Human Resources Generalist II

Required Qualifications

• BA/BS degree in Human Resources or related field plus two years of professional HR related work experience, or a combination of related education and professional HR work experience to equal six years
• Ability to deal effectively with ambiguity and exercise a large amount of independent judgement and discretion on important matters
• Use tactful and concise verbal and written communication
• Establishes and maintains collaborative working relationships with all internal and external stakeholders from diverse backgrounds at all levels of the organization
• Self-motivated and strategic thinker
• Tolerates stress, adapts to change and remains professional when receiving new or changed work direction
• Commitment to building a culture of respect that embraces diversity, inclusion, and equity
• Strong working knowledge of HR infrastructure and the relationship of HR systems in supporting an organization
• Can work in a diverse environment remaining positive, proactive, resourceful and efficient

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional human resource credentials such as SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP
• Work experience in a large, matrix, complex organization with multiple stakeholders
• Prior experience in higher education
• Prior experience with PeopleSoft or other HRMS data management system
• Experience with process improvement and change management
• Uses Google Applications (GMail, Drive, Hangouts, Calendar, Docs, Google ) and conferencing technology

Reporting to the HR Manager, the HR Generalist 2 will join a growing Human Resources team, responsible for providing a full range of services to unit leaders, supervisors, and staff at The Hormel Institute. This position will lead all talent acquisition activities for The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, located in Austin, MN.

This position is focused on integration, alignment and consistency and will ensure a standardized approach to the human resources strategy, policies, procedures, and practices. While this role specializes in the recruitment life cycle, this position will also serve as an active business partner that will focus on areas that include, but are not limited to; employee relations; compensation and benefits; performance management; payroll and serve as a back-up for cross-functionality with other HR team members. This role is also expected to help develop and manage HR data systems, workflows and policies.

This position will provide HR support in collaboration with the HR manager to resolve employment issues and concerns regarding inquiries concerning non-routine and complex issues such as employee relations, benefits, leaves, compensation, and payroll oversight for employees. Training for this position will be provided in-person as well as online and we offer several professional development opportunities for personal and professional growth.

The Hormel Institute in a stage of accelerated growth with a plan to double in size over the next 3-5 years in alignment with our strategic plan. The Human Resources team offers a growing and dynamic team opportunity and is looking for someone who has a passion to build and be a part of the exciting changes on the horizon.

Alongside our research growth, we are advancing our equity mission to welcome BIPOC, LGBTQIA , women, and members of other historically underrepresented communities. The Hormel Institute offers nationally competitive salaries and exceptional benefits and cost-of-living within a collaborative, innovative, and nurturing community that supports both the work and personal environments. We hope to welcome you soon where you will contribute to our vision of “inspiring discoveries that improve and extend human life.”

Job Duties and Responsibilities

Talent Acquisition– 60%

• Manage hiring process for all research positions to include working with and discussing appropriate hiring policies, procedures, and recommend recruitment strategies to help meet the needs of the hiring manager.
• Provide direct support to hiring authorities on all aspects of the search process, such as developing position descriptions, verifying job classifications, creating job postings, placing job advertisements, maintaining files, updating Recruiting Solutions throughout the search process, ensuring pay offers maintain internal equity, and coordinating background checks.
• Partners with talent acquisition to recommend advertisement strategy and coordinate with advertising agencies; works with managers on position description development with classification determination, position management, and online job posting process; screens and interviews applicants as assigned.
• Links job opportunities with networks to attract diversity; partners with HR manager and MNPI Finance on terms of offers, offer letter creation and distribution.
• Provide employment search support. Attend search committee meetings to assist with documenting applicant qualifications. Attend final review meetings of each candidate to document their strengths and weaknesses. This documentation is included as part of the final report to the hiring authority; to use as part of the decision-making process of the final hire.
• Coordinate all administrative activities to include establishing policies and procedures related to hiring. This includes working with and discussing appropriate hiring policies, procedures, and recommend recruitment strategies.
• Ensures recruitment procedures are followed to mitigate risk to the institution through consistent policy application and standardization as well as to ensure the hiring process isn’t impeded. Engages with HR manager when complex issues arise.
• Partners with the HR manager, HR Generalist II, Finance team, HR Immigration Manager & Intercultural Engagement Specialist and hiring manager during the hiring process to discuss: compensation, benefits, visa information and employment-related policies and procedures.
• Partners with OHR central recruiter on system issues, HR manager and OVPR HR on recruiting policy questions, and OVPR HR Director and Hormel accountant on open position and turnover analysis.
• Ensures accurate and timely tracking on the New Hire Dashboard while keep in constant communication with all stakeholders for the candidate hires.
• Create, monitor, and terminate Person of Interest (POI) records according to HI and University of Minnesota policies.
• Reviews and makes recommendations for process improvement, recruitment programs, and orientation enhancements.
• Finalizes job and HR files for records retention.

Human Resource Management System (HRMS) and Compliance– 25%

• Ensure overall data integrity in PeopleSoft by entering, updating, and monitoring.
• Appointment data and documenting all HR processes in a timely manner (i.e., hires, payroll, visas, leaves, salary increases, back payments, contract renewals, termination, labor represented step/yearly increases, education).
• Audit timecards and pre-payroll confirmation reports, abstracts, and other records to ensure accuracy.
• Analyze, compile and present reports identified by management to help make business decisions and resolve discrepancies, engaging the HR manager on complex issues.
• Monitor deadlines for entry and approvals as the Time and Absence Administrator.
• Problem-solve system issues and ensure compliance with all policies and procedures.
• Initiate and respond to inquiries concerning non-routine issues and identification of potential approaches and solutions for The Institute (i.e. system upgrade problems, future system enhancements). Engage with HR manager when complex issues arise.
• Annual performance administration for The Hormel Institute. Work with supervisors to ensure probationary and annual performance reviews are completed for all Labor Represented, Civil Service, Faculty, and P&A staff. Provide supervisors with resources to accurately review performance in conjunction with the HR manager.

Payroll Processing/Auditing– 10%

• Audit Timesheets for proper entry/tracking
• Review payroll abstracts and query reports to identify and correct errors
• Primary contact for all payroll and leaves questions
• Process off-cycle payments, retro payments, augmentations, and lump sum payments
• Work in collaboration with Central Payroll to ensure processes and policies align
• Monitor compliance of labor represented step increases

Other Essential Functions– 5%

• Attend trainings and relevant meetings on the University of Minnesota TC campus.
• Stay abreast of University, local, state and federal policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Participate in one on one & HR team meetings.
• Serve on collegiate or departmental committees.
• Other duties and special projects as assigned.

The Office of the Vice President for Research (OVPR) and The Hormel Institute endorses a “work with flexibility” approach that offers a welcoming and flexible work environment where everyone is inspired to do their best. Work location options include working fully remote, partially remote, or entirely in the office and are based on the work of the position. Some on-site work may be necessary for certain positions, even those designated as fully remote. Because we are a land-grant institution that serves the state, the University will continue to- in most cases- expect employees to live in Minnesota.

This position has been designated as OVPR Flexible Work Profile One.
Flexible Work Profile One is expected to work primarily on-site. Your office will be located at The Hormel Institute in Austin, MN. The Hormel Institute management retains the right to modify flexible work arrangement agreements on a temporary or permanent basis for any reason at any time.

The Hormel Institute is an independent biomedical research department within the University of Minnesota’s Office of the Vice President for Research. Established in 1942, The Hormel Institute will soon be celebrating 80 years of innovative research and today’s vision is “We inspire discoveries that improve and extend human life.” The Hormel Institute’s biomedical research is primarily focused on cancer research and the center is cutting edge, after tripling in size in 2008 and again doubling in size in 2016. The Hormel Institute is continuing to grow and expand to broaden our impact through innovative, world class research. Our scientists have complete access to the most cutting-edge technologies. The Hormel Institute is located in Austin, MN, conveniently located 35 miles from Rochester, MN, and 100 miles (1.5 hours) south of Minneapolis/St. Paul. The Hormel Institute offers a collaborative, innovative, supportive work environment where you will contribute to our vision of “inspiring discoveries that improve and extend human life.”

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-UOHR (8647).

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu.

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

Please note: All employees at the University of Minnesota are required to comply with the University’s Administrative Policy: COVID-19 Vaccination and Safety Protocol by either providing proof of being fully vaccinated on their first day of employment, or complete a request for an exemption for medical exemption or religious reasons. To learn more please visit: https://safe-campus.umn.edu/return-campus/get-the-vax

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.