About the Opportunity

 As a strategic partner, the HR Business Partner (HRBP) aligns business objectives with employees and management in designated business unit. The HRBP serves as a consultant to management on Human Resource related issues. Successful HRBP will act as employee champion and change agent. HRBP assesses and anticipates HR-related needs. Communicating needs proactively with our HR department and business management, the HRBP seeks to develop integrated solutions. The HRBP formulates partnerships across the HR function to deliver value added service to management and employees that reflect the business objectives of the organization. The HRBP maintains an effective level of business literacy about the company’s financial position, its mid range plans, its culture and its competition. Will supervise four HR Representatives at various locations. This position will support the Nursery function, including operations in Corralitos, Snelling, Ballico, Red Bluff, Redding and McArthur, CA .

About the Company

Driscoll Strawberry Associates, Inc., founded in 1944, is the largest fresh berry company in the world offering premium quality fresh conventionally grown and organic strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and blackberries. Driscoll’s has 100 years of specialized experience in the premium fresh berry business and is truly committed to its brand promise of providing Only the Finest Berries. ® Driscoll’s Research and Development department creates berries that are naturally bred to deliver a delightful eating experience (superior flavor, color, texture, etc.). These plants are patented and provided to independent farmers in growing regions throughout the world, and the berries are sold under the Driscoll’s brand. Driscoll’s berries are grown on five continents and it holds patents for its unique berry plant varieties in 41 countries.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Conduct weekly meetings with respective business units.
2. Consult with line management providing HR guidance when appropriate.
3. Analyze trends and metrics in partnership with HR group to develop solutions, programs and policies.
4. Manage and resolve complex employee relations issues. Conducts effective, thorough and objective investigations.
5. Maintain in-depth knowledge of legal requirements related to day-to-day management of employees, reducing legal risks and ensuring regulatory compliance. Partner with legal support as needed/required.
6. Provide day to day performance management guidance to line management (coaching, counseling, career development, disciplinary actions).
7. Work closely with management and employees to improve work relationships, build morale, increase productivity and retention.
8. Provide HR Policy guidance and interpretation.
9. Oversee safety management practices and workers compensation programs at selected locations.
10. Provide guidance and input on business unit restructures, workforce planning, succession planning.
11. Identify training needs, particularly in the areas of safety, handbook and compliance
12. Participate in evaluation and monitoring of success of training programs. Follow-up to ensure training objectives are met.
13. In partnership with Talent management, conduct recruitment efforts for all exempt and nonexempt personnel, and temporary Nursery and/or Agriculture employees; implement career-pathing program, writes and places advertisements.
14. Handle employee relations counseling and exit interviewing.
15. Maintain compliance with federal and state regulations concerning employment
16. Follow Company policies and practices while representing Driscoll’s in an ethical and business-like manner in all interactions with employees, governmental agencies, growers, customers, etc.
17. Ensure the security of Driscoll’s confidential and proprietary information and materials
18. Other duties as assigned
19. This job description is intended to describe the general nature of the work performed by employees in this job. It is not an exhaustive list of all the job's responsibilities. At Driscoll’s, all of our jobs include broad responsibilities for continually improving the processes we use to develop our products.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business or related field required.
• Minimum of 5-8+ years of Human Resources experience with an emphasis on employee relations. PHR, SPHR Certification preferred. MA preferred.
• Working knowledge of multiple human resource disciplines including compensation practices, organizational design, employee relations, diversity, performance management, federal and state respective employment laws.
• Relevant industry experience a plus.
• Travel will be required (up to 50% domestic and international)
• California driver’s license and the ability to be covered under company-sponsored vehicle insurance program  
• A valid passport and the ability to travel without restrictions.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) communication skills required.
• Excellent consulting skills.
• Excellent employee management and business literacy skills.
• Strong conflict management skills.
• Strong interpersonal and negotiation skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to develop strong trusting relationships in order to gain support and achieve results, with a wide variety of employees from field environment to corporate setting.
• Effectively envision, develop, and implement new strategies to address competitive, complex business issues
• Manage multiple business groups in multiple locations.
• Manage multiple priorities.
• Ability to understand issues and communicate effectively with internal customers.
• Flexiblility  and ability to interact with employees at all levels.
• Self directed and motivated.
• Proactively  identify and anticipate employee needs and make recommendations for implementation.
• Demonstrated proficiency with computer programs (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook).
• Demonstrated competence managing and leading others.
• Ability to work with key stakeholders such as contract nurseries and growers and manage multiple projects across the enterprise.