Co-op People & Culture Manager

Purpose: Collaborate with the Director of People and Culture to develop and implement comprehensive personnel policies and practices. Lead efforts within recruitment, employee relations, performance management, and payroll and benefits administration. Foster a positive, inclusive, and engaging work environment by providing managers and staff expert guidance, training, and support.

Specific Responsibilities of the People and Culture Manager

Strategic Planning

• Assist in the development and implementation of the organization’s People and Culture strategies in alignment with the Co-op’s overall business goals and ends. 
• Serve as a strategic partner to the Co-op Director leadership team, providing guidance on employee-related issues and organizational development.

Compliance with Employment and Labor Law

• Keep abreast of federal, state, and local employment/labor laws and regulations, and review policies and practices to maintain compliance.
• Assist managers in consistently and equitably applying Co-op policies and in maintaining department-specific policies and practices that align with organization-wide policies.
• Investigate all harassment and discrimination claims and recommend appropriate action.
• Ensure documentation of personnel-related actions and organized retention of records.

Talent Acquisition

• Lead the full-cycle recruitment process, including job posting, screening, interviewing, and onboarding.
• Facilitate People and Culture team collaboration with department managers to understand hiring needs and ensure timely and effective recruitment.
• With your director and recruiting specialists, develop and maintain a strong employer brand to attract high-quality candidates.

Employee Relations & Engagement

• Field employee concerns, managing conflict resolution and disciplinary actions when necessary.
• Oversee the leave administration process, including completion of all applicable paperwork, eligibility determination, tracking, and communication.
• Administer all employee-related aspects of ADA compliance and accommodations as directed.
• Organize employee engagement activities and initiatives to enhance company culture and morale.

Performance Management

• Provide guidance and coaching to department and assistant managers on all personnel processes related to the employee lifecycle and develop systems to ensure the follow-through of policies and practices.
• Supervise the People and Culture department specialists, ensuring that they have the training, tools, and guidance to fulfill job responsibilities.
• Ensure job duties and performance expectations are clear and that staff are consistently trained and coached to succeed in their roles.
• Keep job descriptions updated with responsibilities and qualifications aligned with the wage scale.
• Implement the coaching and correction process thoughtfully, equitably, and consistently.
• Manage the performance evaluation process for all staff.
• Participate in developing and delivering talent development programming for managers and staff.
• Ensure effective department training programs are thorough and maintained.

Compensation Program

• Oversee payroll and benefits administration, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
• Participate in wage determinations and salary benchmarking to achieve equitable pay and competitive compensation practices.
• Manage employee benefits programs, ensuring they meet organizational needs and comply with legal requirements.

Qualifications

• Management experience required, preferably in a human resources area, or a food service or retail setting.
• Experience or specific education in a human resources field is required.
• HR Certification (SHRM/HRCI or other) required - may be obtained after hire.
• Familiarity with applicable federal and state employment and labor laws.
• Experience with HRMS (Human Resource Management Systems) and other HR-related software.
• Experience that demonstrates the ability to:
• Work with people of diverse backgrounds and values in a respectful and non-discriminatory manner.
• Set and maintain professional boundaries inside and outside of work, handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion, and behave with integrity.
• Exceptional interpersonal and written/oral communication skills, with the ability to build relationships at all levels.
• Fluency in MS Office is required, particularly in Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule to meet the needs of the business; one weekend day is required; some early mornings, evenings, and/or holidays may be required.
• Ability to work at a computer for extended periods; minimal to light physical effort is generally required in performing duties, lifting up to 10 lbs. occasionally.