Assistant Director - Human Resources - Harbor

THE PORT OF LONG BEACH IS SEEKING AN ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES

(This is an at-will position)

Salary Range: $190,000 - $235,000

ABOUT US

The Port of Long Beach is a global leader in green port initiatives and top-notch customer service, moving cargo with reliability, speed and efficiency. As the premier U.S. gateway for trans-Pacific trade, the Port handles trade valued at $200 billion annually and supports 2.6 million jobs across the United States, including 575,000 in Southern California. In 2023, industry leaders named it "The Best West Coast Seaport in North America" for the fifth consecutive year. During the next 10 years, the Port is planning $2.3 billion in capital improvements aimed at enhancing capacity, competitiveness and sustainability.

CANDIDATE CONNECT (INFORMATION SESSION)

To learn more about this exciting career opportunity and the Port of Long Beach, please join our virtual information session on Monday, May 20, 2024 @ 5:00 pm PDT via MS Teams. This is a unique opportunity to hear first-hand about the position, speak directly with hiring leaders, ask questions, and learn why the Port of Long Beach is your employer of choice! Candidates are not required to be on camera. To join audio only, call +1 323-451-1087, Phone Conference ID: 337 676 668#  Click here to join the meeting. 

THE TEAM

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, the Human Resources (HR) Division is dedicated to exceptional service, innovation, and operational excellence that leads to attracting, engaging, and retaining a diversified and highly qualified workforce. The committed and inspired HR influencers in the division work diligently to ensure organizational alignment with strategic goals and values, and to foster an engaged, well-trained, and collaborative organization that promotes belonging and integrates people, processes and technology to promote a team-oriented culture with professional and personal growth.

THE ROLE

Reporting to the Director of Human Resources, the Assistant Director of Human Resources provides day-to-day oversight and leadership of professional, technical and administrative human resources staff performing aspects of human resources functions to include talent acquisition, learning and development, employee engagement, performance management, employee/labor relations, payroll and benefits, leave management, classification and compensation, process improvement, HR records, and compliance.

As a dynamic and forward-thinking leader, the Assistant Director actively engages in the strategic planning process, collaborating with the Director to shape the direction of the division. This role requires adept decision-making, effective communication, and the ability to foster a collaborative and high-performance work environment.

The following examples are intended to describe the general nature and scope of work performed by the Assistant Director. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required.

• Plans, organizes, directs, controls, integrates and evaluates the work of staff assigned to the Human Resources Division; and ensures a high-performance, service-oriented work environment that supports achievement of the Strategic Plan, Mission, Vision and values of the Port.

• Demonstrates sensitivity to and understanding of diversity, inclusion, and cultural competency; participates in and develops activities to increase and enhance equity-minded practices within the Port; develops and maintains an inclusive work environment that fosters diversity, respect and engagement.

• Provides interpretation, information, and advice regarding City policies and procedures, labor agreements, Civil Service, City Charter, Administrative Directives, department policies, and other rules and regulations that may impact the Port.

• Provides consultation and technical expertise to executives, managers and employees on  a variety of complex, sensitive and confidential organizational and employee-relations issues including performance improvement plans, grievance and disciplinary procedures and actions, Skelly processes, dispute settlements, mediation and arbitration; confers with legal counsel on personnel matters and labor relations issues.

• Conducts impartial fact-finding investigations and drafts disciplinary documents.

• Provides direction and support of classification and compensation activities in areas to include position audits, classification development, review of classification structure, and position allocations.

• Analyzes data and statistics for trends and patterns with attention to recruitment, hiring practices, motivation, turnover, and compliance with employment laws and regulations.

• Assists Director in special projects, budget planning and performance, policy/strategy development, business plans, and operational/resource priorities ensuring legal/policy compliance and consistency in Port services and programs.

• Ensures regular conduct of performance reviews and development plans and evaluations for all Port divisions.

• Works with employee and labor organizations  to resolve issues involving employee relations or labor contract interpretations or disputes; assists in the grievance process including arbitration.

• Reviews business processes, systems, or other changes that might impact existing workflows and recommends methods to optimize to desired state and improve efficiencies.

• May represent the Port on task forces, committees, projects and/or perform a variety of community outreach activities.

• Prepares and evaluates proposals and responses to contract bids and solicitations from professional organizations.

• Provides backup support to all HR staff as needed.

• May be assigned disaster service worker responsibilities as directed.

• Performs related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Education: Bachelor's degree in public or business administration, human resources management, industrial-organizational psychology, or a related discipline. Experience offering specific and substantial preparation for the duties of the position may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.  

• HR Experience: A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible professional-level experience in a public or private sector human resource environment.

• Supervisory Experience: A minimum of three (3) years serving in a supervisory or managerial capacity with oversight of staff engaged in human resources management functions.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master's degree or advanced coursework in a discipline related to Human Resources.

• Professional certifications such as PHR/SPHR, SHRM-CP/SCP, IPMA-CP/SCP, AWI-CH, and/or CCP.

• Experience working within a civil service system.

• Experience in a unionized environment.

• Experience in California's unique employment environment.

• Experience overseeing human resources function(s) in a public sector agency with a workforce of 500 employees or more.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

• Must be able to handle confidential department and employee information with complete discretion; use a high degree of tact, diplomacy and discretion in dealing with sensitive and confidential situations.

• Must be ethical with a high level of integrity.

• Must be self-motivated; do not require extensive direction or guidance.

• Must be dedicated to quality customer service and continuous improvement.

• Must display exceptional interpersonal skills and value the power of relationships.

• Must be able to compose correspondence, prepare documents and make arrangements with only brief instructions given.

• Must be able to handle frequent interruptions, and to prioritize tasks to complete multiple assignments with competing deadlines.

• Must have high-level organizational and planning skills so that workflow is managed efficiently and accurately; set priorities, take initiative and exercise sound independent judgment.

• Must be familiar with current trends and practices in the HR profession.

• Must have ability to prepare clear, accurate and concise reports.

• Requires a general understanding of Meyers-Milias-Brown Act (MMBA) principles, disciplinary procedures, and similar labor issues.

• Requires sufficient HR practice knowledge to navigate employment law, case law, policies and procedures, and make effective decisions utilizing this knowledge.

• Requires a broad understanding of Human Resources practices and procedures, especially with experience in California's unique employment environment.

• Proven ability to implement new programs or practices designed to enhance service and value.  

• A history of creating effective working relationships across functional lines is expected, with a collaborative work style.

In addition to skills and experience, we are also seeking an individual whose beliefs and behaviors are in alignment with our core values of visionary leadership, operational excellence, innovation, diversity, honesty and integrity, superior customer service, teamwork, and health and prosperous communities. The final filing date for this recruitment is Thursday, May 23, 2024 @ 11:59 pm PDT.  

The Port reserves the right to extend the closing date without notice in order to accept additional applications. Individuals determined to be qualified and best aligned to the position will be invited to participate in the selection process.  

HOW TO APPLY:

To be considered for this opportunity, please email a cover letter and resume in PDF format to hrexecrecruitment@polb.com.  Incomplete submissions (without a cover letter and resume) will not be considered.

If you require accommodation because of a disability in order to participate in any phase of the selection process, please contact (562) 283-7500 or email hrexecrecruitment@polb.com.

SAVE THE DATES:

Round one interviews will be held virtually on Monday, June 3, 2024, with finalists moving forward to in-person interviews on Tuesday, June 11, 2024. Candidates should ensure availability on both dates. The successful candidate will be appointed shortly thereafter. References will be completed for finalist candidates; and an employment offer is contingent on conducting a comprehensive background check.

LOCATION

This position is an on-site role based at 415 W. Ocean Blvd., Long Beach, CA 90802. The selected party is expected to be on-site Monday thru Friday.

The Port of Long Beach will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You are not required to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until you receive a conditional job offer. If the Port of Long Beach has concerns about a conviction that is directly related to the job after making a conditional job offer and conducting a background check, you will have the opportunity to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide evidence to mitigate concerns or challenge the accuracy of the background report. Find out more about the Fair Chance Act by visiting https://calcivilrights.ca.gov/fair-chance-act or https://www.longbeach.gov/hr/about-us/talent-acquisition/the-fair-chance-act/.

THE BENEFITS:

The Port of Long Beach established an annual salary range of $190,000 - $235,000 (placement depends on qualifications). An attractive package of executive-level benefits is also included, with the opportunity to work in one of the most diverse and dynamic areas of the United States. The Port's generous benefits package includes:

• Auto Allowance - $550.00 per month

• Executive Leave

• 40 hours per year.

• Retirement

• CalPERS 2% @ 62, coordinated with social security. Current member contribution is 8.00% for CalPERS, and 6.2% for social security, paid by the employee.

• Pay for Performance

• Pay for Performance is awarded based on employee performance as demonstrated through achievement of individual goals, demonstration of required competencies, and available budget funds.

• Deferred Compensation

• The City matches a percentage of base salary for qualified members contributing to the 457(b) plan.

• Group Health Insurance

• Medical and dental options (HMO and PPO). Free vision coverage.

• Life Insurance

• City-paid life insurance policy of $20,000 plus executive insurance benefit equal to three times annual salary up to a maximum of $500,000.

• Disability Insurance

• City-paid short- and long-term disability insurance.

• Vacation

• Vacation is accrued at 3.7 hours per pay period to begin, which is equivalent to two weeks on an annual basis. Vacation can be used after six months of service.

• Sick Leave

• Accrued at 8 hours per month. Accruals may be converted upon retirement to cash credit toward health and /or dental insurance premiums or retirement service credits.

• Paid Parental Leave

• After six (6) months of City employment, the City pays up to 30 consecutive days (160 hours) for eligible employees to take paid time to bond with the child upon birth, adoption, or foster placement of a child, up to the age of 17.

• Holidays

• 11 scheduled holidays per calendar year and four (4) personal holidays.

• Bereavement Leave

• 5 days for death or critical illness of immediate family member.

• Education Reimbursement

• Tuition reimbursement allows employees to obtain additional education or training.

• Annual Physical

• Eligible to receive an annual physical examination at the city's expense through the city-provided program.

• Public Student Loan Forgiveness

• As the Harbor Department of the City of Long Beach, a governmental agency, the Port of Long Beach is a qualifying employer for the Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.

• 529 college savings plan

• The ScholarShare529 plan is an account that allows employees to invest specifically for future education expenses through the Long Beach City Employees Federal Credit Union. Funds can be used from your 529 savings plan to send your grandkids, kids, or even yourself to any accredited public or private U.S. college or university - or two-year technical or vocational institution.

The Port of Long Beach is an Equal Opportunity Employer

We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. 

 www.polb.com