HR Business Partner II

At TDS Telecom, connecting people is at the heart of everything we do. We are forward thinkers who leverage cutting-edge fiber internet technology to strengthen communities. We are dedicated to excellence, which drives us to succeed together, creating a better world through meaningful connections. Ready to make an impact?

The Human Resources Business Partner II is responsible for providing Associate Relations support and partnering with assigned business units in the areas of performance management, talent management, organizational planning, employment policies and associate relations. This includes but is not limited to aligning HR policies and strategy delivery with organizational objectives and promoting companywide best practices and consistency. Collaborates with leaders to diagnose current and future HR needs and develop strategies for resolution. This position will proactively provide information analytics to leaders, lead investigations, conduct investigational interviews and timely completes case documentation, provides consultative advice to leaders and associates, attend associate meetings for performance improvement initiatives, disciplinary actions, leaves of absence and/or medical accommodation requests, conduct in-person exit interviews and work with legal counsel to defend employment litigation in those instances. For applicable departments, this role also monitors and manages associate performance metrics and associate attendance using pre-determined progressive paths. Handles highly confidential cases, assignment, and projects.

This position can work remotely in any of the 40+ states in which TDS Telecom operates.

Associate Relations Cases:
• Investigates, recommends and resolves associate issues for policy or internal process violations and associate concerns, complaints, etc. Conducts investigational interviews with associates and other witnesses as applicable, conducts problem evaluation, obtains factual information, interpretation of human resource policies, guidelines and labor laws, and in conjunction with the Manager-Associate Relations and appropriate management staff, determines recommended resolution and/or formal disciplinary actions as may be appropriate. Timely and accurately completes case documentation such as interview transcripts, timeline of events, and summary of events. Works with legal counsel on legal claims as necessary.
• Administers Performance Metrics and Attendance Guidelines. For applicable business units, monitors and manages associate performance metrics, sales quota expectations and associate unscheduled or excessive absenteeism using pre-determined progressive paths. Includes review and analysis of attendance tracking, ensuring calculations are accurate, guidelines are adhered to and previous precedents are followed.
• Timely and accurately completes case documentation such as interview transcripts, timeline of events, and summary of events. Works with legal counsel on legal claims as necessary.
• Manages associate medical accommodation requests which could include leaves of absence, work restrictions, and business-related requests from an associate and health care providers (HCP) as applicable. Manages the interactive process by working closely with the associate and their HCP to determine what potential medical accommodation requests could assist in associate's performance.
• Proactively partners with departmental leaders to diagnose current and future HR needs and develop strategies for resolution of concerns. Takes ownership of gathering and providing information analytics to leaders to include HR metrics, labor market trends, turnover and exit information, etc. Proactively communicates with leaders and associates about important deadline dates such as for performance management ratings, action plans, compliance training completions, etc.
• Conducts in-person exit interviews with associates who voluntarily leave the Company to understand why people are leaving and to develop potential retention solutions..
• Under direction of ER Manager, facilitates business unit reorganizational efforts including realignment of staff due to the needs of the business. Works with leaders to determine selection criteria, creates associate informational packets and meets with associates to communicate impacts. Administers severance policy guidelines as applicable.
• May also administer one or more of the following functions:
  • Associate Handbook Administration. Develops, implements, administers, tracks and communicates human resources policies and procedures within the Associate Handbook. This includes interpreting policies, answering associate questions, tracking precedents/decisions, working with various individuals at all levels of the Company on new policy development, and taking proactive steps to develop and update policies based on employment law changes.
  • Legal Posting Requirements Process. Ensuring all legally-required posting notices appear in all associate locations.
  • State-Specific Legal Training Requirements. Administering one or more of the various state-specific annual training requirements
  • Unemployment Compensation. Processing of unemployment claims, responding and working with the applicable ER BP to coordinate attendance at hearings when necessary.
  • Labor Relations. Leading the Labor Relations function, working closely with legal counsel and the Field Services Officer. Responsible for managing the collective bargaining agreements and negotiating new agreements.
  • Compliance Training Management. Managing all required compliance training for new hires, ensuring completion occurs within applicable deadline dates. Managing refresher course completions for existing associate base.
  • Performance Management/Successbuilder. Creating new Action Plans for new associates and at the beginning of each year, monitoring rating and year-end action plan completions, responsible for all associate and manager communications.
  • Facilitating Civil Treatment for Managers (CTM) throughout the year.
  • Managing the Company's Safety program which includes administration of the Safety policies, leading the Safety team, ensuring Field Service Managers include Safety topics and training during staff meetings.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelors degree (or higher) -OR- 4+ years professional work experience.
• 1+ years' experience in Human Resources.
• 1+ year experience handling associate relations situations including conducting investigations and investigational interviews.

Other Qualifications

• Pursuing ongoing professional development in the area of Human Resources.
• SHRM Certification a plus.
• Attainment of Civil Treatment Certification within first two months of position attainment.
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills.
• Effective time management, prioritization and follow-up skills.
• Outstanding attention to detail skills necessary and required.
• Outstanding organizational skills, follow-through and ability to work well tactically and conceptually required.
• Excellent documentation skills with ability to determine which information is important, relevant and necessary, in a manner which is detailed, precise, complete in nature and legally sound ensuring all facts are captured.
• Must have knowledge, interest and strong desire to keep up-to-date with Human Resource policies, standard practices, laws and regulations and proposed changes and the ability to apply them consistently.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills with demonstrated record of dealing with sensitive issues in an innovative, professional way.
• Must have demonstrated process development/improvement skills.
• Must set the standard for personal integrity, honesty, and teamwork.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

While performing the duties of this job, the associate is regularly required to sit, stand, write and operate a computer keyboard, standard office equipment and telephone. The associate regularly communicates with customers. The associate is frequently required to move about and reach for items. The associate may occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an associate to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Do you meet the Required Qualifications but are unsure if your experience aligns with the Other Qualifications? We encourage you to apply! Research shows that many candidates hesitate to apply unless they meet 100% of the qualifications, even when they possess the skills and experience needed to succeed in the role. Experience and skills come in many forms, and they may not always match exactly what's listed on paper, but they can still lead to success. If you meet the Required Qualifications and believe you have the potential to thrive in this role, we encourage you to apply today!

Benefits

We believe in taking care of our team, which is why we offer comprehensive benefits to support your health, financial well-being, and overall happiness. Join us and experience a work environment where your well-being is a top priority!

Associates scheduled to work 20 or more hours per week have access to:

• Medical Coverage
• Dental Coverage
• Vision Coverage
• Life Insurance
• 401(k) Plan
• Generous Vacation & Paid Sick Leave
• Seven Paid National Holidays & One Floating Holiday
• Paid Parental Leave (6 weeks after 12 months of employment)
• Adoption & Surrogacy Assistance
• Employee Assistance & Wellness Programs

Associates working 30 or more hours per week additionally have access to:

• Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
• TDS Service Discounts
• Education Assistance
• Paid Volunteer Time

In addition to these benefits, all associates will have the opportunity to participate in our Associate Resource Groups, which are designed to encourage community and facilitate professional development. To learn more, click here.

Who is TDS Telecom?

TDS Telecom provides high-speed internet, TV entertainment, and phone services to a diverse range of communities, including small to mid-sized urban, suburban, and rural areas across the U.S. With over 50 years of experience, TDS is committed to building and expanding fiber optic networks that bring cutting-edge connectivity to neighborhoods nationwide. Serving over 1 million connections, our mission is to create a better world by delivering innovative communication solutions that enhance the way people live, work, and connect. Visit tdstelecom.com to learn more!

At TDS, we are committed to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and value the difference of backgrounds, experiences and perspectives in our workforce. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by law.

Pay Transparency

The listed pay range reflects the minimum and maximum base salary. Actual offers will be based on factors such as skills, qualifications, experience, location, and role-specific competencies. Some positions may also offer additional compensation, such as bonuses or equity awards.