DISTRICT HR SPECIALIST at The Kroger Co. in Lexington, VA

- Conduct interviews, make hiring decisions, manage the offer process and initiate pre-screening tests and background checks
- Drive sourcing, recruiting, selection and onboarding for store positions; verify that new associates are properly onboarded and trained to perform their work
- Assist the division HR department in conducting associate investigations
- Lead and support store leadership in implementing HR processes, procedures and programs to promote engagement, culture and retention
- Provide counsel and coaching to management on associate issues (i.e., leaves of absence, workers compensation, PTO, policies, retention, performance, succession)
- Coordinate and deliver (as appropriate) associate training programs, including new hire orientation, manager on duty and department leader development
- Act as subject matter expert for associate data and human resource information systems, policies and processes
- Respond to and resolve associate inquires with a sense of urgency and high level of service
- Conduct exit interviews and feedback discussions to identify and track trends that may impact retention
- Support talent acquisition in the creation and ongoing maintenance of hiring requisitions and new hire onboarding process (background checks, drug screen, I-9, new hire paperwork)
- Assess data submissions for completeness and resolve data discrepancies
- Support record requests by retrieving appropriate documentation and providing it to business partners when needed
- Collect data regarding current processes; develop improved methods with input from stakeholders
- Comply with federal, state, and local labor laws, including minor labor laws and support compliance with food and alcoholic beverage laws/regulations
- Process data entries related to wages/salaries, terminations, status and position changes, newly hired and rehired associates, transfers, time accrual maintenance, updates to associate personal information and other HR activities in an accurate and timely manner
- Travel to store locations to drive HR initiatives and provide consultation and support for management and onsite staff
- Must be able to perform the essential job functions of this position with or without reasonable accommodation

Minimum
- 2+ years of experience in human resources or retail department management
- Knowledge of HR business processes and employment laws
- Ability to maintain a high degree of confidentiality
- Ability to build and maintain cooperative business partnerships
- Effectively able to prioritize and handle multiple projects and responsibilities
- Excellent presentation, oral and written communication skills
- Proven knowledge and experience working with external recruiting sites, resume databases and external recruiting activities

Desired
- Bachelor's Degree human resources
- Any experience in recruiting/hiring, training and development, coaching, employee relations, and/or HR strategy
- PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP certification