HR Manager

HR Manager Food Lovers Unite! Busch's is HIRING and we want you! Love food, fun, and fabulous people? Join our family‑owned Michigan team and cook up a career full of flavor! What's in store? Flexible schedules Employee discounts 401K with company match Tuition reimbursement Daily Pay available Position Overview: A seasoned HR professional and trusted partner to store leadership and associates across all locations. The HR Manager oversees the full scope of human resources operations, including associate relations, benefits administration, compliance, workers' compensation, and HR systems. This role requires a strategic thinker with broad HR expertise, sound judgment, and a passion for supporting Busch's associates and fostering a positive work environment. The HR Manager leads and develops a team of HR Admins while driving consistent application of policies, practices, and standards organization‑wide. Accountabilities: Benefits Administration: Oversee the design, implementation, and management of associate benefits programs, including health insurance, 401(k), paid time off, and wellness initiatives. Compliance: Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations related to associate benefits, including ERISA, COBRA, and ACA. Associate Engagement: Act as a primary resource for associates regarding benefits inquiries, providing clear and timely communication about available options and changes. Analysis and Reporting: Monitor and analyze benefits utilization and associate feedback to recommend improvements and optimize offerings. Collaboration: Work closely with finance and operations teams to manage budgets related to associate benefits and ensure cost‑effectiveness. Vendor Management: Manage relationships with benefits vendors and service providers and evaluate service quality. Continuous Improvement: Stay updated on industry trends and best practices to continuously enhance our benefits offerings. FMLA/ADA/LOA Associate investigations Lead a team of HR Admins for all HR related matters. Maintain Busch's policy and procedures and make sure they are up to date with local, state, and federal guidelines. Workers' Compensation Management: Administer the workers' compensation program from initial injury report through case closure, coordinating with carriers, medical providers, and associates. Track and manage open claims, modified duty assignments, and return‑to‑work plans. Serve as the primary liaison between associates, supervisors, and the workers' compensation insurance carrier. Identify injury trends and collaborate with operations on safety initiatives to reduce incidents. Associate Relations: Serve as the primary HR partner to store leadership, providing day‑to‑day guidance on associate relations matters. Lead and document associate investigations, ensuring fair, consistent, and legally compliant processes. Advise managers on performance management, including coaching, corrective action, and documentation. Partner with store leadership on conflict resolution, disciplinary decisions, and interpretation of company policies. Ensure consistent application of Busch's policies, practices, and standards across all locations. Provide hands‑on support to stores on sensitive associate issues, escalating risks appropriately. Identify trends in associate relations and partner with leadership to proactively address concerns and improve the work environment. Unemployment Subject Matter Expert: Serve as Busch's subject matter expert on unemployment matters, representing the organization in hearings before the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA). Prepare documentation, gather witness information, and coordinate legal support as needed for unemployment appeals and hearings. Review and respond to unemployment claims in a timely manner, ensuring accurate and consistent representation of the facts. Track outcomes and advise leadership on strategies to reduce unnecessary unemployment liability. Verifications of Associate & HR Records: Serve as the point of contact and subject matter expert for all verifications of employment (VOE), including income and employment status verifications from mortgage lenders, government agencies, and other authorized parties. Ensure timely, accurate, and confidential responses in compliance with applicable privacy regulations. UKG Systems Document Manager, HRSD & People Assist: Serve as subject matter expert and key administrator for UKG Document Manager, HR Service Delivery (HRSD), and People Assist modules. Design, maintain, and optimize workflows, cases, and document management processes within UKG to drive efficiency and associate self‑service. Train HR associates and key managers on UKG tools and processes. Partner with IT and UKG support to troubleshoot issues, manage system updates, and ensure data integrity across all HR transactions. HR Projects & Strategic Initiatives: Lead and manage HR department projects from scoping through completion, ensuring timelines, resources, and stakeholder needs are met. Collaborate cross‑functionally with finance, operations, and senior leadership on initiatives that impact the associate experience. Participate in the development and rollout of new HR programs, policies, and technologies. Track and report on project progress, outcomes, and key HR metrics. Education, Experience and Skills: Bachelor's degree in Human Resources or related field. Master's degree preferred. 5+ years of experience in human resources, with a focus on benefits administration. Extensive knowledge of employee benefits laws and regulations. Strong knowledge and understanding of Federal and Michigan employment laws. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships across all levels of the organization. Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities. Proficiency in HRIS (UKG preferred), Excel, Word, and Exchange. Able to learn and use a variety of proprietary applications and technology. Proficient conflict resolution skills. Proficient presentation skills, including confidence in getting up in front of people. Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and decision‑making skills. Ready to spice up your job and grow with us? Apply now and let's create the perfect pear together! Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor. #J-18808-Ljbffr