Human Resources Manager, Farming Operations

About the Opportunity

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Human Resources Manager to join our newly established berry farming company. This pivotal role, reporting directly to the General Manager, will be instrumental in building and leading the HR function from the ground up. As the first HR leader on-site, you will have the unique opportunity to shape our organizational structure, establish HR strategies, and influence the culture of our growing operation.
***This position will initially be hired as a Driscoll’s temporary employee, with an expectation for this position to transition into a full-time role within the new legal entity once operations are fully established.***
Responsibilities range from day-to-day general human resources administration of activities which support the execution of HR strategies aligned to operational strategic action plans. This role is responsible for the development and execution of strategic HR initiatives. This position provides a high level of customer service and support while collaborating with farm managers, supervisors and employees in navigating processes and HR / company policies in alignment with company Mission, Vision and Values.

 Responsibilities

Manage HR Staff
•    Set and monitor goals / objectives / assignments
•    Provide coaching and monitor employment plans
•    Provide recommendations related to succession planning, performance appraisal, and salary planning process
•    Responsible for management and development of HR team

HR Management and Administration
•    Responsible for accurate employee data management/records in HR Systems; maintenance of personnel record requirements
•    Compensation - Ensure competitiveness of field incentives, administer compensation programs
•    Administer workforce surveys and related activities
•    Oversee annual review / revision of field employee handbooks
•    Manage / ensure HR Reporting
•    Field Employee Handbook Content - field policies
•    Define and update field-based position job descriptions
•    Manage benefits programs
•    Mass onboarding, layoffs, exit interviews, etc.
•    Support health and wellness programs at a local level by incorporating them into existing initiatives

Performance Management
•    Assist Production Managers and Operations Managers as Field Leadership overseeing Crew Leaders, Punchers and Foreman related to performance assessment and development plans
•    Provide support/guidance on performance management and individual development efforts for the production team
•    Ensure compliance with ADA/FEHA interactive process through collaborative effort with Worker's Compensation Team
•    Oversee programs for field employees
•    Update all legal posting bulletin boards in the fields for the district, as needed

Training
•    Oversee / Coordinate training programs - HR compliance - Sexual Harassment / Discrimination Prevention, new hire, leadership development, and competencies
•    Collaborative oversight of Learning and Development programs

Recruitment / Staffing
•    Collaborative development of labor recruitment and retention plans
•    Manage the entire recruitment process for field positions, including job postings, interviewing, hiring, and onboarding new employees
•    Identify staff vacancies and recruit, interview, and select applicants
•    Execute local recruitment strategies - field labor needs; attract and retain labor
•    Employee Relations
•    Manage / ensure employee relations investigations, disciplinary meetings and terminations according to Employment Law regulations and company values

People Business Partner
•    Provide HR support in meeting labor and talent needs in support of domestic employee population
•    Lead HR initiatives; ensure alignment to corporate and department goals
•    Support Production Management in developing compensation strategies for the harvester and Overhead roles
•    Provide management coaching regarding employee relations, talent development, succession planning, and labor forecasting
•    Provide management feedback / results from annual employee survey assist in development in action plan
•    Implement strategic HR initiatives, responsible for compliance with labor law/regulatory matters and adherence to company policies working under general guidance

    Candidate Profile

•    Bachelor’s Degree or combined experience and education; Master’s degree preferred 
•    8-10 years of progressive HR experience, including prior experience establishing HR practices or building HR teams strongly preferred
•    HRCI/PHR, PHR-CA, SHRM: SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP – preferred
•    Bilingual in English and Spanish (verbal, speaking and writing) required
•    Knowledge of CA labor laws, regulations and HR best practices
•    Strong interpersonal and communication skills
•    Leadership and strategic thinking abilities
•    Excellent verbal and written communications skills
•    Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills
•    Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
•    Problem-solving skills
•    Ability to prioritize tasks and to delegate them when appropriate
•    Ability to act with integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality
•    Knowledge of employment-related laws and regulations
•    Proficient with HRIS and talent management
•    Proficiency in use of Microsoft Office Suite
•    Ability to travel between Oxnard and Santa Maria a minimum of one day a week

Compensation & Benefits:

The following information is provided in good faith as a general description of the salary range and benefits for the position posted.  The actual compensation offered to the successful candidate is dependent upon experience, skills, education, work location, internal pay equity, and other objective job-related factors.

Salary Range estimated for the Human Resources Manager: $130,000 to $160,000 USD.

Driscoll’s is committed to a culture of care and offers an attractive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid sick time, and a free Employee Assistance Program (EAP).  More detailed information regarding the benefits package, will be shared during the application process.
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