Human Resources Business Partner

About Us: Empire Marketing Strategies has been a leader in delivering exceptional in-store execution for over 40 years, enhancing the customer experience in grocery retail. Operating in all 18 Kroger divisions across the U.S., we partner with some of the world's top brands to optimize their presence in over 2,500 store locations. Our team thrives on tackling diverse challenges in the fast-paced retail industry. We value dedication, talent, and a passion for excellence.

Why Join Us?

• Flexible, M-F Work Schedule, 9 Holidays off
• Earn a competitive salary plus 80% employer-covered benefits
• Full-Time Associates: Eligible for medical, dental, vision, life and AD&D insurance, disability coverage, a retirement program, mental health support, paid time off, and 9 paid holidays annually.
• Part-Time Associates: Eligible for our retirement program and access to mental health support resources
• A dynamic work environment where you’ll make a real impact.

Job Summary:

The Human Resources Business Partner (HRBP) serves as a strategic driver translating business priorities into practical people strategies that strengthen leadership effectiveness, employee engagement, organizational performance, retention, and compliance. This role combines leadership-level counsel with hands-on execution across employee relations, performance management, talent development, total rewards, workforce planning, data analytics, compliance, and change management.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Essential Functions:

• Talent Management
• Total Rewards
• Workforce Planning
• Compliance & HR Policies
• Data Analytics

Core Functions:

• Talent Management
• Manages and resolves complex associate relations issues. Conducts effective, thorough, and objective investigations.
• Provides day-to-day performance management guidance to leaders and managers (e.g., coaching, counseling, career development, disciplinary actions).
• Identifies training needs for business units and individual coaching needs.
• Participates in evaluation and monitoring of training programs to ensure success. Follows up to ensure training objectives are met.
• Handles employment-related inquiries from applicants, associates, and supervisors, partnering with HR Director and leadership regarding complex and/or sensitive matters.
• Attends and participates in associate disciplinary meetings, terminations, and investigations.

• Total Rewards
• Administers and execute total rewards programs including but not limited to compensation, benefits, wellness, recognition & engagement.
• Partners with HR Director on benefits and wellness strategy.
• Manages relationships with brokers and vendors in these areas.
• Administers total compensation reporting for business leaders and managers.
• Generates compensation planning reporting including end of year budgeting guidance and ad hoc market reporting. 

• Compliance & HR Policies
• Consults with leaders, managers, and associates providing HR guidance when appropriate.
• Maintains in-depth knowledge of legal requirements related to day-to-day management of associates, reducing legal risks, and ensuring regulatory compliance. Partners with the legal department as needed/required.
• Provides HR policy guidance and interpretation.
• Manages FMLA and LOA compliance for the business across all entities.
• Provides input on business unit restructurings, workforce planning and succession planning.
• Maintains compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations, and recommended best practices; reviews policies and practices to maintain compliance.
• Reviews, tracks, and documents compliance with mandatory and non-mandatory training, continuing education, and work assessments. This may include safety training, anti-harassment training, professional licensure, and aptitude exams and certifications.

• Data Analytics
• Analyzes trends and metrics in partnership with the HR group to help develop solutions, programs and policies.
• Acts as HRIS expert and project lead for module implementations and upgrades in alignment with business requirements.
• Provides reporting to leaders and management as needed.
• Maintains knowledge of trends, best practices, regulatory changes, and new technologies in human resources, talent management, and employment law.

• Other Duties
• Respond in a timely manner to internal and external correspondence via email and phone.
• Assist with responding to associate questions regarding benefits.
• Primary owner of payroll email inboxes.
• Ad hoc reporting as required.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelors degree or equivalent experience.
• 5 years of experience with HR processes in a high volume, fast-paced multi-state environment, preferably as an HR Business Partner or similar role.
• Strong knowledge of employment laws and regulations.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Excel, Outlook, Word, and PowerPoint.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Ability to comprehend, interpret, and apply the appropriate sections of applicable laws, guidelines, regulations, ordinances, and policies.
• Ability to acquire a thorough understanding of the organization's hierarchy, jobs, qualifications, compensation practices, and the administrative practices related to those factors.
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Highly advanced Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel.
• Ability to be able to operate autonomously, with strong personal drive for results.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to write clear and concise correspondence.
• Ability to accurately exchange information.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift 15 pounds on a regular basis.

Tools and Equipment:

• Regular operation of a personal motor vehicle, to and from work sites.
• MS Excel

Work Environment:

• Duties are typically performed in an indoor, office environment.
• Noise levels – typically low to moderate.