HR Specialist

Position Summary:

As part of our Shared Services function, the Human Resources Specialist serves as a member of the Centralized Human Resources team. Core responsibilities span a variety of concentrations and include reviewing and making informed decisions on background checks, managing timely and accurate responses to unemployment claims, creating and initiating relocation packages to support workforce mobility, and special projects aligned to evolving business needs. This role directly contributes to faster associate transitions and onboarding, as well as a safe and compliant work environment that reflects our commitment to excellence.

The ideal candidate will bring at least 2 years of HR experience, a collaborative and proactive mindset, and a passion for delivering superior customer experiences to our associates. Working closely with HR leadership and cross-functional partners, the Human Resources Specialist will play an integral role in identifying process improvement opportunities and driving consistency and compliance across the organization. This position reports to the Supervisor of Centralized Human Resources and has a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of multiple HR functions within a growing, high-impact Shared Services environment.

This position is remote.

Major Responsibilities:  

• Prepare and submit timely, accurate responses to unemployment claims by gathering relevant employment history, separation details, and supporting documentation in compliance with applicable state regulations. 

• Facilitate additional unemployment claims activity including managing appeals, coordinating hearing attendance, and addressing fraudulent claims with a third-party vendor.

• Review and adjudicate background check results, including criminal history, by conducting individualized assessments in alignment with company policies and legal requirements.

• Create and initiate relocation packages for new hires and associates transitioning into new roles, coordinating seamlessly with internal partners and external vendor to ensure accuracy, timeliness, and a smooth relocation experience. 

• Serve as a clear and consistent point of communication for relocating associates and new hires throughout the relocation process, enabling quick transitions that support business mobility needs and reinforce a positive associate and candidate experience.

• Complete special assignments and projects as directed by leadership, including participation on process improvement teams, development of process documentation, and coordination of small-scope, short-term initiatives.

• Collaborate with HR partners (field and corporate), third-party vendors, and cross-functionally to identify process gaps, recommend solutions, and support department initiatives.

Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field is required.  

• A minimum of 2 years of Human Resources experience is required.

• Ability to influence stakeholders, leaders, and partners across the organization without direct authority by building credibility, leveraging data, and communicating clear, well-reasoned recommendations.

• Skilled in collecting, compiling, and analyzing data to support informed decisions, identify risks, and resolve issues effectively.

• Strong oral and written communication skills with a customer-focused approach to supporting associates, candidates, and stakeholders.

• High level of organization with strong documentation practices and experience coordinating with cross-functional partners and external vendors.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office and familiar with enterprise HRIS platforms, with a demonstrated ability to collaborate and work effectively within teams across the business.

• Willingness to travel as necessary, work the required schedule, work at the specific location required, complete Penske employment application, and submit to a background investigation (to include past employment and education) are required. 

Physical Requirements:

• The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an associate to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• The associate will be required to: read; communicate verbally and/or in written form; remember and analyze certain information; and remember and understand certain instructions or guidelines.

• While performing the duties of this job, the associate may be required to stand, walk, and sit.  The associate is frequently required to use hands to touch, handle, and feel, and to reach with hands and arms.  The associate must be able to occasionally lift and/or move up to 25lbs/12kg.

• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.

Penske is an Equal Opportunity Employer.