Human Resources Generalist

Powell's Burnside location in Downtown Portland has an opening for a Human Resources Generalist.

The HR Generalist is a member of the Corporate Human Resources Team and is responsible for providing leadership to Burnside location managers in all areas of human resources with particular emphasis on employee relations, performance management and improvement, and hiring. The position also supports the Corporate HR Department in administration of FMLA/OFLA, ADA, and related regulations. This is an on-site position.

Powell’s City of Books is known worldwide as a premier independent bookstore and an icon in the Portland community. We’re committed to fostering a culture and environment of inclusion, empowerment, and respect – a place where everyone can show up fully as themselves and do their best work every day.

Powell’s offers an extensive benefits package including:

• Generous healthcare plan (medical, vision, and dental)
• 401(k) savings plan
• Education benefit
• Childcare subsidy
• Substantial employee discount that is also available to your significant other, children, parents, and siblings

Pay: $51K - $83K per year, depending on experience

Schedule: The regular schedule is Monday through Friday, business hours, with occasional need to flex hours.

Closing Date: Sunday, November 1, 2026

Additional Information: Please include a cover letter with a brief description of relevant skills and experience and the reason why you’re interested in the position.

Position Title: Human Resources Generalist
Location: Burnside
Group: X6
Date: 10/26

Position Summary:
The HR Generalist is a member of the Corporate Human Resources Team and is responsible for providing leadership to Burnside location managers in all areas of human resources with particular emphasis on employee relations, performance management and improvement, and hiring. Responsible for store administration of company personnel policies. Works closely with the Corporate HR Department in all areas including hiring, the collective bargaining agreement, and timekeeping to ensure consistency with company policies and practices. Supports the Corporate HR Department in administration of FMLA/OFLA, ADA, and related regulations. Supports the Burnside management team with its personnel actions, communications and leadership development. As a member of the Burnside Leadership Team, shares responsibility for implementing and furthering the company’s vision. Contributes to the development of a culture that emphasizes continuous improvement and high performance. Goals, objectives, and significant business decisions are approved by the Flagship Store Director and Chief HR Officer. This position reports to the Flagship Store Director.

Essential Functions:

• Works with Corporate Human Resources Department to implement human resources policies.
• Provides formal and informal management coaching on administration and application of company human resources policies, practices and the collective bargaining agreement. Serves as a resource to employees and managers regarding Powell’s benefits and policies.
• Counsels and coaches managers in resolving employee relations issues, including performance management, holding inquiry and investigatory conversations, and developing and delivering progressive discipline up to and including termination.
• Investigates and responds to employee complaints.
• Oversees ADA workplace accommodations process for Burnside location.
• Partners with the Hiring Specialist to assist and support all stages of the company hiring processes including job description review, posting openings, candidate screening, interviewing, and job offers.
• Works with the corporate onboarding team and department managers to facilitate new employee on-boarding, store and department-level training, and employee reviews.
• Oversees Attendance and Timekeeping Policy administration and scheduling practices in alignment with company and store standards.
• Supervises HR Administrative Specialist and Hiring Specialist positions.
• Leads and models outstanding internal and external customer service.
• Serves on committees and leads meetings and projects as needed.

• Other duties as required.

Requirements / Qualifications:

• Coursework in human resources, related field or equivalent experience preferred.
• 3+ years of related human resources experience.
• Familiarity with Equal Employment Opportunity, FMLA, ADA and Worker’s Compensation regulations.
• Leadership skills necessary to train, mentor, and lead others.
• Demonstrated ability to confidently assume a leadership role in crucial situations.
• Demonstrated experience effectively leading and achieving goals.
• Experience with collective bargaining agreements desirable.
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Excellent prioritization skills and the ability to meet deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal, team-building, group facilitation, and coaching skills.
• Demonstrated conflict resolution skills.
• Ability to work independently and as member of cross-departmental teams.
• Absolute ability to maintain confidential information.
• Proficient computer skills. Must include Excel and demonstrated database skills. Adept at learning new technologies.
• Project management experience preferred.
• Love of books and reading.
• Physical requirements – Group B.