HR Business Partner

Human Resources Business Partner (HRBP)

PAQ, Inc. is committed to building a workplace where employees feel valued, supported, and empowered to do their best work. We believe diverse perspectives and experiences strengthen our organization and drive better outcomes for our customers and communities.

Job Summary:

The Human Resources Business Partner (HRBP) provides hands-on HR support to leaders and employees across multiple locations while ensuring compliance with California labor laws and regulations. This role combines tactical HR execution with strategic partnership, ensuring consistent application of HR policies, employment practices, and employee relations support across all assigned locations.

The HRBP is highly visible in the field, supports day-to-day HR needs, addresses complex employee relations matters, and helps align people practices with business objectives across a dynamic grocery industry.

The HRBP will contribute to developing and implementing HR initiatives that enhance employee engagement, performance, and satisfaction. The position will be instrumental in fostering a culture of high performance and continuous improvement within a fast-paced and customer-centric environment.

Essential Functions of the Position:

Employee Relations and Hands-on HR Support:

• Provide direct, hands-on support for employee relations matters, including performance management, attendance, corrective action, investigations, and terminations
• Coach leaders on California-specific employee relations requirements, including proper documentation and progressive discipline
• Conduct workplace investigations in compliance with California law and company policy
• Support employee separations, ensuring compliance with final pay, notices, and documentation requirements

Recruitment and Staffing:

• Support the end-to-end recruitment process, including job postings, resume screening, interviewing, and selection, in partnership with HR Generalists
• Ensure compliance with California's Civil Rights Department (CRD) and other relevant regulations, promoting equitable hiring practices
• Conduct new employee orientation and onboarding activities
• Partner with store and department leaders to provide a positive new hire experience.

Benefits Administration:

• Assist Benefits Coordinator with open enrollment efforts and support benefit-related questions in the field
• Partner with Leave Administrators to effectively manage and track leaves of absence and accommodation as required by California laws

Compliance and Risk Management:

• Ensure strict compliance with federal, state (CA), and local labor laws, including but not limited to:
• Wage and hour laws (overtime, reporting-time pay, meal and rest breaks, penalty pay)
• Paid Sick Leave and applicable local leave ordinances
• CFRA, FMLA, Pregnancy Disability Leave (PDL)
• Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA)
• Workers' compensation requirements
• Advise leaders on classification issues (exempt vs. non-exempt; PT vs. FT) and scheduling practices, promoting consistency and compliance
• Ensure corrective actions and terminations are handled in alignment with company best practice and California legal standards
• Support audits, agency inquiries, and regulatory compliance initiatives as needed, while maintaining personnel records, adhering to California's recordkeeping requirements

Performance Management:

• Support the performance appraisal process, ensuring fairness and compliance.
• Assist in addressing performance issues by developing and implementing California compliant performance improvement plans.
• Guide managers on performance-related matters, considering state-specific regulations.
• Support and guide stores and departments through changes in business practices, technology, and growth strategies.
• Facilitate change management initiatives and ensure smooth transitions.

Training and Development:

• Support training and development needs, including succession planning, leadership programs, and situational based retrains
• Promote professional development opportunities for employees

HR Reporting:

• Maintain HR databases and records, adhering to California's data privacy laws.
• Analyze HR metrics (e.g., turnover rates, employee satisfaction) to identify trends and areas for improvement.
• Present findings and recommendations to senior management.

Employee Engagement:

• Act as a trusted partner to management and employees to navigate and resolve workplace issues
• Work closely with store and departmental leaders to develop and implement HR strategies that support business objectives
• Ensure HR plans align with the direction of the grocery industry's trends and needs.
• Support employee engagement initiatives, events, and activities that align with California's labor laws.
• Gather employee feedback and improve workplace satisfaction by adhering to confidentiality requirements.

Knowledge:

• Working knowledge of federal, state (CA), and local labor laws and regulations
• Understanding of wage and hour requirements, including overtime, meal and rest breaks, reporting-time pay, and alternative work schedules
• Knowledge of HR best practices in a multi-location, frontline workforce environment
• Understanding of employee relations principles and investigation processes
• Knowledge of HR policies, procedures, and compliance documentation standards
• Working knowledge of HRIS/HCM systems (Workday preferred) and Office Suite

Skills:

• Strong interpersonal and intrapersonal skills
• Effective communication skills (verbal and electronic)
• Attention to detail and accuracy in work output
• Excellent problem-solving and conflict resolution capabilities
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Strong team player, with a collaborative and solution-oriented approach

Abilities:

• Maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information, in accordance with California law and company policy
• Adaptable amidst a fast-paced environment, with the ability to adjust to shifting priorities
• Proficiency in accurately and securely maintaining HR data and records
• Strong organizational ability to effectively manage HR tasks, documentations, and deadlines
• Willingness to take initiative, accountability, and actively demonstrate a high level of professionalism and emotional IQ

Physical Requirements:

• This position requires regular travel to different store locations
• A significant portion of the day is spent sitting at a desk and working on a computer, as well as driving between sites
• Must handle paperwork, files, and documents, including lifting, carrying, and transporting paperwork and office supplies as needed
• Proficiency in using typical office equipment such as photocopiers, scanners, fax machines, and printers
• Ability to perform tasks that require fine motor skills, such as using a keyboard, writing, or handling small objects

Work Conditions:

• Work Hours: Ability to work flexible hours, including some weekends and holidays, as needed
• Environment: Primarily indoors, often climate-controlled, with adequate lighting and ventilation
• Primary Work Stations: Combination of office, field, and store environments
• Dress Code: Business casual attire, flexible for more formal or relaxed dress depending on company events or meetings
• Exposure: May be exposed to moving mechanical parts and cleaning chemicals at store locations
• Noise Level: Usually low to moderate, with occasional loud periods from customers, store announcements, and equipment
• Interaction: Constant interaction with team members in a fast-paced retail environment

Qualifications:

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field
• 5+ years of progressive HR experience, with 2+ years in a business partner role
• Strong working knowledge of employment laws and HR best practices
• Experience conducting investigations, IAPs, and other compliance driven HR action items
• Proven ability to partner with and influence leaders at all levels
• Possess and maintain a valid California driver's license for fleet insurability and travel between store sites.