Job Description:

VICE PRESIDENT OF HUMAN RESOURCESLOCATION: Primarily in-person either at La Quinta or Bakersfield, CaliforniaSun World International is a California-based agriculture and technology firm engaged in fruit variety development, technology, intellectual property, and licensing. Technology and IP pursuits include a leading fruit breedinggenetics programs, a broad-based portfolio of plant patents and trademarks, and investments in agriculture technology start-ups benefiting its global licensees. Licensing consists of sharing new proprietary stone fruit and table grape varieties, and the IP they comprise, with like-minded fruit growers and marketers in more than 15 countries around the world. The Company prizes creativity, innovation, and an entrepreneurial spirit. Its people strive for excellence by demonstrating leadership, passion, kindness, authenticity, courage, initiative, and curiosity.ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY The Vice President of Human Resources is responsible for developing and administering all human resource-related strategies, policies and programs and, in so doing, for helping to articulate the Company's culture and values as well as its commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. The person occupying this management role will enable and support a highly engaged and connected global team with high morale and retention. Creative analysis, independent thought, and a proactive approach to adding value to the organization are key elements of this position.Reports To: President & Chief Operating Officer with dotted line reporting to Chief Financial Officer on payroll and benefits mattersPersonnel Supervised: People & Culture ManagerHours Worked: Full time, 40 hoursweek, Monday-Friday. Evening and weekend hours as pensation: Base salary $135K-$160K, plus bonus potential up to 30%, and a comprehensive benefits package supporting employee wellness and security.PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIESFormulate, recommend and ensure adherence to the Company's HR strategies, policies, and objectives while protecting interests of employees and the Company in accordance with company HR policies and applicable governmental laws and regulations. Act as primary contact with labor counsel and outside government labor related agenciesEstablishmaintain position descriptions, wage and salary structure, pay policies, performance appraisal programs, employee benefit programs and services, and company safety and health programs. Monitor for effectiveness and cost containment.Establish standard recruiting and placement practices and procedures, and work effectively with respective hiring managers in the process of recruiting new employees.Develop and administer effective employee onboarding and offboarding processes and serve as the lead point of HR contact for employees. Maintain the Company's employee handbook to ensure that it complies with current labor regulations and practices. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with the company's payroll, benefits, 401K, safety, and workers' compensation service providers. Administer these employee welfare programs and be the company's point person for external audits of these programs. Establish and assist with implementation of all training programs while staying current with HR trends, best practices, employee training and regulations.Responsible for the continued development and implementation of the company's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Maintain a disciplined filing system for personnel files and other relevant HR documentation.Additional duties, responsibilities, and projects as assigned.REQUIRED SKILLS & KNOWLEDGEBachelor's degree in Human Resources or a related field. Master's Degree and HRCI certification are pluses. Minimum 10 years of experience gained through increasingly responsible management positions within Human Resources. HR knowledge of, and experience working in, California preferred. Strong interpersonal, management, leadership, conflict resolution, problem-solving, and mediation skills.Self-starter, works well under pressure, ability to positively adapt to changing priorities.Strong work ethic and team mentality, and high degree of accountability.Excellent English verbal and written communication skills, with proven ability to meet deadlines. Ability to speak, read, and write Spanish is helpful but not required.Broad background with knowledge of organizational design and planning, employment, compensation, payroll, employee benefits, employee relations, and training and development.Solid knowledge of HR legal requirements and government reporting regulations to ensure that the company is in compliance with the related policies, procedures, and puter literacy, proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.Proficiency in HRIS and talent management systems.Primary base location will be at Company's administrative office in Bakersfield, California or executive office in La Quinta, California Ability to work flexible hours to accommodate employees based in countries other than the United States.