Job Overview: 

The Senior HR Director is a business partner to senior operational leadership and is responsible for leading, implementing and executing the organization’s HR strategy, key projects and initiatives within the Natural or Conventional group of Distribution Centers. The Senior HR Director provides leadership, strategic direction and execution of responsibilities focused on growing the business, implementing plans and strategies in line with UNFI culture and goals.  Coordinates major activities through subordinates in areas such as Talent Development, Talent Acquisition, Engagement, Recognition, Performance Management, Organizational Development, Associate Relations, Compensation, Benefits, Wellness, Risk Safety, Labor Relations, Sustainability and Philanthropy. 

Job Responsibilities: 

Core Responsibilities 

HR Leadership

• Leads the HR function for Natural or Conventional Distribution Center HR teams, provides functional HR expertise, executes on key projects, and drives performance through local HR teams.

• Mentors the HR team across the group. Responsible for leveraging best practices and creating a culture of collaboration within the group and Nationally. 

• Leads team in strategy development, execution and advises on company-wide programs.  Participates in development, creates and executes a culture of collaboration across all regions/groups.

• Oversees execution and delivery of National HR programs across the group.  Oversees participation in projects, advises on policy and program design and roll-out plans.  Ensures alignment on company-wide HR processes and programs.

Strategic Business Partnership

• Acts as a strategic advisor and coach to Senior Vice President leadership and below, navigating complex business needs while ensuring alignment with national standards and organizational priorities. 

• Leads cross-functional partnerships with Legal and Labor to drive consistent, risk-informed solutions to complex workforce issues. 

• Leverages a deep understanding of business needs and participates in systematically solving business problems across the group through the talent lens.

• Responsible for driving the workforce and talent agenda, creating a compelling experience that attracts the right people in a competitive market and drives enterprise productivity.

• Forecasts current and future talent needs.  Gain in-depth understanding of business priorities and translate into workforce planning for the group.  Maintains and updates a leadership succession plan for the group and proactively identifies next generation leaders.  Oversees execution of the annual talent review process for the group.  

• Be a visible leader across the entire UNFI organization that is always driving to achieve current targets while creating a sustainable future for the Company. 

• Assesses, monitors and manages employee engagement on a proactive, ongoing basis.  Oversees implementation of associate engagement surveys and action plans, in collaboration and partnership with the business leaders.  Identifies trends and works to systematically address disengagement issues.

• Actively selects and updates talent metrics.  Derives insights from metrics and uses those insights to solve business problems, identify trends that require action, and improve processes.  

• Drives initiatives to increase caliber of talent and increase retention rate; innovate ways to add value to our employer brand proposition.

• Creates a culture of collaborative problem solving to design comprehensive solutions.  Proactively designs solutions before problems arise.  Takes control of challenges that arise and collects feedback from multiple sources to address the problem.   

• Adapts strategies and techniques to resolve individual conflict situations.  Provides leaders and associates with robust coaching and resources to help them resolve and prevent interpersonal and team conflicts and adapt to different associate and leadership styles.  

Execution of HR Function and Programs

• Responsible for overseeing the execution of core annual programs, such as performance objectives and goal setting, performance evaluations, compensation planning, talent assessment, succession planning, wellness, annual enrollment, etc.

• Responsible for HR compliance activities within the group, requires thorough knowledge off HR policies and procedures as well as federal and state/province laws.

• Embraces a high regard for collaboration, leading and serving as a role model for others. Ensure that required programs are implemented to monitor compliance with applicable federal and state HR laws.

• Owns and proactively manages personal development.  Leverages networks effectively for self-driven, ongoing learning.  Participates in development of HR colleagues.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements: 

Education/ Certifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree in business or related field

• Master’s Degree preferred

• PHR/SPHR/CHRL/CPHR Certification preferred

Experience: 

• 15+ years of HR experience, or related field

• 5-7 years of experience in HR leadership role

Knowledge/Skills/ Abilities

• Demonstrates exceptional agility and a high sense of urgency, accurately assessing priorities, managing competing demands, and delivering results within required timeframes

• Expertise in talent strategy, workforce planning, employee engagement, and organizational effectiveness.

• Comprehensive knowledge of federal, state/provincial, and local employment laws and regulations.

• Strong understanding of compensation, benefits, and employee and labor relations principles.

• Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.

• Advanced analytical and data-driven decision-making capabilities.

• Proven ability to lead, coach, and develop high-performing teams.

• Results-oriented leadership with a strong focus on performance and accountability.

• Demonstrated ability to lead and execute complex projects and strategic initiatives.

• Strong business acumen with the ability to align people strategies to business objectives.

• Ability to build and sustain effective partnerships across all levels of the organization.

• Strategic problem-solving skills with the ability to navigate complex business and workforce challenges.

• Proven change leadership capabilities, including the ability to influence, drive adoption, and sustain organizational transformation.

• Good judgment is required for this position as there may be times when direct supervision may not be immediately available.

Work Environment: 

• This position is classified as remote where the associate will perform remote work from their primary residence. Remote associates are welcome to work from the office but are not required to do so. While remote associates are not required to work from an office on a regular basis, they may be required to come to the office or other UNFI locations for necessary business reasons or if directed to do so by their manager.

• Travel is required up to 50-75% for this position.

Physical Environment/Demands: 

• Most work is performed in a temperature-controlled office environment. 

• Incumbent may sit for long periods of time at a desk or computer terminal. 

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear.   

• Incumbent may use calculators, keyboards, telephones, and other office equipment in the course of a normal workday. 

• Stooping, bending, twisting, and reaching may be required in the completion of job duties.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature of the work performed by the employees assigned to this job. All employees must comply with Company policy and applicable laws. The responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified may vary within each department and/or location.