HR Consultant Job at Audi USA in Belmont

VW. Two letters. Endless opportunities. A bright future.

Innovation. Sophistication. Optimization. This is our Passion.

Worldwide, the Volkswagen Group has a long tradition of dramatic innovations. The Volkswagen Group, with its headquarters in Wolfsburg, is one of the world’s leading automobile manufacturers and the largest carmaker in Europe. The Group comprises twelve brands from seven European countries: Volkswagen Passenger Cars, Audi, SEAT, ŠKODA, Bentley, Bugatti, Lamborghini, Porsche, Ducati, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, Scania and MAN. Here in the US, we are blending German engineering with American ingenuity.

At the Innovation & Engineering Center California (IECC), we represent the Volkswagen Group in applied research and development. Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, we create bold new ideas for the Volkswagen, Audi, Bentley, Lamborghini, Bugatti and Porsche brands. We’re a team of engineers, designers, scientists, and psychologists looking to develop innovations for future generations of cars, and to transfer technologies from many industries and research institutions into the automotive domain. Our mission is to drive change which means we are not only impacting one of the world’s largest car makers, but also the lives of millions of people. Are you ready to join us?

Role Summary

The Human Resources Consultant serves as the primary HR business partner to an Engineering and Software organization and is responsible for supporting high impact HR strategies that support a high performing culture, recognition as a top employer, and company/client-specific business objectives.

The HR Consultant provides dedicated support to managers and employees and is responsible for addressing the Human Resources needs for internal customers by providing services that include staffing, employee orientation, pay administration, training, employee relations, policy administration and implementation of key human resources initiatives that support the needs of the business. This position will also serve as a subject matter expert for California labor and employment compliance.

Role Responsibilities

• Partner with managers to support the effective planning and implementation of their key business objectives.
• Support organization structure changes, workforce planning efforts, and headcount compliance. Collaborate with HRIS team to maintain accurate employee data and organization charts.
• Secure necessary approvals for filling open positions, relocating employees, and obtaining Foreign Service assignees.
• Work collaboratively with Recruiting team to ensure clients’ positions are filled with qualified and diverse candidates in a timely manner; prepare personnel announcements; facilitate new employee orientation and work with hiring managers to ensure that those hired are effectively on-boarded into the organization.
• Provide planning and support to clients for Performance Management, merit pay, and bonus programs.
• Develop compensation offers. Work with Compensation function on job evaluations, market/equity analyses and pay adjustments needed to reward and retain talent. Process pay changes in collaboration with HRIS team and prepare pay adjustment communications for employees.
• Promote efforts to measure employee satisfaction within supported client groups, and facilitate action planning to improve employee engagement. Identify local workforce issues and recommend strategies and interventions.
• Guide, provide coaching to, and participate with managers to facilitate performance, policy, disciplinary and other complex issues with employees. Monitor performance improvement plans, work with Legal Counsel on investigations and terminations, and take actions to protect the interest of employees and the Company in accordance with Company policies and governmental laws and regulations.
• Administer workers compensation, disability, leaves of absence and FMLA processes.
• Serve as employee point of contact to address issues and process requests concerning HR policies, benefits, payroll and leaves of absence. Answer employee questions, leveraging Corporate HR resources as appropriate, and encourage employees to the self‑service resources available to them.
• Identify clients’ training and development needs and administer employee training programs that take place locally.
• Support HR initiatives that are related to key components of HR strategy such as top employer, top team, top performance, and wellness. Coordinate with others on corporate initiatives to promote diversity, community involvement, and brand awareness. Facilitate local services, programs, activities and events as required.
• Administer the employee separate process for client groups supported.
• Act as lead for California‑specific HR operations and legal inquiries across the organization.
• Provide guidance to other HR Consultants on various aspects of California employment law, employee relations, labor relations, policy interpretation and disciplinary procedures.
• Serve as point of contact and subject matter for expert for escalated CA‑specific issues.
• Continuously evaluate California labor law and compliance topics and propose updates to VWGoA policies.
• Collaborate with relevant stakeholders (including Payroll, HRIS, Legal and Compliance teams) to determine best practices, communications, and updates to internal procedures related to California labor law.
• Assist in designing policy content and delivering training for employees, managers, and the HR team that ensures compliance with relevant CA legislative or policy changes.
• Participate in HR projects as needed.

Qualifications

Years of Experience

• 5-7 years of experience in Human Resources field as a consultant, generalist, or specialist plus Bachelor’s degree
• 3+ years of California labor law and compliance experience within the Human Resources function

Education – Required

• Bachelor's degree in HR Management, Business, or related field of study or equivalent

Education – Desired

• Master's degree in HR Management, Business, or related field of study or equivalent

Skills

• Excellent written and verbal communications skills
• Strong customer focus
• Proven presentation and facilitation skills

Specialized Skills – Required

• Knowledge of all functional areas of Human Resources
• Proven presentation and facilitation skills
• Thorough understanding of Federal and State employment and labor laws
• Competent relationship, counseling, coaching, and conflict resolution skills
• Strong customer focus
• Display patience, professional integrity, and exhibit self‑confidence
• Ability to analyze and interpret standard HR data

Specialized Skills – Desired

• PHR or SPHR Certified Human Resources Professional Designation
• CA Employment Law Certification
• Experience with SAP Personnel Management Systems
• Knowledge of the Automotive industry
• Familiarity with global HR policies, processes, and programs

Work Flexibility

• Position requires flexibility to address the dynamic and changing needs of the organization. Travel to remote locations is required to participate in meetings, workshops, and to address employee relations issues. Total combined travel of approximately 10%. Standard work schedule with overtime expected to meet business demands.

Salary is determined by geographical location and adjusted accordingly. In Silicon Valley, the expected base salary range is between $124,000 - $145,000. Other benefits for this position include:

• Eligibility for annual performance bonus
• Healthcare benefits
• 401(k), with company match
• Defined contribution retirement program.
• Tuition reimbursement
• Company lease car program
• Paid time off

Volkswagen Group of America is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome and encourage applicants from all backgrounds, and do not discriminate based on race, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, color, gender identity/expression, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by applicable laws.