution of personnel changes including job descriptions, compensation, and structure changes.

• Administers all HR policies, practices, and programs in collaboration with Land O’Lakes HR and Law Departments.

• Execute production recruitment plan by managing selection process, including managing interview logistics, maintaining compliant applicant records, conducting orientation and the new hire process, and conducting compliance training for new hires. 

• Partner with managers in conducting investigations and making corrective action recommendations. 

• Partner with plant leadership to coach on effective performance feedback of all employees. 

• Assist Plant Leadership in coaching and development of their teams along with application and interpretation of labor relations policies and practices, according to policy. 

• Log and track performance and all other employee discipline for the plant. 

• Assists with Unemployment Claims/hearings, providing accurate information to third party administrators and testifies (as needed) in hearings.

• Oversees annual employee engagement survey to ensure strong participation.

• Ensures administrative duties including but not limited to payroll and managing employee files are managed in a professional, timely, and organized manner.

• Oversees employee communication, including but not limited to visual boards/screens and email distribution lists.

• Ensure legal and compliance information postings are met and union information as needed. 

• Manage Attendance Program in partnership with on-site managers and supervisors. 

• Responsible for all local payroll processes. 

• Proactively recommend ideas and solutions to effectively address the needs of the organization.