Human Resources Director at La Montanita Food Cooperative, Inc – Albuquerque, New Mexico

The Human Resources Director (HRD) leads and oversees all human resources functions for La Montañita Food Cooperative. This role is responsible for HR strategy, legal compliance, labor relations, benefits administration, payroll oversight, talent management, and employee relations. As a member of the Cooperative Leadership Team, the HRD partners with leadership to support organizational goals, cooperative values, and a positive, compliant workplace culture.

Essential Responsibilities

• Provide strategic HR leadership aligned with organizational goals, including staffing, retention, engagement, and development.
• Lead labor relations, including administration of the union contract, grievances, and negotiations.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws; oversee investigations, workers’ compensation, unemployment, and risk management.
• Oversee recruitment, hiring, onboarding, performance management, training, and succession planning.
• Direct compensation, benefits, payroll oversight, and HR vendor relationships.
• Develop and maintain HR policies, employee handbook, job descriptions, and personnel records.
• Advise and support leadership and team members on complex employee relations issues, maintaining confidentiality and professionalism.
• Analyze HR data and employee surveys to inform decisions and continuous improvement.
• Manage the HR department budget, operations, and staff performance.

Required Qualifications & Attributes

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources or related field, or equivalent experience.
• Minimum five (5) years of senior-level human resources leadership experience.
• Strong knowledge of employment law, labor relations, and HR best practices.
• Demonstrated leadership, judgment, communication, and organizational skills.
• Experience managing budgets and HR systems.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record, as driving is required to perform the essential functions of this position.
• Proficient computer skills to include Word, Power Point, Excel, email, and website software with an aptitude to learning new programs.
• Ability to adhere and follow safety, regulatory, and wellness guidelines. Safety Conscious and adhering to required PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) is required.

Preferred Qualifications

• HR certification (e.g., SHRM, PHR/SPHR).
• Experience in a cooperative or unionized environment.

Key Attributes

• High integrity and confidentiality
• Strong interpersonal, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills
• Analytical, organized, adaptable, and service oriented
• Committed to cooperative values, DEI, and team development
• Working Conditions (Summary)
• Office based role with regular computer use, meetings, and occasional lifting. Requires travel to store locations and flexible scheduling as needed.