Human Resources Business Partner

The Human Resources Business Partner assists in aligning Thorlabs’ people strategy with the business strategy.  They are a key link to the leaders and employees within their client groups to drive culture, talent, and employee engagement. This role will build and maintain influential relationships by being a strategic partner with management and a resource and support for the employees. This position plays a crucial role in ensuring that HR policies, procedures, tactics, and methods in support of the company’s overall HR strategy are communicated and implemented properly and consistently throughout the assigned site/business unit and at all stages of the employee life cycle. The Business Partner will act as an advisor or coach to all employees including leadership.  This individual is responsible for coordinating and implementing services, policies, and programs through the direction of the HR Manager. Although the location of the position is in Newton, NJ, from time to time it may be required to undertake duties at other Thorlabs locations.

Essential Job Functions include the following, but are not limited to:

• Proactively provides solutions and advice to strengthen the business including advising leaders, coaching employees and providing or sourcing tools and resources to aid in operating the business.
• Manages and resolves employee relations issues, addresses formal complaints, and conducts effective, thorough, and objective investigations.
• Maintains a comprehensive knowledge of legal requirements related to day-to-day management of employees to reduce legal risks and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Consults and coaches’ management on various areas  including performance management, counseling, career development, inclusion, employee engagement, organization design, and disciplinary actions, suggesting alternative practices, and providing HR guidance when appropriate.
• Develops partnerships across the HR function to deliver value-added service to management and employees that reflects the business values and objectives of the organization.
• Analyzes trends and metrics in partnership with the HR team to develop solutions, programs, and policies.
• Works with management and employees to improve work relationships, build morale, and increase productivity and retention.
• Responsible for administration of compliance reporting, internal recruiting activities, and termination processes.
• Partners with outside counsel in the management of all immigration matters in designated business units ensuring successful petitions and well as legal compliance.
• Provides guidance and input on business unit restructures, workforce planning and succession planning.
• Identifies training needs for business units and individual executive coaching needs.
• Coordinates alignment of HR business objectives with employees and management in designated business units.

In addition to the essential functions and duties listed above, all positions are also responsible for:

• Meeting company standards pertaining to quantity and quality of work performed on an ongoing basis, performing all work-related tasks in a manner that is in compliance with all Company policies and procedures.
• Adhering to Company policies, procedures, and directives regarding standards of workplace behavior in completing job duties and assignments.

The Company retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position.

Qualifications

Experience:

• Minimum of  8-10 years of Human Resources experience
• Experience with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems and Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS), preferred.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent business-related experience; master's degree or SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP a plus

Specialized Knowledge and Skills:

• Ability to develop relationships and interact with individuals at all levels of the organization with a focus on customer service.

• Ability to act independently in applying discretion, judgment, and tact in a highly sensitive environment with changing priorities.
• Willingness and ability to take the initiative and the desire to continually take on additional responsibilities either independently or within a team.
• Ability to communicate well with internal and external contacts, both verbally and in writing while protecting and maintaining sensitive information.
• Ability to organize, prioritize, and initiate work using project management skills.
• Proficient in all Microsoft Office Programs including Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Forms, etc.
• Maintains current knowledge of local, state, and federal regulations and employment law.

Thorlabs values its diverse environment and is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.  All qualified individuals will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age or veteran status. Job descriptions are not intended as and do not create employment contracts.  The organization maintains its status as an at-will employer.  Employees can be terminated for any reason not prohibited by law.

Thorlabs offers a complete benefits package that includes medical, dental and vision insurance, company paid life insurance, a generous PTO package, a 401(k) plan, and tuition reimbursement just to name a few..