Staples, Inc. is headquartered outside of Boston and sells a wide range of office products, including supplies, technology, furniture, and business services. Staples is committed to make buying office products easy. Associates serve consumers and businesses of all sizes - from home-based businesses to Fortune 500 companies. Staples invented the office superstore concept and today, is the largest operator of office superstores in the world. Staples also serves its customers through its mail order catalog, e-commerce and contract businesses. More information is available at www.staples.com. Staples values the diversity of our customers, associates and suppliers.

We offer very competitive benefits including; dynamic work environment, 401K, discounted employee stock purchase plan, adoption assistance, Annual Associate Scholarship Plan, Associate InventionQuest, training and development, "Work/Life" initiatives and other voluntary benefits such as pet insurance and identity theft protection. This all translates into exciting career opportunities with a talented team dedicated to personal and professional growth.

Human Resources Specialist

POSITION SUMMARY:  The HR Specialist’s role provides day-to-day support to our associates, Management and HR Team in all areas of Human Resources.  The HR Specialist will ensure that all policies and procedures are followed and maintain high standards of communication and rapport among the department staff, Management, and Distribution Associates.  The HR Specialist is expected to function independently for extended periods of time and provide strong leadership.  Performance expectations and scope of responsibility for the position will rapidly increase.  It will require the individual to quickly develop their own skills and abilities to manage increasingly larger and sophisticated functions in order to support the Distribution Center.

Essential functions of the job:

• Provide HR support and guidance to associates and Management while ensuring compliance with State and Federal Regulations. 
• Administer surveys, HR audits, benefit enrollments and changes, and support of other company initiatives.
• Participate in investigative processes for associate complaints. 
• Maintain and assist with Learning and Development initiatives.
• Respond to, guide and advise all levels of associates in distribution center in conflict resolution, policy interpretation and associates relation problem resolution.
• Assist in a variety of HR functions – i.e. New Hire Orientation, training, recruitment and benefits.
• Supervise the recruitment, selection and orientation of associates for the Midwest Distribution Center to maintain a high quality productive work force.
• Assist with compensation.
• Provide advice and counsel to Management regarding associates relations, performance review process, promotional decisions and associate records and files in accordance with company policy and state and federal regulations.
• Prepare unemployment briefs and attend, as needed, as company liaison for the distribution facility.
• Maintain a high level of communication and teamwork among staff to ensure accomplishment of Human Resource Mission Statement.
• Represent Staples and Distribution Center in a positive, professional manner.
• Work with Facility Human Resources Manager and Legal department to gather and compile information necessary to respond to government agency charges or fines in timely manner.
• Responsible for remaining abreast of new and revised governmental regulations/programs that affect associates and the company.
• Supervise the administration of payroll functions.
• Responsible for developing associates’ abilities, performance standards and morale through training, reviews, coaching and counseling.
• Support and ensure compliance with all safety programs and initiatives. Ensure associate safety and engagement through daily walks throughout the facility and maintaining a high profile with the Team in both DC’s.  Be a pro-active change agent.
• Provide support on projects to include research and analysis of trends.

Education and Training

BS Degree.  Previous HR, Safety and/or Workers Comp experience required.  Strong computer skills including Microsoft

office.  Effective written and verbal communication skills.  Knowledge of HR Systems, e.g. PeopleSoft and Kronos is a plus. Ability to work in a high stress, diverse environment while maintaining confidentiality.  Candidate should be comfortable presenting/communicating with all levels of management.  Candidate must be intuitive and proactive in his/her approach to resolving HR, associate and safety issues. Primarily days, however schedule must ensure coverage for both day and night shifts.

Skills

·         Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and follow up

·         Effective problem solving, conflict resolution, and collaboration skills

·         Strong organization and attention to detail

·         Excellent communication and customer service skills

·         Ability to work with a team and influence others