Senior Specialist, Employee Relations

Job Description

Employee Relations serves as a trusted advisor to leaders and employees, providing expert guidance on complex employee relations matters. Using sound judgement and integrity, this role leads investigations, ensures consistent application of policies, drives positive workplace culture, and partners with HR and business leaders to mitigate risk, ensure fairness, reinforce a respectful work environment and drive data-informed recommendations.  This role will also support continuous improvement of ER processes, employee engagement, and compliance programs.

Key Responsibilities:
Employee Relations & Investigations
•    Lead and manage the investigation of complex and sensitive employment-related concerns, including allegations of misconduct, discrimination, harassment, retaliation, policy violations, performance behavior issues and workplace conflict.
•    Conduct thorough, impartial, timely, and well-documented investigations
•    Provide recommendations to leaders on appropriate actions, ensuring consistency, fairness, and adherence to company policy and legal requirements.
•    Produce clear investigation reports with findings, policy citations, and credibility assessments.
•    Partner with Legal, Compliance, and HR Business Partners as needed to assess risk and resolve issues.
•    Maintain accurate case files using ER case management system and ensure timely closeout 
•    Support training on respectful workplace, anti-harassment, investigations etiquette, and retaliation avoidance.
•    Interpret and advise on HR policies, procedures, and employment laws to ensure consistent application across the organization.
•    Identify trends in ER cases and propose policy or training updates to address root causes.
•    Support compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws, including ADA, FMLA, FLSA, Title VII, and other relevant regulations.
•    Assist with audits and documentation related to employment practices.
•    Serve as a subject matter expert to leaders on performance management and corrective action.
•    Partner with HRBPs and managers to address performance issues, in delivering feedback, navigating performance discussions, and creating development or improvement plans.
•    Support initiatives that promote a positive, inclusive, and productive work environment.

Basic Job Requirements

•    Accredited four (4) year degree or global equivalent in applicable field of study and seven (7) years* of work-related experience or a combination of education and directly related experience equal to eleven (11) years* if non-degreed
•    Five (5)+ years of experience in employee relations, HR business partnering, or HR compliance.
•    Demonstrated expertise in conducting investigations and managing complex ER matters.
•    Strong knowledge of U.S. employment laws and workplace compliance requirements.
•    Excellent interpersonal, communication (written and verbal) and conflict-resolution skills with the ability to form trusted relationships quickly
•    Ability to manage sensitive information with discretion and professionalism.
•    Strong analytical, documentation, and decision-making skills.
•    Ability to communicate effectively with audiences that include but are not limited to management, coworkers, clients, vendors, contractors, and visitors and remain calm and objective in high-stress situations.

Other Job Requirements

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree or global equivalent in HR, Psychology, Education, Business, Finance, or related field or relevant HR certification (e.g., PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP) 
• Experience in a multi-state or global environment