HR Business Partner

About Us

At Quaker Houghton, we are experts in the development, production and application of industrial process fluids, lubricants and coatings for the manufacturing industry. We have been an integral part in the growth of the world’s largest industrial and manufacturing companies from aerospace and automotive to primary metal and energy. Today, we have a global presence, with our corporate headquarters located in Conshohocken, PA. Quaker Houghton is a global publicly traded company with a unique collaborative culture that supports career growth for its associates and offers competitive compensation and benefit programs.

Summary

The HR Business Partner will be responsible for supporting and coordinating a variety of human resource activities for hourly, salaried, and managerial level employees in the areas of staffing, employee relations, performance management, training and organizational development, legal compliance, wellness and community involvement as well as driving and implementing continuous improvement actions within the HR function.

This position will be working from our corporate site in Conshohocken PA and will be supporting several manufacturing plants located within the Mid-West region, as well as supporting the Corporate Functions located in Conshohocken, which are aligned to our global structure. This position will work closely with plant management and employees to improve engagement, retention, and organizational effectiveness aimed at driving stronger business performance. The HR Business Partner facilitates employee development activities in an individual and/or group setting and will maintain an effective level of business literacy about the business unit’s financial position, its mid-range plans, its culture, and its competition in the marketplace.

What will you do?

• Partner with front line managers to provide HR guidance and direction to ensure consistent administration of policies and procedures across multiple sites located in multiple states. In conjunction with the HR Leader, work with business units to develop talent and manage employee relations issues.

• Provide guidance and coaching to managers regarding performance management of their employees on employee relations issues and other HR functional areas (benefits, payroll, time keeping issues and leave management). Maintain employee records and data integrity. Collaborate with legal counsel, as necessary. Partner with managers to develop and implement Performance Improvement Plans for colleagues with mediocre performance. May identify training needs.

• Facilitate leadership and succession planning and career development for site managers and leadership such as facilitating talent reviews and development plans.

• Lead annual performance management process related to talent management. Facilitate annual compensation discussions and lead calibration sessions with designated business group to foster growth and retention within the organization. Analyze economic and wage data and interpret data. Foster an environment of positive labor relations.

• Provide agenda and lead HR portion of monthly leadership meetings (i.e., Fluidcare and other business groups as needed). Initiate meetings with new managers as an introduction to QH and HR resources. Extract data and reports as requested to supporting the client groups supporting.

• Partner with managers to identify staffing needs & work with Talent Acquisition to fill open positions, conduct workforce planning as needed during high volume/budget cycles.

• Manage collective bargaining agreements (where applicable) and negotiate new contracts in partnership with Plant management.

• Support the selection process by conducting interviews. Support hiring manager in developing employment offers in alignment with organizational policies.

• Support organization with administrating or conducting a variety of internal training courses.

• Demonstrate ability to interpret and administer union contracts with respect to employee wages, salaries, pensions, grievances, health care, union, and management practices (where applicable).

• Foster an environment that promotes the company’s goals, philosophies, and core values. Encourage and support continuous improvement efforts both in HR and customer groups. Employ effective change management strategies to aid in business transformation initiatives.

• Formulate partnerships across the HR function (with Centers of Expertise and HR Operations, other HRBPs) to deliver value-added service to Operations populations that reflect the business objectives of the organization.

• Manage and resolve complex employee relations issues. Conduct effective, thorough, and objective investigations. In partnership with people managers, develop and deliver Performance Improvement Plans for employees with substandard performance.

• Provide employees and management with coaching and counseling, ensuring objectivity and professionalism in dealing with sensitive issues.

• Partner with Safety, Health & Environmental team to support a strong safety culture. Support other associates and departments in achieving facility/corporate Responsible Care goals, commit to continually improve the management system.

• May travel regionally to maintain strong site-level connections and business alignment.

• Execute special projects and other duties as assigned.

What do we look for?

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in HR or closely related field and/or relevant HR experience.

• Minimum three years of related HR experience preferably with experience in chemical manufacturing and/or or supply chain operations; as well as experience in supporting corporate functions.

• Global experience within Chemical Manufacturing a plus.

• Experience with Workday Human Capital Management System strongly preferred.

• General knowledge of various local, state, and federal employment laws and regulations.

• Interpersonal communication skills: Demonstrated ability to build trust and credibility within and throughout all levels of the organization; provide ongoing coaching and feedback, manage through conflict, and strive for continuous improvement.

• Strong managerial courage and ability to work through resistance and pushback to change.

• Strong drive for results is essential, with self-directed leadership, requiring minimal supervision & being initiative-taking. Must be comfortable working in a fast paced, ever-changing environment.

• Strong analytical ability and experience incorporating data/metrics in decision making.

• The preferred candidate will have experience in a highly matrixed organization.

What's in it for you

• Hybrid work environment (3 days/week in Conshohocken office)

• Competitive pay programs with excellent career growth trajectory

• Paid time off for volunteerism

• Dress for your day; how you dress is determined by what your day may bring

• Opportunity to participate in comprehensive benefit options including Medical, Dental, Vision, Parental Leave, Holiday Pay, Paid Time Off, Tuition Reimbursement, and Savings Plan

• Work for a global leader in the industrial process fluids industry

Quaker Houghton provides equal employment opportunity for all qualified candidates. Quaker Houghton does not discriminate against any candidate for employment based on race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, affectional or sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, creed, ancestry, national origin, citizenship, marital or domestic partnership or civil union status, veteran’s status, physical/mental disability, genetic information, or any other category protected by U.S federal, state, and/or local employment law. Furthermore, Quaker Houghton is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified candidates with physical and/or mental disabilities.