Employee Relations Manager

Under the leadership of the SVP Human Resources, the Manager - Employee Relations will serve as a partner to the HR Regional Directors and field HR team by ensuring all Employee Relations concerns are addressed in an expedient and objective manner to reduce negative impact on overall associate engagement, morale, and reduce legal risk to the company.

• Responds to complaints and conducts internal effective, thorough, and objective investigations.
• Partners with management on complex performance issues, consults and makes recommendations on consistent application of corrective action and disciplinary action in adherence with company policies and practices.
• Owns and manages the Navex system for reporting and tracking Employee Relations issues and concerns.
• Collaborates with IT and relevant stake holders to optimize the functionality and efficiency of the Navex system.
• Analyzes the underlying forces and practices that cause problems and recommends corrective measures to eliminate the root cause.
• Collaborates with field HR team to develop preventative measures based on analytics and trends of investigations.
• Provides HR communication consisting of monthly and quarterly reporting to Department Leaders, Vice Presidents and up to and including CEO of the company.
• Based on the result of relevant investigation information, collaborates with leadership team to guide employee development, team building, performance management and talent planning.
• Maintains in-depth knowledge of legal requirements related to day-to-day management of employees, reducing legal risks and ensuring regulatory compliance. Partners with the legal department as needed.
• Collaborates with Legal and Risk Management Departments to ensure compliance with all federal and state employment laws, reducing legal and safety risks and ensuring regulatory compliance
• Responsible for managing the Employee Relations team budget.
• Collaborates with other HR Business Partners on a regular basis to compare challenges, share innovative practices, and ensure consistent delivery of services.
• Works as a business partner to facilitate changes and work toward meeting Company goals through creative HR solutions.
• Provides proactive HR assistance, support and advice to business partners on various complex HR-related issues and needs that arise. This includes consulting with leaders and legal partners on Employee Relations issues including investigating, coaching, advising and reporting when necessary.
• Identify training needs related to Employee Relations and develop programs to address them. This includes training associates on how the use of the Navex system and promoting its effective utilization across the organization.
• Conducts workshops and training sessions to enhance managers' and employees' understanding of company policies and expectations.
• Responsible for oversight of the Employee Relations team including providing guidance and support to ensure effective resolution of Employee Relations concerns, conducting regular team meetings to review ongoing cases and best practices, and mentoring and developing Employee Relations team members.

Education

• Bachelor's degree

• Proficient in use of MS Office, HRIS, and Talent Management Systems
• Experience with Navex system preferred

• 5+ yrs experience in Employee Relations, Investigations (harassment, discrimination, leave, accommodations, etc,), employment law, disciplinary actions
• Experience managing an Employee Relations team preferred
• Performance management (including Performance Improvement Plans and Coaching plans), policy interpretation and investigations
• Must be able to travel up to 25% where required
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, with excellent time management skills
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to analyze and interpret facts
• Excellent verbal and written skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with all levels of business partners
• Ability to keep and securely maintain confidential records and information
• Ability to use independent judgment to make decisions
• Ability to hire/fire, promote or change the status of other employees
• Investigations training preferred (Wicklander Certification)
• In-depth knowledge of employment laws and regulations