Associate Relations Manager

Changing the World, One Kibble at a Time

Champion Petfoods is expanding! We are excited to announce we are looking for an Associate Relations (AR) Manager to join our rapidly growing company.

Champion Petfoods is an award-winning pet food crafter with a reputation of trust spanning 35 years. From our humble beginnings, founded in a small town in Alberta, Canada, Champion – with its ORIJEN® and ACANA® brands – is a key player in the global premium pet food industry. Our purpose, To Earn Pet Lover Trust Every Day so Pets Thrive for a Lifetime, provides the foundation for our highest aspirations as a company. Being a partner to the communities that surround us – and the environment that sustains us – are top priorities.

We would love to hear from you if you are passionate about personal and professional growth and see yourself as a key player contributing to our continued success as an award-winning company.

Here’s the scoop - Summary

The Associate Relations (AR) Manager will be the point of contact for Associate Relations issues and inquiries within cross-functional client groups in corporate and manufacturing teams in Canada and the US. Responsibilities include building trust, credibility and collaborative relationships with line managers and Associates. Apply expertise and sound judgement when managing inquiries, mitigating risk and minimizing adverse impact on the organization by applying policies and practices and adhering to legal and regulatory requirements. Resolve issues and address client needs to ensure situations are resolved fairly, objectively and in a manner that aligns with our Champion Values and Mars Five Principles and the Associate Concept.

The AR Manager will report to the VP of People & Organization (HR) and work out of our Corporate office in Boulder, CO or one of our Nashville, TN offices on a hybrid schedule.

What a typical day looks like

• Responsible for evaluating and managing site/function Associate Relations issues and concerns.
• Conduct timely, thorough, and effective investigations relating to company policy, employment law, and other regulations.
• Identify complex and high-risk situations, providing assessment and recommendations.
• Coach line managers on performance management, appropriate documentation, and communicating effectively to drive improvement.
• Deliver and ensure compliance with Associate Relations capability-building programs.
• Coach and advise line managers, associates and P&O partners in matters related to
• associate relations.
• Consult and guide business partners to ensure that organizational initiatives and associate impacts comply with policies, practices, and employment law.
• Create recommendations for site leadership teams leveraging AR data and analytics.
• Other responsibilities, as assigned.

What you'll bring

• University degree or equivalent experience in Human Resources or Legal
• Minimum 7 years of P&O (Human Resources) experience working at all levels of the organization.
• Deep expertise in employment legislation and regulations.
• Strong communication, written and interpersonal skills; ability to work and communicate effectively with a wide range of individuals across all levels of the organization.
• Ability to rapidly mobilize and manage internal and external resources to mitigate business and reputation risks.
• Ability to handle and maintain confidential and sensitive information.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Strong conflict management skills
• Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment.
• Ability to prioritize work, meet deadlines, and work effectively while managing competing projects and/or demanding clients.
• Motivated, energetic, goal-oriented, with a strong work ethic and positive team attitude.
• A well-defined sense of diplomacy, including solid negotiation, conflict resolution, and people management skills.
• Demonstrating cultural adaptability and flexing work hours given the geographical spread of responsibility.

What can you expect from Champion?

• Safety: a strong commitment to ensure all people are provided with a safe, healthy and respectful environment.
• Earnings: $80,000-$130,000 annual salary, annual bonus eligibility, and 401k with company matching.
• Industry Competitive Benefits: Medical, dental, vision and employee assistance programs to meet your individual or family needs.
• Continuing Education: In house & online learning & development, as well as an education assistance program.
• Quality: a dedication to uphold the highest standards of authenticity, nutritional integrity, and food safety, to earn the trust of Pet Lovers everywhere.
• Other Perks: Free bag of premium pet food each month.

What are you waiting for? Join the pack!

Come as you are.

We value diversity in all forms and know the power it can bring. Workplace equality allows for creative ideas to bloom, diverse points of views to be heard, and increases overall happiness. That sounds pretty good to us.

Champion is an equal opportunity employer. Regardless of your race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, veteran status, or any other creed, you are wanted here.

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