HR Associate

General Overview

Incumbents apply in-depth knowledge in a specific area of specialization. Work is performed within established professional standards and practices. Works on problems of moderate scope where analysis of situations or data requires a review of identifiable factors and a considerable degree of judgement. Erroneous decisions or failure to achieve results may have a negative impact on the divisions/departments operations, schedules, and/or performance goals. Works under minimum Supervision. Seeks approval from others on matters outside of job/role scope. Receives instruction on specific assignment objectives and possible solutions. Unusual problems are solved jointly with manager. Work is reviewed for application of sound technical judgment. May lead a work group or project team consisting of technical and support staff. Builds internal and external relationships, with emphasis on those that facilitate the achievement of job/role accountabilities, such as relationships with key suppliers, customers and internal service.

Detailed Description

• Acts as the first point of contact for business partners, managers, and employees seeking advice and counsel on all workforce matters.
• In unionized sites provides administration of the bargained agreement between the Company and Union including grievances.
• Serves as co-bargaining agent for the location and is responsible for training and providing guidance to local management with regard to contractual obligations and/or interpretation of the local contract.
• Conducts research in support of company positions for contract negotiations.
• Administers processes, policies, and programs related to compensation, training & development, benefits, staffing, and employee relations.
• Communicates program changes to management team and to employees.
• Consult with management team regarding legal and regulatory impact of program changes.
• Oversees the corrective action process for site.
• Conducts internal investigations regarding possible violations of codes of conduct.
• Interviews participants, reviews evidence, and makes recommendations based on results.
• Reviews termination recommendations to determine legal / regulatory exposure.
• Consults with expert legal counsel if necessary.
• Works with management team to ensure effective performance management and culture building practices are in place.
• Emphasizes the use of direction setting, feedback/coaching, communication strategies, people development and differentiation of pay.
• Partners with site leadership to effect change and effectively serve as a change agent by managing the development, implementation and continuous improvement of programs to enhance employee satisfaction, improve morale, positively impact retention and assure alignment with corporate values and policies.
• Ensures compliance to corporate policies, governmental regulations and laws.
• Keeps abreast of legislative decisions, changes in employment laws and regulations to limit legal exposure and liability.

Knowledge/Skills/Competencies

• Significant knowledge of government legislation impacting the practice of human resources management.
• Significant knowledge of company HR and Payroll policies and practices, labor movement, arbitration proceedings.
• In-depth knowledge of HRIS software and report writing.
• Good public presentation skills.
• Excellent project management skills.
• Ability to effectively communicate with a wide variety of internal customers.
• Ability to evaluate multiple highly detailed tasks, determine priorities and organize work in a manner that allows for timely completion of projects.
• Ability to manage sensitive employee information in a confidential manner.
• Knowledge of computer applications and the ability to accurately perform tasks in some or all of the following applications: Access, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Microsoft Project, and Visio.

Physical Demands

• Duties of this position are generally performed in good working conditions.
• Occasional exposure to elements such as noise, dust, chemicals, operating machinery, temperature extremes, etc.
• Duties may require extended periods of sitting and sustained visual concentration on a computer monitor or on numbers and other detailed data.
• Repetitive manual movements (e.g., data entry, using a computer mouse, using a calculator, etc.) are frequently required.
• Occasional travel is required.