Human Resource Generalist - Warehouse Operations

KeHE HR Generalist

At KeHE, we're obsessed with creating solutions, unboxing potential, and serving others and it all starts with you. As an employee-owned distributor of natural and organic, specialty, and fresh products, we're committed to making a positive impact and scaling our success together. With a culture that fosters development and opportunity, you'll be embarking on a career that's moving forward. When you join KeHE, you're becoming part of a team that is a force for good.

Primary Responsibilities

We are seeking a strong HR Generalist who can take ownership, is a problem solver, and leverages continuous improvement methodologies. This role will support the HR Manager in the Chino distribution center and will be responsible for leading the execution of a variety of HR strategic initiatives. This role will be a strategic partner with DC leadership for ongoing employee engagement activities and will facilitate conversations with employees to create and/or enhance employee engagement initiatives. Additionally, this role will collaborate with management on HR practices, policies and procedures, communicate updates to policies and procedures to DC employees.

Additional responsibilities include partnering with Shared Services to communicate open enrollment and benefits, leaves of absences, workers compensation and safety, and learning and development.

In partnership with the HR Manager, this role will also support employee disciplinary investigations in accordance with Company policies and procedures.

Strong candidates will be efficient in managing their time and supporting HR initiatives with minimal supervision.

Essential Functions

• Assist HR Manager, Distribution Center (DC) leadership, and frontline associates with interpretation and understanding of HR practices, policies, and procedures as outlined in the employee handbook and contracts.
• Work closely with HR, talent acquisition, and hiring managers to administer offer letters, pre-employment/on-boarding activities and conduct new hire orientation for all new hourly associates.
• Support HR Manager as needed on employee relations concerns and/or investigations.
• Provide guidance and support to Managers and Supervisors on employee performance and/or attendance issues, to include administration of necessary disciplinary action.
• Assist in the management and administration of all types of employee leaves of absence (FMLA, Workers' Compensation, ADA, etc.) ensuring adherence to internal policy and procedures.
• Provide day to day support of benefit programs and assist in annual open enrollment process.
• Collaborate with HR, Safety, and DC management on safety, health, and wellness initiatives.
• Collaborate with HR and local management on culture and engagement related activities to help promote a positive and people centric work environment.
• Facilitate or co-facilitate necessary employee education and/or training sessions.
• Assist in the administration of occasional and/or recurring employee surveys (new hire, annual engagement survey, pulse surveys, etc).
• Represent KeHE for unemployment claims and hearings as needed.
• Responsible for accurate and timely data entry into the HRIS system.
• Maintenance of personnel records in compliance with state, federal, and local laws

Minimum Requirements, Qualifications, Additional Skills, Aptitude

• 3-5 years of HR Generalist experience required, PHR/SPHR preferred.
• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources or related field. A combination of related experience & education will be considered.
• Spanish language proficiency preferred.
• Distribution, manufacturing experience within food, beverage and/or retail industry.
• Capable of prioritizing and handling multiple projects simultaneously, under tight time constraints
• Must have the ability to make recommendations to effectively resolve emotional and complex problems or issues by using judgment that is in consistent with policies, procedures, regulation, or government law.
• Able to work effectively with front line employees, peers, DC leadership, and regional leaders as well as corporate HR support functions, and the local operations team.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions.
• Leave administration/management experience required.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Must be able to lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. The employee is frequently required to sit. Travel may be required, but will be minimal. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is subject to a typical office environment and is rarely exposed to outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate.

Equal Employer Opportunity Statement: KeHE Distributors provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits all forms of discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, religion or faith, sex, gender, age, ancestry, national origin, mental or physical disability or medical condition, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, military or veteran status, genetic information, or any other category protected under federal, state, or local law. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training as well as the administration of all Human Resources and Talent Acquisition processes.