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Create a healthier, brighter future for pets, pet parents and people!
If you want to make a real difference, create an exciting career path, feel welcome to be your whole self and nurture your wellbeing, Petco is the place for you.
Our core values capture that spirit as we work to improve lives by doing what’s right for pets, people and our planet.
- We love all pets like our own
- We’re the future of the pet industry
- We’re here to improve lives
- We drive outstanding results together
- We’re welcome as we are
Petco is a category-defining health and wellness company focused on improving the lives of pets, pet parents and Petco partners. We are 29,000 strong, working together across 1,500+ pet care centers, 250+ Vetco Total Care hospitals, hundreds of preventive care clinics, eight distribution centers and two support centers.
Essential Functions
The incumbent must be able to perform all of the following duties and responsibilities with or without a reasonable accommodation.
With no day-to-day management oversight, must be able to represent the Partner Relations Center of Excellence as a strategic work-stream lead on key projects.
Management and analysis of high-level ER cases (typically related to harassment, discrimination, retaliation, hostile work environment, or other high-risk areas, including investigations pertaining to leaders or executives) from beginning to conclusion, when appropriate. This includes an initial assessment of the risk posed by the complaint, identifying the appropriate methodology to investigate such issue(s), seeking out the correct tools and resources to obtain evidentiary information/facts, and maintaining factual, supported, and detailed written accounts of the investigation. Candidate must be able to identify key risk areas and summarize risks and/or findings in an articulate and concise manner for need-to-know leaders, up to the Executive level. Strategize with legal counsel, Partner Relations Manager, and other key business partners regarding high risk/sensitive matters and provide input on recommended investigative process and/or resolution.
Complete discovery work and write position statements in response to administrative/agency claims.
Offer subject matter expertise and thought partnership to HR colleagues and/or business leaders throughout the organization (at various levels) who are addressing an HR matter that has an element of risk to the Company. Influence for the best outcome which mitigates risk to the company, is defensible in a court of law, minimizes ongoing risk, exposure, liability and costs, and promotes Petco culture and values. Includes advising leaders on disciplinary action, up to and including termination, where applicable.
Responsible for responding to formalized current and former partner complaints filed with State, Local or Federal agencies. This may include writing formal responses, communicating with government officials, and/or attending mediation. Must have strong persuasive writing skills and ability to organize complex investigation details into an easy to follow, condensed narrative without including extraneous details that are not highly relevant. Must have ability to isolate key opportunities for legal argument or defense and articulate an appropriate company response in that specific area.
Assist in representing Petco in Partner-related legal and compliance matters to include but not limited to; mediation hearings with various state, federal, local entities (CCRD, Dept. of Labor (DOL), etc.,), depositions in which opposing counsel is interviewing Petco partners, attend depositions as the subject matter-expert and be deposed on Petco practices and policies and be the point-of contact for DOL onsite wage and hour audits/inspections. Must be well prepared in advance to defend Petco’s actions, challenge presented information, and negotiate settlements.
Expert counsel and assistance related to sensitive HR matters, including but not limited to reduction-in-force communication, severance agreements, and other highly confidential matters.
Interact with the Leave and Accommodation and/or Risk Management departments in discussing leave and accommodation matters. Must have knowledge of ADA and other applicable state and federal laws, be able to make recommendations, and determine areas of legal risk.
Offer assistance with Legal-led (attorney-based) cases, which may include fact gathering, input on case details, and strategic thought partnership on possible resolution.
Interpret policies and procedures and advise on fair and equitable employment practices that are in alignment with State and Federal law, consistent with past practice, and supportive of Petco values and culture.
Other Duties And Responsibilities
Crisis response, such as during national, state, or local disasters. Assist on-the-ground leaders by connecting them with available resources and/or organizing support for partners impacted by crises.
In the interim absence of the Manager, Partner Relations may assume those responsibilities and oversight of the Partner Relations staff.
Work on/lead other ER projects, as needed (e.g. training support/administration, review of processes and policies, knowledge of local ordinances that impact business practices, etc.). Must maintain up-to-date knowledge of employment laws as well as monitor employment law trends. Proactively conduct review of current processes/policies and initiate steps to avoid/eliminate potential Company exposure.
Education and Experience
A 4-year college degree or the equivalent work experience is required. A minimum of 6 years of exempt-level Partner (Employee) Relations experience is required, preferably in a multi-state and high-volume environment. Must have a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of current employment law and working with in-house and/or external counsel. Previous experience representing the company in various partner related matters with federal/state entities and legal matters. Prior experience writing position statements in response to administrative/agency claims.
Competencies
As a work-stream lead, offer assertive and thoughtful recommendations and input during project management.
Express confidence and gain respect as the subject matter expert among peers and leaders, both within and outside of HR.
Effectively influence all levels within the organization by having expert knowledge and projecting the highest level of integrity, credibility, and professionalism, particularly during investigations and related follow up.
Show strong verbal and written communication skills. Regularly demonstrate ability to effectively organize thoughts and articulate a clear, impactful and persuasive argument in favor of a recommended action.
Must have strong persuasive writing skills and ability to organize complex investigation details into an easy to follow, condensed narrative without including extraneous details that are not highly relevant. Must have ability to isolate key opportunities for legal argument or defense and articulate an appropriate company response in that specific area.
Ability to professionally lead and engage in conflict management discussions in a way that drives for resolution for all parties.
Highly developed detail orientation, initiative, problem solving and analytical skills.
Demonstrated ability to independently prioritize work in an organized and efficient manner to accurately complete assignments and investigations on time and meet critical, legally driven timelines.
High level of critical thinking. Ability to think logically and identify key issues in ambiguous problems, considering past practice, legal risks, company values and culture, and various other impacting circumstances that drive a final recommendation.
Demonstrate the highest level of confidentiality.
Understanding that duties and responsibilities may be added, deleted, or changed at any time at the discretion of management, formally or informally, either verbally or in writing.
Work Environment
Most job duties are conducted while seated indoors, with little or no exposure to hazards. Some travel may be required.
Petco Animal Supplies, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or any other protected classification.
