Human Resources Business Partner

Thorlabs is pleased to play a role in advancing science through the components, instruments, and systems we design and manufacture. We believe that science and innovation have great potential to improve the world around us and are committed to advancing photonics (i.e., light-based) technologies that positively impact our customers, employees, and communities. Via educational outreach and more sustainable business practices, we continuously invest in a brighter future. We recognize that each of our employees is a unique individual with the ability to contribute to our success and seek to find great people who will thrive in our fun, fast-paced culture.

The Human Resources Business Partner assists in aligning Thorlabs’ people strategy with the business strategy.  They are a  key link to the leaders and employees within their client groups to drive culture, talent, , and employee engagement. This role will build and maintain influential relationships by being a strategic partner with management and a resource and support for the employees. This position plays a crucial role in ensuring that HR policies, procedures, tactics, and methods in support of the company’s overall HR strategy are communicated and implemented properly and consistently throughout the assigned site/business unit and at all stages of the employee life cycle. The Business Partner will act as an advisor or coach to all employees including leadership.  This individual is responsible for coordinating and implementing services, policies, and programs through the direction of the HR Manager. Although the location of the position is in Newton, NJ, from time to time it may be required to undertake duties at other Thorlabs locations.

Essential Job Functions include the following, but are not limited to:

• Proactively provides solutions and advice to strengthen the business including advising leaders, coaching employees and providing or sourcing tools and resources to aid in operating the business.
• Manages and resolves employee relations issues, addresses formal complaints, and conducts effective, thorough, and objective investigations.
• Maintains a comprehensive knowledge of legal requirements related to day-to-day management of employees to reduce legal risks and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Consults and coaches’ management on various areas  including performance management, counseling, career development, inclusion, employee engagement, organization design, and disciplinary actions, suggesting alternative practices, and providing HR guidance when appropriate.
• Develops partnerships across the HR function to deliver value-added service to management and employees that reflects the business values and objectives of the organization.
• Analyzes trends and metrics in partnership with the HR team to develop solutions, programs, and policies.
• Works with management and employees to improve work relationships, build morale, and increase productivity and retention.
• Responsible for administration of compliance reporting, internal recruiting activities, and termination processes.
• Partners with outside counsel in the management of all immigration matters in designated business units ensuring successful petitions and well as legal compliance.

• Provides guidance and input on business unit restructures, workforce planning and succession planning.
• Identifies training needs for business units and individual executive coaching needs.

• Coordinates alignment of HR business objectives with employees and management in designated business units.

In addition to the essential functions and duties listed above, all positions are also responsible for:

• Meeting company standards pertaining to quantity and quality of work performed on an ongoing basis, performing all work-related tasks in a manner that is in compliance with all Company policies and procedures.
• Adhering to Company policies, procedures, and directives regarding standards of workplace behavior in completing job duties and assignments.

The Company retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position.

Physical Activities:

This is largely a sedentary role; however, some filing is required. This would require the ability to lift files, open filing cabinets and bend or stand as necessary.

Requirements

Experience:

• Minimum of  8-10 years of Human Resources experience
• Experience with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems and Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS), preferred.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent business-related experience; masters degree or SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP a plus