Human Resources Specialist

HR Specialist

Welcome to Gelson’s! For over 70 years, Gelson’s has served Southern California shoppers with an enthusiasm for food of the highest quality. Our commitment to quality, selection and exceptional service sets us apart. We strive to exceed our customers’ expectations with every visit, and we take pride in creating a positive shopping experience.

We are currently searching for an experienced HR Specialist to join our HR department based out of our Santa Fe Springs corporate office. This position will report directly to the VP of Human Resources.

Come join the Gelson’s team and help us continue our tradition of excellence in grocery retail.

Why work with us:

• Be part of a dynamic team that values collaboration and innovation
• Showcase your HR skills and make an impact on your departments success
• Embrace a culture that prioritizes team excellence
• We are a certified best place to work in California for the third consecutive year

Benefits:

• We offer competitive wages
• Generous employee discounts
• Exceptional benefit programs and a strong retirement plan
• Opportunities for career growth and development

Responsibilities:

The HR Specialist plays a key role in creating a positive, inclusive, and respectful workplace culture. This role is centered on supporting healthy employee-management relationships, conducting fair investigations, ensuring policy alignment, and driving engagement and wellness initiatives. Acting as a trusted resource for employees and leaders alike, this position ensures that the company’s values are upheld in every interaction, from conflict resolution to recognition programs, while also supporting core HR operations and office administration. This role ensures compliance with applicable labor laws and organizational policies and fosters employee engagement through wellness initiatives and administrative coordination.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Human Resources Generalist Functions

• Interpret and apply terms of union contracts when assisting union employees and leaders with questions related general HR matters.
• Serve as a resource and support partner for Store Directors and store employees, providing guidance, answering questions, and addressing concerns or complaints with professionalism and responsiveness.
• Assist in the development, implementation, and communication of HR policies, procedures, and employee programs.
• Research and apply new employment laws and regulatory changes affecting HR operations, ensuring organizational compliance.
• Participate in the rollout and change management of new HR initiatives, systems, and compliance efforts, ensuring successful adoption across both store and office environments.
• Process new hire and termination paperwork, including payroll entry and final pay processing as needed.

 Employee Relations Support

• Serve as a first-line support for employee concerns and workplace conflicts; escalate complex issues as needed.
• Assist with investigations by gathering statements, reviewing documentation, and drafting investigation summaries.
• Support coaching, corrective actions, and performance discussions with consistent documentation and follow-up.
• Conduct thoughtful exit interviews and analyze separation trends to improve employee experience.
• Provide guidance on workplace behavior, professionalism, and company expectations.

 Policy & Compliance

• Communicate and interpret policies and collective bargaining agreements to employees and managers.
• Support policy development by researching best practices and recommending updates.
• Assist with unemployment claim responses and represent the company at hearings if needed.
• Maintain accurate records of employee relations activity, grievances, and separations.

 Engagement & Culture Building

• Help plan and execute employee engagement initiatives, recognition events, and wellness programs.
• Foster employee participation in appreciation, health, and development activities.
• Collaborate with internal teams and vendors to coordinate logistics and gather feedback on events.
• Monitor engagement data to identify opportunities for culture and morale improvement.

 Wellness Program Management

• Coordinate employee wellness initiatives including screenings, flu clinics, fitness challenges, and virtual events.
• Manage program reporting, incentives, and vendor relationships.