Employee Relations Manager

Success Profile

Courageous
Results-driven
Proactive
Problem-Solver
Leadership
Team player

EMPLOYEE RELATIONS MANAGER

JOB SUMMARY

The purpose of this position is to conduct multi-faceted and specialized workplace investigations using objectivity and the ability to engage employees with empathy. Provide consultative support and guidance to employees, managers, People Business Partners (PBPs) and other parties within People & Culture (HR), to ensure consistent application of company policies and procedures in the prevention and resolution of employee issues which arise out of or affect work situations. Implement and execute Employee Relations programs/practices that create a positive organizational culture and enable management effectiveness.

Partner with Legal, Compliance, PBPs, Security, and other internal functions, as well as work directly with both employees and management to resolve employment issues, mediate situations as appropriate, and to create an overall high performance and healthy work environment.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Ensure employee concerns are acknowledged and addressed thoroughly, by independently investigating a range of workplace investigations end-to-end, which includes creating an investigation plan, identifying and understanding issues, scheduling meetings, conducting confidential interviews, analyzing information, collecting evidence, preparing a comprehensive investigation report with investigation findings and recommendations, present and debrief on case findings to appropriate parties (e.g., Employee Relations leader, legal, PBPs, etc.), and facilitate execution of case remediation with appropriate parties.
• Create succinct investigation summary reports according to established practices.
• Ability to effectively identify and manage risk, and determine contingency plans appropriately.
• Listen, identify, and distill essential information needed to assess and resolve reported concerns.
• Organize, synthesize, and analyze varied and complex information, problems, and data.
• Resolve problems and recommend effective strategies that will positively affect employee engagement and performance.
• Provide consultative support and guidance to PBPs and managers on resolution of employee issues and complaints, in a manner consistent with culture and legal parameters. Meet with PBP and/or management to discuss recommendation on action to be taken.
• Promote consistent and fair treatment of employees.
• Ability to effectively educate and extend coaching to employees and managers.
• Investigate complaints raised through external government agencies e.g., EEOC, partnering with internal and external legal counsel to respond.

• Influence positive change by being not only reactive but proactive in addressing Employee Relations matters. Research external trends and best practices.

• Assist in developing and support delivery of training and other proactive Employee Relations measures to ensure compliance within the organization.
• Additional related work includes conducting ADA interactive discussions for Religious Accommodations (as needed); detailed tracking of Employee Relations matters in case management system, other tasks/projects assigned as required or based on business needs.
• As assigned, manage Performance Improvement matters, working with managers and employees on performance improvement plans.

MINIMUM REQUIRED EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND AND JOB-RELATED EXPERIENCE

• 7 years of experience in Employee Relations or client-facing HR Business Partner role, including experience in conducting a wide range of workplace investigations.
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Proven successful experience investigating EEO, ADA and employment related complaints, as well as interpreting policies and regulations.

• Demonstrate working knowledge of applicable employment laws, policies, and procedures.
• Experience conducting investigations, including interview methods, techniques, data analysis reporting.
• Proven ability to gather, analyze and synthesize key insights gleaned from investigation data.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, influence and collaborate successfully with individuals and teams at all levels.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and appropriately handle sensitive information with tact and discretion.
• Demonstrated commitment to fostering and maintaining and environment of diversity, inclusion, and belonging.
• Professional proficiency in MS Office suite

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience with HR Acuity or similar case management tool.
• Experience with Workday preferred
• HR Certifications, such as SHRM, HCI

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Ability to build and maintain effective rapport with teammates, employees and managers and maintain constructive working relationship despite disagreement.
• Track record of quickly establishing credibility and influencing others.
• Ability to stay objective and fair when dealing with sensitive situations.
• Ability to be tactful, maintain confidences, and foster an ethical work environment.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and critical thinking and make decisions in a manner consistent with company values.
• Demonstrate business maturity and presence.
• Demonstrate issue resolution skills with ability to negotiate and resolve complex matters after reviewing the facts, maintaining a solutions-oriented approach.
• Demonstrated internal consulting skills, able to partner effectively and participate in joint problem solving.
• Detail oriented with an ability to keep track of the bigger picture.
• Strong communication skills on all levels: listening, verbal, written and presentation.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills and comfort with interpreting business and people data to tell a story and translating it into actionable strategy and/or insights.
• Must be self-directed and able to handle complex concurrent issues with minimal supervision and a sense of urgency.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment, ability to process information quickly and concisely provide alternatives, adaptability to changing situations and environment needed for success.
• Flexibility to work outside standard business hours to accommodate different time zone and work shifts.

Key competencies:

Adaptability, Building Effective Partnerships, Business Acumen, Collaboration and Teamwork, Communicating with Impact, Facilitating Change, Planning & Organizing, Managing Work-Self

Job Location: Bridgewater, NJ or Cambridge, MA

Sanofi Inc. and its U.S. affiliates are Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employers committed to a culturally diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; creed; religion; national origin; age; ancestry; nationality; marital, domestic partnership or civil union status; sex, gender, gender identity or expression; affectional or sexual orientation; disability; veteran or military status or liability for military status; domestic violence victim status; atypical cellular or blood trait; genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing) or any other characteristic protected by law.

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At Sanofi diversity and inclusion is foundational to how we operate and embedded in our Core Values. We recognize to truly tap into the richness diversity brings we must lead with inclusion and have a workplace where those differences can thrive and be leveraged to empower the lives of our colleagues, patients and customers. We respect and celebrate the diversity of our people, their backgrounds and experiences and provide equal opportunity for all.