Job Description:
We are seeking a ‘people person’ who is driven by the big picture but likes to manage details. The VP of Human Resources, Safety, and Training is a senior position reporting to the General Manager / Co-Founder. This is a critical role responsible for overseeing the health, safety, efficiency, and productivity of our primary product: our workforce. The position is located at AgSocio’s headquarters in Salinas, CA and will require regular presence in the company’s other areas of operation. The ideal candidate can serve as a creative leader in all areas listed below; however, the position may be adapted if strong candidates with more narrow experience are found.
Compensation/Salary:
DOE
Responsibilities & Duties:
- Work with the General Manager to establish company culture, programs, and policies consistent with our purpose to create value for farmers, farm workers, agricultural communities, and the broader food industry by building a more just, safe, professional, and competitive agricultural labor employment system.
- Develop, implement, and manage all phases of human resource programs at all locations including: recruiting, employment, benefits, compensation, payroll, organizational development, compliance, training, staffing, performance management, employee relations and safety.
- Ensure company policies, operations, and reporting are implemented consistently and comply with requirements of customers, government regulations, and voluntary certification programs. Implement policies designed to protect company and employee interests.
- Create and manage company policies that institutionalize employee safety as a top priority.
- Coordinate the research of employee compensation and benefit options and implement competitive programs.
- Develop and implement best-in-class training programs for all employees.
- Hire, manage, lead high-functioning Human Resources, Safety, and Training teams and consultants.
- Manage productive relationships with relevant trade associations, regulatory agencies, NGOs, etc.
- Consult with legal counsel as appropriate and as directed by General Manager.
- Manage or perform other related tasks or projects as directed by General Manager.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in HR management, business, or organizational development or related field. 7+ years’ experience in HR specialty areas or SHRM-CP certification with relevant experience may qualify as substitute for degree.
- 5+ years’ experience in agricultural HR. California experience preferred.
- Professional certification, education, or experience related to agricultural safety including CAL OSHA.
- Experience interpreting employment law, labor law, and federal and state regulations, legal codes, and executive orders. Experience with farm labor contractor regulations preferred.
- Knowledge of principles and techniques for staffing, training, compensation, and benefits, employee relations, and HRIS systems.
- English / Spanish bilingual. Proficient in writing in both languages and translating.
- Advanced computer skills including proficient use of standard office software such as Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel. Experience with Famous Software preferred.
- Desire / ability to work in a start-up environment, building new systems and processes and working proactively without detailed oversight.
- Passion to work in support of the people who grow our food, especially farmers and farm workers.
- Ability to personally achieve and maintain required federal and state licenses for employees of farm labor contractors.
- Ability to travel up to 20% of time including international travel to Mexico and other countries.
