HR Business Partner

Job Description

Job Description

Join the Pack at Pet Food Experts!

With a rich history spanning over 80 years, Pet Food Experts has evolved from a small family-run business into the nation's leading pet specialty distributor, proudly serving over 10,000 pet retail locations nationwide.

At Pet Food Experts (PFX), we do more than distribute the best pet products—we fuel independent pet retailers with passion, expertise, and an unwavering commitment to community. And now, with unprecedented growth and an expanded national footprint, we’re stronger than ever, ready to serve more retailers, support more brands, and make an even bigger impact in the pet industry.

Schedule: Monday-Friday, Onsite

What You'll Do:

The HR Business Partner will provide full-cycle HR support to our Tacoma, WA distribution center, while also supporting our cross-dock locations in Meridian, ID, and Clackamas, OR. This individual will serve as a trusted advisor to leaders and employees across the region, helping drive engagement, performance, and operational excellence in alignment with PFX values.

• Lead HR practices that promote a high-performance, employee-oriented culture emphasizing accountability, engagement, and professional growth.
• Partner with site and regional leadership to implement HR strategies that align with operational and organizational objectives.
• Serve as the primary HR business partner for assigned distribution centers, advising management on employee relations, staffing, and leadership development.
• Conduct and oversee employee relations investigations, ensuring fair and timely resolution of workplace concerns.
• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local employment laws (ADA, ACA, FMLA, FLSA, Title VII, OSHA, etc.).
• Manage the ADA interactive process, coordinate with the third-party LOA provider, and oversee Workers’ Compensation cases.
• Partner with site leadership on performance management, including coaching, corrective action, and performance review processes.
• Lead or support talent reviews, succession planning, and development initiatives across assigned sites.
• Participate in employee engagement programs, recognition efforts, and follow-up actions from engagement surveys and exit interviews.
• Collaborate with Talent Acquisition to drive recruiting efforts for key roles and ensure seamless onboarding for new employees.
• Maintain responsibility for HR operations, including payroll change forms, I-9 management, and personnel file integrity.
• Partner with Regional HR leadership to standardize HR practices, processes, and communication across distribution centers.
• Analyze HR metrics, KPIs, and trends to recommend proactive solutions supporting business goals.
• Serve as a change agent to foster consistency, compliance, and alignment with PFX values and expectations.
• Travel up to 20-25% to other PFX distribution centers to provide leadership presence, guidance, and training support.

What We're Looking For:

• Proven experience as an HR lead within a distribution or manufacturing environment.
• Comprehensive knowledge of HR best practices, employment law, and policy interpretation.
• Strong interpersonal, coaching, and facilitation skills with the ability to build trust across all levels of the organization.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; able to deliver clear, consistent, and professional messaging.
• Ability to balance strategic priorities with tactical HR execution in a fast-paced, high-volume setting.
• Strong business acumen and analytical skills; able to interpret data and guide decisions based on trends and metrics.
• Proven ability to exercise sound judgment, confidentiality, and discretion.
• Customer-focused, approachable, and solution-oriented style.
• Spanish-speaking ability preferred, but not required.
• Dependability - This is an on-site position at the Tacoma, WA Distribution Center and requires dependable, dedicated and purposeful engagement.
• Bachelor’s degree required (Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field preferred).
• SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP certification preferred.
• Training and exposure in HR competencies including: employment law, compensation, benefits, talent management, employee relations, performance management, and organizational development.
• Minimum of 7-10 years of progressive Human Resources experience, with at least 3 years in a distribution, logistics, or manufacturing environment.
• Prior multi-site HR experience preferred.
• Proven track record in employee relations, performance management, recruiting, and leadership coaching.

Why You'll Love Working Here:

Pet People, First and Always: We’re a company built on relationships—both with our team and the independent pet community we serve.

• An Industry on the Move: With our recent expansion, we’re more connected than ever, creating career growth opportunities at every level.
• Culture of Care: From employee wellness to professional development, we invest in YOU.
• Fun & Furry Perks: Think company events, supportive colleagues, and a community that actually cares.

Travel may be required

Bilingual is a plus

Salary Range: $100,000 - 110,000

Benefits and Perks of Being Part of the PFX Pack!

• Competitive Pay – Because your hard work should be rewarded!
• Comprehensive Health Benefits – Medical, dental, and vision to keep you feeling your best.
• Retirement Savings with Employer Match – Helping you invest in your future.
• Flexible Time Off – Unlimited days to recharge, adventure, or just enjoy some quality time with your pet!
• Paid Parental Leave – Support for growing families (two-legged and four-legged!).
• Company-Paid Life & Disability Insurance – We’ve got your back, no matter what.
• Health & Dependent Care FSAs – Because budgeting for wellness should be easy.
• Pet Perks & Discounts – Exclusive savings on the best pet products!
• Extra Voluntary Benefits – Convenient options for additional coverage, deducted straight from payroll.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – Mental health, financial wellness, and more—because life happens.
• Eligible for a target annual incentive of 7.5% through the Management Incentive Plan (MIP). Payout is based on company performance and achievement of established financial and business objectives.

Pet Food Experts is an equal opportunity employer. Pet Food Experts does not discriminate in employment on account of race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship status, ancestry, age, sex (including sexual harassment), sexual orientation, marital status, physical or mental disability, military status or unfavorable discharge from military service.

All offers of employment are contingent upon passing a required criminal background check