POSITION SUMMARY

Upholds the Core Values as determined by the management team. Responsible for the efficient, compliant, and customer-focused day-to-day functioning of the HR Department. Champions the development, implementation, and monitoring of HR programs, policies, recruiting/staffing, compensation and benefits, and employee development for the entire company in alignment with the overall Company goals and objectives. Will have a primary focus on benefits administration to include: group and supplemental benefits, retirement program, worker’s compensation, leave compliance. This position will process weekly payroll, benefits administration, leave management, and all other department functions. This position will prepare, facilitate, monitor, evaluate and document training activities in the store.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Oversee HR department implementation of new processes, improvements, and systems that provide ongoing benefits to our customers, lower department costs, and enhance department efficiency.

Facilitate auditing and process reviews to ensure department compliance with local, state, and Federal laws and compliance with internal processes and procedures.

Develop and implement methods for collecting information from employees and managers to identify potential employee relations issues and organizational needs. (Surveys, audits, exit interviews, coaching by walking around, etc.)

Participate in budgeting and strategic planning processes including but not limited to short-term and long-term goals and objectives, design and implementation of organizational structure changes, and major employee program implementations. Evaluate reports, decisions, and results of department in relation to established goals. 

Support the development of Performance Management tools and processes (Job Descriptions, Performance Coaching, Performance Evaluations, etc.)  Monitor the programs and revise as necessary.

Develop, recommend, and implement personnel policies and procedures and participate in the design processes for Insurance and other employee Benefits.

Provide guidance and advice to management on developing, implementing and revising employee relations programs and policies and resolving HR issues. 

Investigate employee issues or compliance with regulations by conducting interviews, reviewing data, discussing issues with involved parties, and recommending / participating in disciplinary actions.  

Benefits Administration:

●      Administer various employee benefits programs including group health, dental and vision, accident and disability, life insurance, 401(k) retirement, supplemental insurance, and wellness plans, program and benefits.

●      Conduct benefits orientations to explain benefits features, answer associate and dependent questions; complete benefit enrollment process with all providers including confirmation of eligibility and qualifying event changes, obtaining necessary documentation and ensuring the timely and accurate benefits effective date and payroll deductions taken.

●      Oversee maintenance of employee benefits files, maintain group benefits database and update employee payroll records.

●      Process benefit enrollments and terminations, COBRA, changes, beneficiary updates, disability, accident and death claims, retirement plan rollovers and mandated distributions (e.g., QDROs), Serve as liaison between benefits broker and carrier representative and associates and their dependents on issues regarding claims, enrollment, etc. 

●      Calculate monthly invoices for all group insurances to ensure the reconciliation among benefit election, benefit deduction and invoiced amount; allocate costs among each store location and/or entity; conduct quarterly reconciliation review. 

●      Administer all associate benefit termination activities including COBRA, unemployment claims, verification of past employment, final payroll and closing personnel file.

●      Assist in the coordination of workers' compensation claims through claims reporting and management including providing payroll information to carrier for claims processing.

●      Assist in the implementation of new benefits and the renewal process by obtaining and maintaining usage information for health, life and retirement plans and any other supplemental benefits.

●      Prepare and set up informational meetings and events designed to assist employees and their dependents to understand company benefits and other related incentive programs. 

●      Prepare notifications and reports for new hires and terminations as well as other requested reports as needed.

●      Assist with new-hire orientations

●      Processes, administers and tracks all leaves-of-absence requests (e.g., FMLA, personal, etc.), and disability leaves.

●      Provide customer service support to internal and external customers. Develop communication tools to enhance understanding of the company's benefits package. Design and distribute materials for benefits orientations, open enrollment and summary plan descriptions. Provide training and support to group benefits associates, home office associates and the field staff.

●      Prepare, collect and organize data for actuarial assessments.

●      Assists with compliance requirements including audit

Payroll:

●      Will prepare & process payroll

●      store managers to coordinate corrections, punch edits, etc.; compile and record employee time and payroll data. 

●      May compute and post wages and deductions in the preparation of final weekly pay.

●      Compile payroll data such as garnishments, PTO, insurance and 401(k) deductions, employee hardship loans, etc. 

●      Process weekly transfer of payroll data to payroll processing company and upload files to providers as required.

●      Compile internal management reports from payroll system software.

●      Research, address and resolve any discrepancies, errors and omissions, etc. and serve as liaison between company, store, etc while acting on associate’s behalf. 

Company Tracking and Reporting: 

●      Enter new hire and status change and termination information in company systems. 

●      Set up and maintain employee records in HRIS.

●      Reporting functions required keeping stores informed of important data.

●      Administer quarterly random drug test notifications.

●      Audit I-9 compliance and OSHA 300 log at least once every six months.

●      Perform employment verifications.

●      Track and process attendance reports, employee performance documents and other employee data in our HRIS.

Associate Training

●      Maintain and uphold consistent and sustainable company training standards

●      Stay current on training opportunities through Ace and other outside sources (e.g. vendors)

●      Maintain associate training records and report outcomes to management

●      Partner with store management regarding associate needs and training schedule

●      Identify and organize training needs and competency gaps for new and existing associates

●      Assist in the development of training aids such as manuals and handbooks

●      Instruct associates how to use Ace Learning Place as well as other training opportunities

●      Handle logistics and coordinate training activities and facilities including venues and equipment

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

●      Bachelor’s degree in HR or related field, but experience and/or other training/certification may be substituted for the education.

●      A minimum of three (3) years directly related experience in benefits administration or human resources.

●      Payroll administration (processing and related software) experience preferred. 

●      Knowledge of benefits administration and claims management

●      Knowledge of federal and state wage and hour, payroll and leave laws and regulations

●      Ability to accurately verify and process payroll data

●      Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems

●      Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as Google, managing files and records, designing surveys, documenting best practices, and other office procedures and terminology

●      Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships within all levels of the organization

●      Above average time management and organizational skills

Company Introduction

We are your local hardware store and we are a part of your community. Ace Hardware has over 5,000 stores around the world with the majority of those stores independently owned and operated by local entrepreneurs. These hard working men and women are part of the fabric of your community. They are small business owners who are local and loyal...just like it ought to be. While others have become large and impersonal, at Ace, we've remained small and very personal. That's why we say a visit to Ace, is like a visit to your neighbor.