Human Resource Generalist

Description Vintners Distributors, Inc Human Resources Generalist Job Location : Corporate Office | Union City, CA FLSA (Fair Labor Standards Act): Exempt Reporting Structure : Sr HR Manager Salary Range: $73,000-$84,000 Annual Join Our Growing Team! Vintners Distributors is the corporate arm that oversees West Coast Convenience, Eaton Foods, Eatswell, and Prohas Enterprises. Its portfolio includes Loop Neighborhood Market, Poppy Market, select Chevron locations, Krispy Krunchy Chicken, and other quick-service restaurant brands. Headquartered in Union City, CA, the company operates a growing network of convenience stores, fuel stations, and car washes across California. Founded in 1978, it also develops real estate and owns and operates its locations. Vintners Distributors continues to expand and seeks customer-focused individuals who want to make an impact. We are committed to delivering high-quality, better-for-you products and an exceptional store experience, guided by our core values: People, Teamwork, Communication, Training, Results Matter, Fun, Customer-Centered, and Safety. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment and are driven by service, innovation, and teamwork, we invite you to join us in redefining convenience for our customers every day. Position Summary: We are seeking a detail-oriented, motivated HR Generalist to join our corporate HR team. The role starts with HR operations work: onboarding, employee separations, and ad hoc requests. It then moves into a region-specific HR Generalist role with full HR support for an assigned group of locations. The ideal candidate is organized, professional, handles sensitive information with discretion, and wants to grow into a broader HR role. There will be 2 phases to this position as you progress through your development in this role: Phase 1 – HR Operations: Learn our entities, systems, policies, and processes by owning core lifecycle transactions and supporting the HR team. Moving to Phase 2 is based on readiness. Phase 2 – Regional HR Generalist: Take on full HR Generalist duties for an assigned region. You'll be the main HR contact for the region's managers and employees. Key Responsibilities – Phase 1: HR Operations Onboarding: Coordinate new hire paperwork, background checks, I-9/E-Verify, HRIS setup, and new hire orientation. Make sure each new hire is set up accurately and on time. Separations: Process voluntary and involuntary separations, including final pay coordination under California timing rules, required separation notices, benefits termination, and exit interviews. HRIS Data & Records: Enter and audit employee changes in Paylocity (pay rates, transfers, status changes). Keep personnel files accurate and complete. Ad Hoc Requests: Answer employment verifications, records requests, and general employee and manager questions. Support HR projects as assigned. Team Support: Assist with recruiting coordination, open enrollment, compliance postings, and HR training sessions. Key Responsibilities – Phase 2: Regional HR Generalist: Regional HR Partner: Act as the go-to HR contact for store managers, district leaders, and employees in your assigned region. Build relationships through regular store visits. Employee Relations: Advise managers on performance issues, coaching, and corrective action. Conduct workplace investigations and recommend resolutions in line with policy and the law. Leaves of Absence & Workers' Compensation: Administer FMLA, CFRA, PDL, and workers' comp claims for the region. Handle interactive process and accommodation requests, keep documentation current, and coordinate return-to-work. Performance Management: Support the review cycle, PIPs, and documentation of employee performance. Recruiting & Staffing: Partner with regional leaders on staffing needs, job postings, screening, and interview coordination. Compliance & Training: Make sure the region follows California and federal labor laws, wage and hour rules, and company policy. Deliver or coordinate HR training, including harassment prevention. Lifecycle Oversight: Keep ownership of onboarding and separations for the region. Watch for trends in turnover, attendance, and ER issues, and report them. Reporting & Data: Pull and analyze HRIS reports for the region. Flag risks and recommend improvements. Requirements Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in HR, Business Administration, or related field, or equivalent work experience 5+ years of HR experience; multi-site or retail experience preferred Working knowledge of California employment law (wage and hour, leaves, final pay) Experience with HRIS systems; Paylocity experience a plus Proficient in Microsoft Office, especially Excel Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills Ability to maintain confidentiality and use sound judgment Ability to work independently and as part of a team Valid driver's license and reliable transportation (required for regional travel) Preferred: PHR, SHRM-CP, or similar certification Experience with employee relations investigations and leave administration Work Environment: Office-based at Corporate in Union City, CA during Phase 1. Regular travel to locations in the assigned region during Phase 2. Benefits: Vacation and Paid Holidays Health Benefits (Medical, Dental, and Vision) 401(k) Plan with Company Match Opportunities for growth in a fast-moving and expanding retail environment Employee Incentives: Employees that are with us for 6 months to 3 years = $0.10 off a gallon of fuel Employees that are with us for 3 years to 5 years = $0.30 off a gallon of fuel Employees that have been with us for 5+ years = $0.40 off a gallon of fuel MAXIMUM 20 GALLONS AND 2 FILL UPS PER WEEK Disclaimer: The list of requirements, duties, and responsibilities listed above is by no means a complete list. It is merely a general summary of the position described. Management reserves the right to revise or change this position description at any time. **The company reserves the right to run background checks as a condition of employment** #J-18808-Ljbffr