Director Human Resources (Chicago Division)

Apply early as this job may be removed or filled prior to the closing date, which is approximately seven (7) days after the posting date.

Job Location: Chicago
Other Potential Locations: Chicago, IL
Anticipated Start Date: 02/16/2022
Number of Positions: 1
Salary Range: $85,000-113,000

DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

The duties of the HR Director will include, but not be limited to, the following:

• The division HR director provides leadership, support, oversight and resources to the division and balances/deploys the appropriate HR resources to meet the demands for HR services within the division.
• Initiates, directs and coordinates HR initiatives and projects for the division and gathers input from employees and management. The HR director incorporates HR into the business planning for BNSF at the division level and serves as the representative for HR matters for the division.

• Develops, or utilizes existing resources, to report on metrics to determine program effectiveness and continuous improvement.
• Serves as the formal feedback link from field operations management and employees for the division in regard to HR services, policies and practices. The director synthesizes information and redirects HR efforts, if necessary, to maximize impact, employee satisfaction and optimization.
• In conjunction with division leadership, develops high performing teams and leaders, identifies future leaders, determines proper resource allocation in alignment with the strategic plan for region. Assists in the development of annual succession planning and the talent plan for the division in coordination with region and system leadership.
• Supports the implementation of the performance management process for the territory in support of the General Manager, including training on PMP and managing the PMP timeline for the territory; assists leaders with managing exempt employees with performance problems including development of performance improvement plans and meeting with employees along with their supervisors; coordinates the mid year and year end PMP leveling process; assists leaders in providing feedback to employees to correct performance issues and to identify and recognize outstanding performance; helps support CBA investigation process and serves a witness in discipline cases involving violence in the workplace, EEO and sexual harassment matters. Oversees HR's involvement and recommendations in monthly PEPA case reviews for territory.

• Prepares or oversees the preparation of materials and presents or oversees the presentation of training and information updates on various HR topics to diverse employee groups, including management employees.
• Assists in or oversees the preparation of development plans for management employees in conjunction with local leaders; provides training as needed in support of the Leadership Model and ongoing company-wide People Leader Training.
• Accountable for the recruitment and advertising strategy, in conjunction with Ft Worth, for the territory. Directs and supervises timely recruiting and selection processes for the division, ensuring the sourcing and selection of quality new hires and internal candidates for scheduled and exempt positions in a cost effective manner to meet the company hiring plan for the division.
• Ensures sourcing activities take place with local schools, trade schools, universities, military bases and other state and local government agencies while maintaining BNSF’s “brand” and relationships with recruiting sources within the communities served for the division. The director is the recruiting officer for BNSF in the territory, ensuring that BNSF's AAP is administered and communicated to division leadership and that the selection process for both internal and external candidates is fair, legal and compliant with BNSF policies.
• Manages all internal selection activity, coordinating job postings within the territory and assists local leaders in all selection decisions; manage EFLS recruitment and placement within the territory.
• Manages craft transfer policy for the territory for TY&E, Mechanical and Engineering employees.
• Actively participates in the selection process for senior level field positions and consults with region leadership on selection decisions for key positions.
• At the same time provides guidance over the higher volume hiring activity taking place within the region.
• Responsible for the Employee Relations function for the division territory which includes all investigations in response to EEO charges, internal complaints, hotline calls or any other employee relations issues, regardless of origin, that occur within the territory; oversees and prepares responses for all hotline and internal complaints; provides solid research and investigation notes for EEO charge response; coordinates responses and investigations, as needed/required with the Law Dept, Director EEO, AVP EEO & Diversity, AVP HR Operations and the leaders for the division. Represents the company in administrative proceedings, hearings and settlement conferences and negotiations.
• Monitors, directs and supports the local Diversity Council activities in conjunction with the office of corporate diversity and EEO and takes corrective action with the council as necessary. Assists local leaders in their involvement with local diversity councils and participates in council meetings.
• Ensures that company policy and practices are followed with regards to comp and benefit administration in the field and assists in company efforts as required for annual merit and benefit enrollment processes. Ensures that research and response is provided to questions by scheduled and exempt employees on benefit and relocation plans. Ensures that employee leave requests are handled and assists with communication and administration of FMLA for the territory.
• Assists in administration of other BNSF policies such as business expense policy, Code of Conduct, Travel policy, Company vehicle policy and other employee related policies originating from departments outside of Human Resources.

• Extensive travel (50%) over a large geographic territory is required - This position may have multi-division responsibilities.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• A Bachelor’s degree in business, or experience that complements an undergraduate degree in another field.

• A minimum of 5 years of relatable Human Resources work experience

• Refined knowledge of functional HR areas to include recruitment and selection, compensation and benefits, employment laws, employee relations, EEO charge handling and investigations

• Demonstrated success in working through complex issues with senior management utilizing highly developed influencing skills. Ability to understand business drivers and relationship to HR function and processes

• Proven experience with successful organizational change management/organizational development initiatives.

• Experience multi-tasking in a high volume, matrix environment with ability to adapt to rapidly changing priorities. Ability to respond to tight timelines in a large geographical territory with limited resources.

• Successful candidates for this position will have exceptionally strong drive for results with a track record for delivering on objectives that achieve outstanding results.

• Strong written communication skills. Solid presentation and public speaking skills.

• Excels at building effective relationships across a diverse population and at all levels of the organization, functioning as an employee advocate and management agent.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience managing complex projects and budgets

• Process training

• An MBA or other relevant, advanced degree

• Labor relations experience

BENEFITS

BNSF offers competitive benefit programs and services including, but not limited to

• Medical, Dental and Vision Coverage
• 401(k) Plan
• Railroad Retirement
• Life Insurance
• Incentive Compensation Plan (ICP)
• Tuition Reimbursement Program

BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION ELEMENTS

• Criminal history
• Last 7 years of driving history
• Last 5 years of employment history to include military service
• Social Security number
• Education

• Medical evaluation
• Drug Screen
• Other elements as needed

SF: Internal Posting Only; MO | [[mfield5]] | Human Resources | Chicago, IL | 60632