About Us

Foremost Farms USA, headquartered in Madison, Wisconsin, is a world-class supplier of cheese, dairy products, and ingredients to national and international markets. As a dairy cooperative, we are owned by the 1,100 dairy farmers who supply our high-quality milk. Our flexible, diverse plant network allows us to manufacture products and ingredients that are most in-demand – and provide a strong, secure market for our member-owners’ milk.

We’re looking for employees who challenge the status quo, innovate and aim for excellence. Because we’re working to be the world’s best – to Be Foremost – we’ll bring out the best in you.

About This Opportunity

JOB TITLE: Human Resources Business Partner (Senior)
POSITION TYPE: Full time
CLASSIFICATION: Exempt

Position Overview

As a member of the Human Resources team, this position is responsible for aligning business objectives with employees and management in designated business units. The HRBP serves as a consultant to management on human resources-related issues. The successful HRBP will act as a champion and change agent through consultation, service and day to day HR support in employee relations, workforce planning, performance management/coaching, training and employee development, compensation and policy interpretation in a consistent manner that is aligned with company policies, procedures and programs. The HRBP formulates cross functional partnerships to deliver value-added service to management and employees that reflect the business objectives of the organization.

Key Accountabilities

Employee Relations

• Respond to employee concerns and provide employee relations guidance to managers to ensure effective application of company policies/procedures

• Drive employee engagement through supporting action planning, communication, and talent development

• Investigate root causes or employee relations issues and develop strategies to address/reduce them

Talent Management

• Implement and manage organizational programs relative to employee development, retention, performance management, onboarding, career development, and succession planning to ensure a talent pipeline that will successfully enable current strategies and future growth

• Work closely with HR and management to identify immediate and long-term skills needs and develop strategies to attain them

• Analyze employee turnover, identifying trends and make recommendations to affect the morale, attitude and retention of talent

Business Partnership

• Participates in the development and execution of department goals, objectives and systems that directly impact HR initiatives and overall business plans for the company

• Facilitates effective communication between HR and business leaders to provide visibility to upcoming HR initiatives and employee issues

• Coach business leaders on key HR policies and processes, including talent planning, learning and development, and performance management to promote engagement and a culture of continuous growth and development

• Help plan and execute organization effectiveness projects to streamline and implement structures, roles, and/or processes that create speed and efficiency and support shifting business demands and culture evolution

• Collaborate cross-functionally to steer appropriate HR initiatives for the company in a timely and professional manner.

• Participates in the development and execution of department goals, objectives and systems that directly impact HR initiatives and overall business plans for the company.

• Occasional travel to Corporate office in Madison, WI, and regular visits to plants across greater Wisconsin and Michigan.

Labor Relations

• Coordinate strike contingency planning.

• Assist in preparation for the expiration of each Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), including data gathering, providing recommendations and active participation during the negotiation process.

• Administer and interpret collective bargaining agreements and non-union work agreements as appropriate.

• Represent the company in grievance and arbitration matters

Other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

1. 5 years of human resources experience

2. 2 years of experience in a generalist or business partner capacity

Preferred Qualifications

1. Bachelor’s degree in related field

2. Business partnership experience

3. Ability to effectively coach and council leaders

4. Talent management experience including performance management and career development

5. Experience facilitating groups (i.e. training, orientation, calibration)

6. Ability to analyze data and use the data to make recommendations

7. Strong communication skills

Key Competencies

• Facilitate trusting relationships through effective communication, follow through on commitments, resolving conflicts and recognizing the good work of others.

• Demonstrate agility and resilience with open mind, flexibility, and support of others in difficult situations.

• Organize work with plans, goals and timelines, prioritization, and time management.

• Communicate to share relevant information proactively and brings others along.

• Take ownership to move self (and team, if applicable) forward with positive approach intended to exceed expectations and inspire same in others.

Benefits

Because you and your family matter, Foremost Farms offers some of the best benefits in the area! Our comprehensive medical plan includes health, vision, dental, and prescription insurance. You can choose to enroll in a single or family plan with low monthly premiums and low annual deductibles ($250/$500). Other benefits include:

• 401(k) with a generous company contribution (100% match on up to 8% deferral)
• Paid time off, starting at 200 hours (25 days)
• 10 Paid holidays
• Paid parental leave (6 weeks paid at 100%)
• Flexible spending accounts – for medical and dependent care (childcare) expenses
• Life and disability insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Referral program
• Advancement opportunities!

Don’t meet every single requirement? At Foremost Farms we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

Equal Opportunity Employer
Minorities/Females/Veterans/Disabled are encouraged to apply.

At Foremost Farms USA, we believe that employee diversity brings strength to our organization. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunity to all individuals regardless of their race, creed, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disabilities, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, military status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.

Successful completion of pre-employment screening is required, which could include a drug test, background check, and other verifications or assessments to be sure you will be able to succeed in your position.

Are you ready to Be Foremost?
Apply today at www.foremostfarms.com