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Human Resources Director

New Pioneer Food Co-op is a sustainable and forward-thinking local food marketplace, defined by:

+ shared economics, community enrichment, and partnerships in the Corridor

+ widespread and diverse participation

+ identifying and meeting the needs of members and future members

New Pioneer was started in 1971 and currently has three retail stores in Cedar Rapids, Coralville, and Iowa City, IA, as well as a production facility in North Liberty, IA. We are a local, community-focused business with over 30,000 owners.

Job Summary

The Director of Human Resources (HR) is a key member of the leadership team and a strategic partner in creating a thriving, inclusive, and resilient workplace. This role leads all aspects of the co-op's HR function, from compliance and benefits to payroll and performance management, ensuring systems are aligned with our cooperative values and long-term goals.

The ideal candidate brings a proactive and people-centered mindset, grounded in equity, accountability, and trust. They will guide the HR team while collaborating cross-functionally to shape practices that are legal, equitable, consistent, and responsive to our evolving needs.

This position plays a central role in building organizational strength through staff engagement, leadership support, and strategic workforce planning.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Workforce Planning

+ Collaborate with the CEO and leadership team to align HR strategies with co-op priorities and values

+ Lead the development of annual and long-range HR goals, budgets, and staffing plans

+ Use workforce metrics (e.g., engagement, turnover, equity indicators) to guide decisions and measure progress

+ Ensure HR presence and visibility across all co-op locations

HR Department Leadership & Team Development

+ Lead, coach, and support a high-performing HR team; model inclusive, collaborative leadership

+ Facilitate departmental planning and continuous improvement aligned with organizational needs

+ Support the growth and development of HR staff through mentorship, learning opportunities, and feedback

+ Ensure excellence in internal service delivery, accessibility, and communication

+ Guide knowledge management for HR documentation, SOPs, and training systems

Talent Development & Performance Culture

+ Oversee inclusive hiring practices that attract and retain diverse, mission-aligned staff

+ Champion staff development, onboarding, and training programs across all levels

+ Build systems for feedback, recognition, and continuous growth

+ Support succession planning and leadership development

+ Guide managers in performance management practices that are supportive, consistent, and legally sound

Compensation, Benefits & Compliance

+ Lead strategy and implementation for total rewards, including pay, benefits, and wellness

+ Ensure accurate and timely payroll in coordination with Finance

+ Oversee benefits administration and annual plan renewal, balancing access and cost

+ Maintain compliance with all applicable labor laws, including ADA, FMLA, and FLSA

+ Serve as a trusted advisor in complex or sensitive employee relations matters

Policy, Risk Management & Employee Relations

+ Maintain and evolve HR policies in alignment with legal requirements and cooperative values

+ Monitor changes in employment law and guide policy adjustments accordingly

+ Oversee employee relations, investigations, and resolution of concerns with care and consistency

+ Support workers' compensation and unemployment processes with legal compliance and dignity

+ Promote a respectful workplace and culture of accountability and inclusion

Organizational Culture & Internal Partnerships

+ Help foster a positive, welcoming, and values-aligned workplace environment

+ Model and promote respectful communication and professionalism at all levels

+ Advise leadership on equity, employee experience, and DEI strategy

+ Build partnerships across departments to support collaboration, morale, and shared success

+ Participate in executive hiring processes and cross-departmental planning efforts

Qualifications

+ Proven leadership in HR strategy and operations, preferably in a mission-driven or cooperative setting

+ Deep knowledge of employment law, compliance, and HR best practices

+ Strong team leadership and development experience

+ Demonstrated ability to foster equity, inclusion, and psychological safety

+ Skilled in conflict resolution, coaching, and cross-functional collaboration

+ Strong communication skills — compassionate, clear, and adaptable across audiences.

+ Strong analytical and decision-making capabilities

+ Bachelor's or Master's degree in Human Resources or related field preferred

+ SHRM, SPHR, or similar certification preferred

+ Familiarity with HRIS and payroll platforms (Paylocity preferred)

+ Familiarity with retail, grocery, food systems, or cooperative business models.

+ Multilingual ability is a plus

This role offers a benefits package including health, dental, and retirement plans. Competitive salary commensurate with experience.