A Sr Manager HR Business Partner job in Paterson, WA is available at Ste. Michelle Wine Estates (SMWE). In this role, you will work directly with our production and operations teams that produce our award-winning wine. As a Senior Manager, HR Business Partner, you will translate business strategy and organizational objectives into HR solutions and plans, incorporating talent and workforce planning, leadership development, compliance, and culture to enable effective organizational transformation. This position is primarily on-site at Columbia Crest Winery, supporting operations and site leadership.
Ste. Michelle Wine Estates is the largest wine company in the Pacific Northwest, and among the largest premium wine companies in the U.S, with roots dating back to 1933. Throughout our 90+ year history, what has remained constant is our unwavering commitment to quality, service to our customers, and connection with our community. We are proud that our award-winning wines farmed in Oregon and Washington are an expression of all the best things about the Pacific Northwest — the spirit of people, the abundance of the land, and the excellence-driven culture. Our distinctive portfolio of wines, including Chateau Ste. Michelle, 14 Hands, Columbia Crest, Intrinsic, Liquid Light, Northstar, and Spring Valley Vineyard, are enjoyed across the U.S. and distributed in over 100 countries.
Sr Manager HR Business Partner job responsibilities include:
- Serve as the primary HR advisor and strategic partner to production and site leadership, aligning people strategies with operational and business objectives.
- Lead workforce planning efforts, including high-volume seasonal and pre-harvest recruiting that may fluctuate up to 80% of annual hiring needs.
- Coach leaders on strategies to build their talent, improve their culture, build their own capability and improve performance of their teams. This includes facilitating leadership engagement, identifying gaps and providing tools and resources to support a large hourly workforce on: coaching, feedback, recognition, change management, inclusion and performance management.
- Provide talent analytics and insights to identify performance and engagement gaps and help clients to develop action plans.
- Provide HR compliance and employee/labor relations support, including policy guidance, investigations, and partnering with Labor Relations on grievances; coordinate leave administration in accordance with Washington and federal requirements in partnership with HR Shared Services and third-party administrators.
- Support work-related injury and workers’ compensation processes, including timely reporting/documentation, incident follow-up, and return-to-work planning (modified duty and accommodations) consistent with Washington requirements.
- Guide leaders through complex people decisions with a focus on accountability, fairness, and consistency.
- Influence and strengthen site culture through leadership capabilities, feedback mechanisms, and change initiatives.
- Support and promote benefits and well-being initiatives for the on-site employee population; help employees navigate available programs and resources in partnership with Total Rewards and HR Shared Services.
- Pro-actively contribute to the design, development and communication of HR programs – enjoys creating new innovative ways of delivering our services.
Position Requirements:
- 8+ years of HR experience (e.g., organizational development, diversity & inclusion, talent acquisition, compensation & benefits, leadership development & training, HRIS, labor relations, investigations, etc.).
- 2+ years of proven HR business partner experience.
- Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree and related professional certification a plus.
- Valid Drivers license required.
- Ability to meet travel expectations. Approximately 25% travel required to support outlying production operations and vineyards, averaging 2–3 times per month.
- Ability to work in a manufacturing/winery environment, which may include exposure to noise, varying temperatures, wet areas, and typical winery-related odors and materials.
- Ability to work a flexible schedule, including early/late hours, particularly during peak production periods (e.g., harvest) and seasonal hiring ramps.
- Ability to walk/stand for periods during time spent on the production floor and visiting multiple work areas.
- Excellent interpersonal engagement and collaboration skills, successfully building and managing relationships to influence and work effectively with individuals at all levels in the company.
- Demonstrated ownership of the employee experience, fostering a coachable environment grounded in continuous feedback, accountability, and growth.
- Strong aptitude for critical thinking, insights and analysis, and providing sound rationale for recommendations.
- Experience in a manufacturing or production environment – labor relations/collective bargaining unit experience strongly preferred.
- Experience partnering cross-functionally with site leaders and teams (e.g., EHS/Safety and Compliance) to proactively manage people-related risk, investigations, training, and policy adherence.
- Must be able to comply with all site safety requirements, including wearing required personal protective equipment (PPE) when in production areas.
- Working knowledge of Washington employment practices (e.g., leave administration and return-to-work).
- Bilingual in English/Spanish preferred
- History of responsible use of alcohol and other appropriate conduct, as well as fitness to be licensed, permitted, and/or certified by state and/or local regulatory bodies.
Your Compensation:
$110,093 - $143,132/yr. based upon relevant experience.
At Ste. Michelle Wine Estates we believe in paying our employees equal pay for equal work. Individual offers are made dependent upon a candidate’s prior experience and education level as it pertains to the role.
Benefits of working with Ste. Michelle Wine Estates:
Our Total Rewards programs are designed to attract, motivate, and retain talented, curious people with a passion for innovation, collaboration, continuous improvement, and growth. We offer leading programs that inspire and reward superior performance and foster an inclusive, diverse, and healthy workforce.
- Health Care Coverage including medical, dental, vision & prescription – eligible on date of hire for full-time employees
- Paid Vacation & Holidays
- 401(k) with Employer Match
- Employee Wine Discounts
Culture at Ste. Michelle:
- We Challenge: We are driven to succeed in everything we do, and we challenge ourselves and our team to perform at the highest level.
- We Care: We put people first – our team, our consumers, our customers, our communities.
- We Collaborate: We believe there is nothing we can’t accomplish – together – and we believe lifting up those around us is essential to achieving both individual and collective success.
Need assistance with the application process? Click here to review step by step instructions available in English or Spanish.
Ste. Michelle Wine Estates is an equal opportunity employer. We consider qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, gender identity, protected veteran status, or other protected class. For more information, see the EEOC's "Equal Employment Opportunity is The Law" poster.
Ste. Michelle Wine Estates participates in E-Verify. E-Verify is a United States Department of Homeland Security website that allows businesses to determine the eligibility of their employees to work in the United States. Please visit the following website for additional information: https://www.e-verify.gov/about-e-verify/what-is-e-verify
