Human Resources Business Partner - Hackney Petroleum (The Local Market convenience stores)

Human Resources Business Partner for Hackney Petroleum & The Local Market (Retail Convenience Stores)

Location: Based in Knoxville, covering stores in East Tennessee and Western North Carolina. Overnight travel is required approximately 2 times per month. Company car provided.

Reports To: General Manager, H.T. Hackney Petroleum

About the Role:

The Human Resources Business Partner (HRBP) supports the people strategy for a network of retail convenience stores across 26 locations in East Tennessee and Western North Carolina. As a trusted advisor to district and store leadership teams, the HRBP drives employee engagement, ensures compliance, and fosters a culture of accountability, service, and operational excellence. This role combines strategic HR partnership with hands-on field support to meet the unique needs of a fast-paced, customer-driven retail environment.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Partnership & Field Support

• Partner with district and store managers to align HR initiatives with business objectives and performance goals.
• Act as a consultant on staffing, labor planning, and organizational design to optimize store coverage and productivity.
• Create and implement programs to improve retention, turnover, and engagement.

Employee Relations & Compliance

• Serve as the first point of contact for employee relations matters across all of Hackney Petroleum
• Investigate and resolve employee issues, ensuring consistency, fairness, and adherence to company policy and employment law.
• Ensure stores maintain compliance with federal, state, and local labor laws, including wage & hour, safety, and scheduling regulations.

Talent Acquisition & Retention

• Partner with District and Store management to attract and hire high-performing employees for retail and field management roles.
• Support hiring strategies for all store operations, emphasizing reliability, service excellence, and community connection.
• Analyze turnover trends and develop retention strategies tailored to frontline retail employees.

Learning, Development & Engagement

• Coach store and district managers on leadership effectiveness, employee motivation, and team performance.
• Support onboarding, training, and career path initiatives to develop internal talent and reduce dependency on external hires.
• Lead employee engagement and recognition programs that reinforce a positive workplace culture.

Performance & Compensation

• Guide performance management and corrective action processes to ensure fair and consistent outcomes.
• Partner with leadership on annual reviews, pay adjustments, and incentive programs.
• Support workforce planning during seasonal and operational peaks.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• Minimum 3 years of progressive HR experience, including 2+ years in a multi-site retail or convenience store environment.
• Will consider Advanced HR Degree in lieu of experience.
• Solid understanding of retail operations, scheduling, and compliance requirements for hourly workforces.
• Proven ability to build trust and influence store and district-level leadership.
• Strong communication, conflict resolution, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to travel regularly within assigned territory (up to 50%).
• HR certification (SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or SPHR) preferred.

Pay: $65,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person