Sr. Associate Relations Manager

About the Team

Our Human Resources team defies all conventional expectations and is a business-connected solutions provider. The work we do directly aligns with the company’s core areas of focus, and we ensure that associates and leaders are ready to support those strategic objectives.  Our HR team is comprised of different departments, including Talent Acquisition, HR business partners, Learning & Development, Compensation & Benefits, and Shared Services. We enable meaningful careers for all and build our Associate Workplace Experience!

About the Location

Field Position:

This position is considered Field based and is considered to be a blend of onsite and remote work activity. Field associates will spend their time both traveling to and spending time in various PetSmart locations and can expect to be asked to travel to Phoenix Home Office periodically throughout the year. Field associates typically work out of their home office when not traveling as outlined above.

About the Job

SUMMARY 

Working within PetSmart’s centralized Associate Relations Team, provides associate relations counsel and guidance to PetSmart leaders and associates. Develops great business partnerships with Phoenix Home Office and regional Human Resources teams, field leaders and various business partners to share best practices and case knowledge. Provides input on department capabilities and develops process efficiencies.

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Advises District Leaders and store leadership on HR policy and procedures, termination decisions, and Coaching to Correct action plans, following PetSmart’s Everyday Performance Management model.
• Provides consultative support and guidance regarding associate relations issues. As a subject matter expert, provides training on company programs, policies and procedures, and relevant labor laws to ensure a positive associate relations environment within the business.
• Stays abreast of latest developments in the associate relations management environment to serve as a subject matter expert and consultant on critical associate issues.
• Leads complex and impartial investigations. Interviews witnesses, talks to involved parties, documents appropriately and makes recommendations based on findings. Ensures company investigation protocols are followed, appropriate business partners are consulted, and final resolutions are aligned with company policies and mitigate risk.
• Executes with a sense of urgency, organization and prioritization when managing workload and responding to issues. 
• Responds in a timely manner to phone calls and emails about associate relations questions or issues; responds and/or directs general Human Resources questions; can range from simple to complex issues.
• Manages database of associate relations issues; identifies trends, conducts root cause analysis and proposes solutions for district/regional/global opportunities in support of business goals.  
• Leads communications with business partners and operators, including oral presentations and written communications.
• Develops and maintains relationships within Human Resources centers of excellence, and key business partners, to meet business objectives and support stores.
• Participates in Phoenix Home Office (PHO), Canada Home Office (CHO) and Field HR initiatives, as needed.

 

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Human Resources or related field from a four-year college or university or minimum of three (3) years of experience in handing multi-unit, or cross-functional associate relations investigations or HR generalist experience.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may substitute for the minimum qualifications.
• PHR or other HR certification, preferred.

 

SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITY

Multi unit HR support.

 

TECHNICAL SKILLS

• Computer literacy, familiar with business systems functionality and an advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.
• Must demonstrate skills at analyzing complex issues and multiple data points in order to create recommendations for solutions.
• Must possess ability to create and maintain cross-functional and multi-level relationships.
• Must demonstrate exceptional oral and written communication skills, including demonstrated familiarity with legal terms and regulatory agency language.
• Must be able to handle high volume of work and work under deadlines.
• Must demonstrate critical thinking, organization and time management skills.

 

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

None.