Employee Relations Manager

The Employee Relations Manager plays a crucial role in cultivating and sustaining positive relationships between employees and the company. This role develops and executes strategic Employee Relations initiatives aimed at fostering an efficient and productive work environment. Responsibilities include providing guidance to managers on challenging personnel issues, conducting investigations, generating innovative approaches to enhance employee engagement, and mitigating legal risks.

Essential Job Duties

• Create and execute Employee Relations strategies, policies, and procedures that foster a positive and inclusive work culture aligned with Shepard’s mission, vision, and values

• Advise, coach, and counsel leaders and employees on complex people-related matters, conflict resolution, federal and state employment laws, and consistent application of corrective and disciplinary action in accordance with company policies and practices

• Offer guidance, support, and resources to employees to address concerns, complaints, and inquiries related to their employment

• Lead and conduct workplace investigations in employment-related matters including, but not limited to harassment, discrimination, retaliation, and other company policy or procedure violations

• Develop and maintain reports to track Employee Relations cases and data; analyze trends and make recommendations to senior leadership on corrective and preventive measures to mitigate risk

• Assist with all legal matters including gathering and submitting information, reviewing employee personnel records, conducting interviews, etc.

• Work with HR leadership and legal counsel on employment-related complaints filed with state and federal agencies

• Oversee the termination review process to ensure thoroughness and accuracy, verify that all necessary steps have been taken and documented appropriately

• Recommend and help enforce employment policies and practices to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal laws

• Provide support to the Operations team in managing union labor relations, including handling grievances, resolving disputes, and assisting with contract negotiations as needed

• Collaborate with the HR team to develop creative and original programs aimed at enhancing morale and employee engagement
• Collaborate with the Learning and Development team on performance management, offering guidance and support to managers on challenging evaluations ensuring accurate documentation
• All other duties as assigned

Requirements

• Demonstrate Core Values of Caring, Commitment, Integrity, Spirit, Responsiveness, Inclusivity, and Teamwork

• Ability to perform as a responsible ESOP owner making daily decisions to benefit the client and the company
• Treat all internal and external customers with courtesy and respect, as outlined in our Blue Diamond Customer Service Program
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in Human Resources with emphasis in Employee Relations, legal compliance, conflict resolution, and workplace investigations
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; sharp business acumen
• Handle highly sensitive and confidential issues with empathy and discretion
• Strong working knowledge of employment laws and regulations at the state and federal level
• Regarded as a dependable advisor, showcasing the skill to collaborate and influence at all levels of the company
• Strong problem-solving, critical thinking, and negotiation skills
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills
• Thorough understanding of dispute resolution and compensation administration
• Ability to work on multiple tasks simultaneously in a fast-paced environment
• Proficiency in Windows-based Microsoft Office products
• Ability to travel to branch locations nationwide as needed
• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, Law, or a related field; Master’s Degree or J.D. preferred
• HR Certification (PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, or SHRM-SCP) preferred

Shepard is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, age, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, veteran status, or other non-merit factor. All employment decisions are made based on business needs, job requirements, individual qualifications, and merit.