This individual will be responsible for consulting with and advising organizational leaders and Team Members on TM relations and other related issues within an assigned client group or groups. Assesses and anticipates Team Member, Team Leader, and related organizational needs and works across departments to develop and deliver integrated solutions. Works with leadership to adapt and apply HR initiatives and programs in a manner that supports local business needs. Serves as the client face of HR, acting as an interface and liaison with other HR groups (including Recruiting, Team Member / Team Leader Development, Compensation, Benefits, HRIS) as well as the Legal organization. Ensures compliance with corporate policies, government regulations and statutory requirements.

*Must be located in Chicago or Denver and willing to report in into a WFM Regional Office 50% of the time.*

Responsibilities:

• Builds strong business acumen.
• Ability to understand P&L and retail / functional knowledge.
• Engages with functional leaders.
• Provides HR system and process support and advice across broad segments of the company.
• Participates in the development of Business Partner / Generalist strategy, ensuring that delivered services support the company’s vision, anticipated growth, values, and operational objectives.
• Consults with business leaders on talent, leadership, people strategy, organization development, rewards, and culture.
• Engages with client leadership from a strategic and operational perspective, proactively assessing business risk and developing recommendations for mitigation and ensuring adequate planning to address anticipated future changes.
• Ensures dynamic assessment of organization capability, including strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities, on a forward-looking basis.
• Proactively works with client and HR organizations to clarify current and anticipated workforce capability gaps and how those gaps may be closed.
• Recommends new approaches, policies, and procedures to effect continual improvement in development and delivery of HR services.
• Makes sound policy interpretations and practice decisions; provides client advice to ensure adherence to company policies / practices.
• Provides assigned client teams / leaders with training, coaching, and advice to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
• Reinforces difficult decisions that align organizational strategies and values.
• Applies data, evidence-based research benchmarks, and HR business metrics to match business decisions.

Skills:

• Leverages in-depth understanding of Human Resources concepts, practices, programs, and methodologies.
• In-depth understanding of company Human Resources policies, practices, and expectations.
• In-depth knowledge of labor issues including FMLA, ADA, HIPAA, and Leaves of Absence.
• In-depth knowledge of federal, state, and local Human Resources regulations and how these affect and are applied within WFM.
• In-depth knowledge of HRMS systems and programs.
• In-depth skills in change management.
• Solid computer skills, including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Kronos, Workday, and other HRIS.
• Creates a reputation of communicating effectively with internal stakeholders, external vendors, and partners.
• Recognizes potential people and organizational issues in a proactive manner, either resolving the issue or referring to higher levels.
• Mediates difficult interactions, escalating problems as appropriate.
• Is recognized as a neutral and approachable TMS professional.
• Derives evidence-based insights to recommend changes and influence leadership decision-making.
• Masters research methods and their application in the development and application of benefits, health, and wellness processes.
• Differentiates best practices that will work within the organization.
• Executes case and pilot studies to evaluate and address specific problems and questions. 
• Possesses clear understanding of WFM’s business objectives, competitive strengths, and opportunities.
• Understands industry trends and emerging challenges from the perspective of people and organization management.
• Demonstrates excellent knowledge of the WFM product mix, supply base, and retail operations.
• Understanding of business KPIs and how people strategies impact and support the achievement of objectives.
• Able to play a key and influential role working with others, in groups, in cross-functional settings, and with diverse stakeholders internally and externally.
• Models commitment to customer service.
• Engages as subject matter expert on various TMS and related topics.

Education & Experience:

• BA/BS degree and 4-6years’ relevant experience OR equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.

At Whole Foods Market, we provide a fair and equal employment opportunity for all Team Members and candidates regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, age, marital status, disability, or any other legally protected characteristic. Whole Foods Market hires and promotes individuals solely based on qualifications for the position to be filled and business needs.