Associate HR Business Partner

ASSOCIATE HR BUSINESS PARTNER We believe in our Employees First and we get great results because of great people. We continually strive to create a workplace culture that challenges and encourages our employees to step outside their comfort zones and promotes creativity and participation. We pursue the greatest possible impact in every interaction, every minute of every day. Our foundation is made up of our Pillars: Dream Big Have Courage Take Initiative Be Accountable Enjoy It Give Back In terms of cultural fit, the successful candidate will win the hearts and minds of our clients, be self-motivated and be energized by working amongst a group of thoughtful, smart, fast-paced and successful colleagues. He or she will enjoy being a part of an organization focused on excellent service to our clients and will be a naturally collaborative individual who enjoys interacting with individuals at all levels. Additionally, he or she will be a strong team player with a proactive approach and the ability to take initiative with discretion and judgment. Position Summary: Associate HR Business Partners are high-performing HR professionals who form trusted partnerships with a variety of smaller, less complex clients in order to provide them with excellent service both in person and virtually. This role is a trusted partner to clients and provides guidance and expertise for the full scope of Human Resource functions and disciplines with the assistance of the HR Consulting Lead. This may include legal compliance, strategic planning, talent acquisition and performance management, training and development, leadership coaching, employee and labor relations, recognition and rewards, compensation and benefits, and risk management. This position also supports HR Business Partners with project work when needed. This role is designed to progress into a full HR Business Partner role. Essential Responsibilities and Duties: • Provide excellent HR service to assigned small to mid-size clients ensuring that they are consistently delighted with our service • Learn each client’s business and understand the business operations and desired business outcomes • Identify workplace issues and problem solve to find solutions • Proactively provide strategic and foundational HR support to clients • Assist in consulting with client contacts with regard to benefit offerings to meet company objectives and facilitate / execute entire open enrollment process including preparation of materials, conducting company meetings, one on one consulting, and successful communication of elections internally • Provide guidance on state and federal employment law and compliance • Create and educate employees on new handbooks and policies • Follow up with HR team, clients, and employees on any open items in order to solve issues and provide excellent service • Understand client practices and business objectives and execute on such deliverables in a timely and organized manner. Be familiar with the clients various policies and practices in order to provide guidance and answer employee questions accurately • Assist in new client implementation process including benefits enrollment, welcome presentations and meetings, file audits, handbook and process creation, and preparation of all materials • Assist in developing performance management processes • Successfully handle employee relations issues and investigations • Build and maintain strong relationships with clients • Provide subject matter expertise and partner with the client in all areas of human resources • Partner with members of the HR team in managing projects, improving human resources processes and programs internally throughout the organization • Local Travel required Education, Knowledge and Skills: • Bachelor’s degree in human resource management or related field. Equivalent work experience may be substituted for education • Minimum of 3-5 years of solid human resources experience; HR management experience preferred • Competent in areas of human resources such as benefits administration, HR policies and compliance, performance management, payroll, HR laws and regulations and employee relations • Proficiency in MS Office Suite and experience with HRIS platforms Key Competencies: • Act consistently with the company’s values and mission (6 Pillars) • Demonstrate a high level of attention to detail and timely follow through • Comfort around higher management; can easily communicate with senior leadership and can present themselves as a confident and competent HR resource • Demonstrate HR knowledge and is open to feedback and development • Understand the EmPower HR business model and is able to learn how that connects to the clients’ businesses • Provide timely, accurate, clear, professional, and thorough written and verbal communication to clients • Display a positive attitude and passion for serving our clients • Display excellent verbal and written communication skills and is able to adjust communication style when necessary • Comfortable with ambiguity; can effectively cope with change, shift gears easily, and adapt according to business or client needs • Approachable and able to successfully build relationships and develop rapport and trust with a variety of people • Strong time management and prioritization skills • Good interpersonal savvy – able to relate openly and comfortably with diverse groups of people • Make sound decisions even in the absence of complete information • Has the courage to tackle difficult problems and acts with resilience when faced with challenges • Manage complex situations with ease and HR expertise • Show a willingness to learn and expand HR knowledge