The Associate Experience Partner is responsible for building and sustaining a positive associate experience and fostering a positive culture in the workplace. The Associate Experience Partner cultivates a dynamic work environment through development, organization, coordination, collaboration, and execution of associate programs. This position is accountable for understanding associate needs, collaborating with the General Manager, HR Manager and Operations leadership team to enrich various aspects of associate engagement including the onboarding experience, recognition programs, Diversity& Inclusion programs, volunteering, social events, and associate programs, to ultimately ensure the facility creates the ideal conditions for associates to perform their best work.
Job Responsibilities:
Effectively communicate and develop the associate value proposition, mission and working environment, to enhance internal engagement and attract external talent.
Ensure associate experience is seamless and consistent, from new hire orientation, to onboarding, training, performance, and through every stage of the associate life cycle.
Develop and maintain partnerships with General Manager, HR Manager, Associate Experience Peers, Talent Acquisition, Communications, EHS/FSQA Teams, Operations leaders, and Associates.
Promote and educate associates on UNFI resources and programs. This may include Virgin Pulse, UNFI connect, 401K, Perk Spot, Calm App, UNFI Company store, Benevity etc.
Identify new associate program opportunities through collaboration with Operations and HR, taking a data-driven approach based on surveys and turnover metrics that focus on enhancing the associate experience and align with the Company core values and mission.
Coordinate activities on the associate experience master calendar. Identify gaps in programming and advise on areas to enhance programs and events. Collaborate with National Associate Experience Manager, Associate Experience Partner peers, and Communications & Marketing as needed.
Design and implement associate programs by identifying opportunities and securing resources.
Leads the planning and organizing of in-house associate events including appreciation events, annual celebrations, wellness events, and other miscellaneous social events.
Responsible for planning and executing off-site or virtual events for all associates including communications on local events.
Identifies and coordinates opportunities for associate discounts.
Collaborate with Operations and Facilities on building management within the distribution center, ensuring the workplace is clean, stocked, and a place where associates can be proud of the work environment.
Oversee associate engagement budget, establishing and maintaining relationships with external vendors including contracts and invoicing for associate programs and engagement activities.
Perform other relevant job duties as required.
Job Requirements:
Education/ Certifications:
BS degree in Business Management, Marketing, Communication, or Human Resources, or related discipline preferred.
Experience:
Minimum of 3 years of professional experience with an emphasis on event planning or other related job duties.
Previous experience in onboarding/assimilation, training delivery, performance management, communications, association engagement and recognition programs.
Experience working with front line Associates as well as Leadership teams preferred.
Experience in warehouse, manufacturing or similar environment preferred.
Knowledge:
In depth functional knowledge in the design, implementation, and planning of large-scale events.
Project management knowledge a plus.
Skills/ Abilities:
Competence in connecting people to each other, to business results, and to the company strategy.
Develops strong, genuine relationships with associates and partnerships with colleagues.
Creative thinking and passion that drives innovative strategies and improves quality of associate experience.
Ability to interface at all levels of associates and communicate effectively both written and verbal (in large and small groups).
Strong organizational skills, detail-orientation, and solution focused approach with the ability to handle competing priorities and drive achievement of objectives.
Strong team player with a drive to create a collaborative, positive, and inclusive work environment.
Ability to influence across boundaries and gets work done through others.
Full proficiency in MS Office. Ability to develop Power Point slides, graphics, and work on newsletters is preferred. Ability to work in Canva preferred.
Ability to collaborate with a remote team of Associate Experience Partner peers to share ideas and best practices.
Physical Environment/ Demands:
Some travel may be required.
Schedule changes to include night and weekends, to meet the demands of the business and event needs.
Most work is performed in a temperature-controlled office environment.
Incumbent may sit for long periods of time at 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, telephone, and other office equipment during normal workday.
Stooping, bending, twisting, and re aching may be required in completion of job duties.
Requires manual dexterity, overall coordination and good balance to work both at ground level and in high places to perform job duties. Ability to operate work related equipment.
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. UNFI is an Equal Opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive and respectful environment for all. - M/F/Veteran/Disability. VEVRAA Federal Contractor.
