Director of People & Culture - World Foods : Job Details

Director of People & Culture

World Foods

Job Location : Portland,OR, USA

Posted on : 2025-08-05T01:23:53Z

Job Description :

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World Foods / Ya Hala is looking for a strategic and visionary Director of People & Culture to join our team and shape the future of our workplace. In this role, you'll drive our human resources strategy to support our business goals and values. You'll oversee key areas including talent acquisition, organizational development, performance management, employee engagement, diversity & inclusion, and compliance.

If you're passionate about building strong teams, creating inclusive cultures, and aligning HR practices with big-picture business strategy, we want to meet you.

OUR HISTORY

Our story begins in 1999, when Ya Hala opened its doors on the outskirts of Southeast Portland, introducing the city to authentic, home-cooked Lebanese cuisine. Rooted in quality, tradition, and the spirit of gathering, Ya Hala quickly became a beloved destination for exceptional food and hospitality.

In 2004, the same passion for culture and flavor gave rise to Barbur World Foods—a locally owned marketplace offering a rich selection of international ingredients, local favorites, fresh produce, and Mediterranean specialties.

A decade later, the vision expanded again with the opening of World Foods on Everett in 2014, bringing global flavors and a welcoming neighborhood experience to Portland's west side. Today, World Foods continues to celebrate diversity through food, connecting communities with thoughtfully curated products and warm, inclusive service.

OUR CORE VALUES

Hospitality and Warmth

We want to do more than just provide a wide product selection and delicious food – we want to enrich our customer's lives with customer service that demonstrates genuine warmth and hospitality. By engaging with our customers on a personal level, we elevate ourselves above being ‘just a business' to being a cornerstone of the community we're in.

Unique and Inspired Selections

From staples to local favorites to international specialty items, the products available at each grocery store location must consistently demonstrate our knowledge of local trends and show deference to international culinary favorites.

Working For World Foods Means

  • Receive a 50% discount at the deli and 20% discount on all other items at both World Foods locations.
  • Flexible paid time off that increases with tenure.
  • Have the option to enroll in affordable health, dental, and vision insurance.
  • Have the option to enroll in short-term-disability insurance.
  • Optional 401K.
  • Be compensated based on your professional knowledge and experience.

Essential Job Functions

The following list encompasses the essential functions of this position. The individual is also responsible for engaging in linked or supporting actions even if those actions are not explicitly stated.

Strategic Planning & Leadership

  • Develop and implement HR strategies and initiatives aligned with the overall business strategy.
  • Serve as a strategic partner to the executive leadership team, providing insights and recommendations on HR and organizational issues.
  • Drive organizational change initiatives to enhance business performance and foster a positive culture.
  • Align efficiency initiatives with the company's strategic goals and objectives.

Talent Acquisition And Management

  • Oversee the recruitment and selection process to attract top talent.
  • Implement effective onboarding programs to integrate new employees.
  • Develop and maintain a robust talent pipeline to support business growth and succession planning.

Employee Engagement And Retention

  • Design and implement employee engagement programs to enhance job satisfaction and retention.
  • Conduct regular employee surveys and develop action plans based on feedback.
  • Promote a culture of continuous feedback and recognition.

Performance Management

  • Develop and manage performance appraisal systems that drive high performance.
  • Provide coaching and development opportunities for employees at all levels.
  • Implement performance improvement plans when necessary.

Learning And Development

  • Identify training needs and create development programs to enhance employee skills and career progression.
  • Foster a culture of continuous learning and development.

Compliance, Risk Management, And Safety

  • Ensure compliance with labor laws, regulations, and internal policies.
  • Oversee employee relations issues and resolve conflicts effectively.
  • Manage HR-related risks and implement risk mitigation strategies.
  • Administration and management of employee leave (FMLA, OFLA, FFCRA) and ADA.
  • Collect data and submit annual filings including EEOC, ACA, and 401K.
  • Respond to unemployment claims in an accurate and timely manner as needed.
  • Implement and track site specific employee safety programs.

Culture And Employee Experience

  • Cultivate and sustain a positive, values-driven organizational culture.
  • Lead initiatives to enhance the overall employee experience.
  • Act as a culture ambassador, promoting the company's mission, vision, and values.

Documentation And Compliance

  • Maintain all employees' files, ensuring appropriate organization and compliance.
  • Ensure onboarding, off-boarding, and employee change documentation are handled accurately and timely.
  • Work with management and company leaders to ensure HR documents are up-to-date and compliant with relevant laws.

Process Optimization

  • Design and implement process improvements to enhance productivity and reduce costs.
  • Foster a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement across the organization.
  • Lead change management efforts to ensure successful implementation of efficiency initiatives.

KEY SUCCESS ATTRIBUTES

Education & Experience

  • Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
  • At least 7 years of progressive experience in Human Resources leadership, ideally in a fast-paced, growth-oriented organization.
  • Proven experience developing and implementing HR strategies aligned with business objectives.
  • Demonstrated success leading and managing a team of HR professionals.
  • Extensive experience in key HR functions including talent acquisition, employee relations, performance management, compensation and benefits, and training and development
  • Experience with change management and organizational development initiatives.
  • Experience using HRIS systems and other HR technologies; Paycom experience strongly preferred.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.

Core Competencies

  • Strong professional presence and the ability to proactively fulfill position responsibilities.
  • Adaptability to change and openness to new ideas; approaches concerns with solution-oriented thinking.
  • Commitment to excellent customer service, treating all individuals in a warm and welcoming manner.
  • Strong communication skills—able to effectively read, write, and speak in English with co-workers, managers, and vendors.
  • Dependability and accountability in managing work schedules and responsibilities.
  • Willingness to accept feedback and take initiative for personal and professional development.
  • Adherence to workplace policies and procedures; uses common sense and seeks clarification when needed.
  • Collaborative and supportive approach to teamwork, including offering assistance when appropriate.

Capability Requirements

The following capabilities are required to perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations that do not create an undue burden on the company are available to address the following requirements.

  • Recognize, interpret, and respond to variety of sounds.
  • Sustain concentration and focus in a busy environment.
  • Use full range of motion to and utilize fine motor skills.
  • Pick up, carry, hold, and deliver items of up to 30 pounds.
  • Use direct, peripheral, near, and far vision.
  • Sit and stand for prolonged periods of time.
  • Be able to remember and adhere to written or verbally shared instructions and directions.
  • Valid Driver License and vehicle may be required, with ability to travel regularly to store locations.
  • Flexible schedule; while this position is primarily Monday-Friday, as a retail grocer we operate 7 days a week and 364 days/year and as such work in support of our stores may include evening and weekend hours per the needs of the business.
Seniority level
  • Director
Employment type
  • Full-time
Job function
  • Other
Industries
  • Food and Beverage Services

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