Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Culture Manager at Bel Brands USA in Chicago, IL

Bel, makers of iconic brands including Babybel, The Laughing Cow, Boursin, and GoGo Squeez, and more, is a growing global company that values your contributions, strives to create a sense of belonging for everyone and offers career growth and development opportunities, as well as competitive total compensation and meaningful well-being benefits from day one. For All, For Good, our company signature, reflects Bel’s commitment to sustainability and healthier and responsible food for all. Bel Brands USA has been named Chicago's "101 Best and Brightest Companies to Work For" for 10 years in a row. The company has headquartes in Chicago for our Bel Cheese business and in New York City for GoGo Squeez. Bel operates five manufacturing plants in Little Chute, WI, Leitchfield, KY, and Brookings, SD, Nampa, ID, and Traverse City, MI.

Position Overview: As the Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Culture Manager, you will play a pivotal role in advancing and embedding EDI throughout the organization's processes, practices, and policies. Reporting to the Director of Organizational Development, this position will also serve as a partner for the global headquarters in France, providing guidance and support to ensure alignment with the organization's EDI goals and initiatives. Your primary responsibility will be to develop, implement, and manage programs that foster Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in the workplace, enhance employee satisfaction, well-being, and connection to our brand purpose and values.

Key Responsibilities:

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion:

Facilitate the definition and execution of EDI and culture initiatives, focusing on strengthening culture, driving change, and promoting inclusivity within the merged organization.
Organize and lead events and activities that foster a unified culture, bringing together employees from both merging businesses to build a cohesive and inclusive work environment.
Serve as a central enabler for organization-wide culture and EDI initiatives, including employee engagement initiatives and grassroots EDI initiatives.
Collaborate with leadership to develop and implement strategies that promote and maintain diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives within the merged organization.
Provide guidance and support to ensure that EDI initiatives align with the organization's mission and values.
Drive continuous learning, discussion, and action to create and maintain structures and ways of working that value and uphold diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice as foundational principles.
Ensure SOPs compliance with Diversity regulations and BEL’s values.
Lead the development of initiatives to enhance employee education and awareness of EDI, providing resources and training to foster a strong culture aligned with our values, in collaboration with the Talent Development Manager.
Collaborate with external stakeholders, including partners and suppliers, to align objectives and drive joint programs that benefit our organization and communities.
Act as a resource and advisor to employees, managers, and HR on EDI matters, providing support in addressing concerns, resolving conflicts, and promoting a healthy work environment.

Employee Engagement and Culture
Create and manage employee volunteerism programs, coordinating with local community organizations to support and amplify our impact.
Monitor and analyze employee feedback and engagement data from internal Employee Surveys, identifying areas for improvement and recommending strategies for enhancement.
Act as a Project Manager for common policies frameworks, in support to the Director of Organizational Development and the Project Team.

Values

Model and champion core values of Dare, Care and Commit and Winning Behaviors of Do What is Right…Not What is Easy, Think Bold, Act Fast, Simplify and Focus, Inspire and Grow Self and Others, Act with People and Plant Front of Mind, Play to Win as a Team, and Make Customers Smile.
Represent the HR Department, and company positively in all interactions.
Contribute to a respectful and engaged workplace where employees feel valued, appreciated, and empowered.
Actively seek to ensure Company is regarded as a great place to work.
Follows all safety rules and procedures by working safely and ensuring safety of others.

Key Performance Indicators:

Employee Engagement Index: Measure and track overall employee engagement levels using surveys or assessments to understand the impact of your programs and initiatives on employee satisfaction and commitment.
Employee Retention Rate: Measure the percentage of employees who stay with the company over a specific period. A high retention rate indicates that employees are engaged and satisfied, potentially influenced by the Company’s initiatives.
Employee Volunteer Participation Rate: Monitor the percentage of employees participating in volunteer activities and track the growth of volunteerism within the organization.
Employee Feedback Score on EDI: Gather feedback from employees regarding their perceptions of the organization's EDI efforts, impact, and alignment with personal values.
Partnership Impact Assessment: Evaluate the impact and effectiveness of partnerships with external organizations, assessing the value and outcomes achieved through collaborative DEIB initiatives.
Budget: Monitor the allocation and utilization of the EDI budget. Evaluate the efficiency of resource allocation, cost-saving measures, and the return on investment for EDI programs.

Qualifications:

Required minimum of 3 or more years of demonstrated experience in leading and implementing equity, diversity, and inclusion initiatives within a national or global organization.
Strong understanding of HR best practices in promoting and maintaining equity, diversity, and inclusion within the workplace.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
Strong project management skills, with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple initiatives simultaneously.
Demonstrated ability to drive change and promote inclusivity within an organization.
Knowledge of relevant laws, regulations, and compliance requirements related to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Expertise in developing and implementing employee engagement initiatives and strategies.
Analytical mindset with the ability to gather insights from data and translate them into actionable recommendations.
Passionate about corporate social responsibility and EDI, and the ability to inspire and motivate others to embrace these values.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
Willingness to adapt to a changing environment and navigate ambiguity.
Bachelor's degree in human resources, business administration, EDI/CSR, or a related field. Advanced degree preferred.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The physical requirements described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions.

Work is performed largely in an office with routine exposure to a plant environment which requires the use of appropriate personal protective equipment.
This is a hybrid role based in our Chicago office, offering the flexibility to work remotely for up to 10-12 days per month. The standard work hours are typically aligned with regular business hours, totaling 36-40 hours per week.
Some variation in work hours is expected due to special projects, deadlines, and other matters.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

Must be willing to travel 10-20% of the time to various company locations in the United States, France, and potentially other global destinations.

Total Rewards:

Base Salary: $110,000 - $120,000

Annual Incentive Bonus: 20%

401k, Medical, Dental, Vision benefits available from Day 1

PTO and more

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Bel Brands USA is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. We encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply.

This job description describes the general nature and level of work performed by an employee assigned to this position. It does not state or imply these are the only duties and responsibilities assigned to the job. The employee may be required to perform other job-related duties as requested by management. All requirements are subject to change over time and to possible modifications to reasonably accommodate individuals with a disability.

Bel Brands is an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, disability status or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. Bel Brands also prohibits harassment of applicants or employees based on any of these protected categories. It is also Bel Brand's policy to comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws respecting consideration of unemployment status in making hiring decisions.

Bel Brands is committed to recruiting, hiring and promoting people with disabilities and veterans. If you need an accommodation or assistance in using the website, please call 312-462-1500.

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