Manager, Human Resources Business Partner

JOB DESCRIPTION
This role is considered a trusted advisor, strategic HR partner, and national process expert for conducting equitable, inclusive investigations and employee relations concerns. It is responsible for providing advice, counsel, and support to Equity Residential employees and managing a designated HR process to identify, design, and implement process improvements and/or foster an enhanced employee experience. It collaborates with key HR functions (L&D, Organization Development, Talent Acquisition, Total Rewards, etc. ) on our operations' holistic, sustainable talent solutions.
WHO YOU ARE:

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  A Strong Communicator. Your writing and speaking skills are clear and effective, helping you connect well with others. You have a way with words, whether face-to-face, on the phone, or via email, and you deliver your messages with confidence, which helps you to successfully deliver respected recommendations to internal Business Partners.
  


• A People Person. Building professional and high quality relationships comes naturally to you.
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  Strategic. You harness your understanding of Equity s competitive position, goals and initiatives to develop both short and long-term strategy.
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  Intellectually Curious. You never stop at I don t know; you crave ongoing education and growth, and you immerse yourself in your craft, your industry and your market until you are established as a subject matter expert.
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  Decisive and Trustworthy. Your strong business acumen and good judgment allow you to seize opportunities and make sound business decisions.
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  Analytical and Creative. You like thinking outside the box to come up with smart solutions to new challenges, and you embrace the opportunity to live in the gray.
  


• Motivated and Action-Oriented. You invest extra energy to reach your goals. You always take initiative, never sitting idle. You follow through on commitments, letting employees and Business Partners know that they matter.
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  Organized and Accountable. You multitask well and know how to juggle multiple tasks, and projects simultaneously in order to make the biggest impact and work as efficiently and effectively as possible.
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  Tech-Savvy. Tools like email and internet access start as basic necessities in your daily operation. You love all things Google. You also have a solid understanding of available recruiting tools, and leverage all avenues from social media.
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  Energetic and Positive. You are an outgoing, gregarious brand ambassador who motivates and excites others to elevate their performance.

WHAT YOU LL DO:
Employee Relations, Investigations Process Management - National (40%)

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  Recommend, develop, and update HR policies and procedures related to employee relations, investigations, and grievances to drive a consistent and comprehensive approach nationally across various geographic locations.
  


• Manage the national process for internal investigations. Ensure investigations are conducted impartially, thoroughly, and within established timelines. Recommend process improvements and report on trends.
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  Lead all stages of internal investigations as assigned, including data collection, analysis and evaluation of findings, and identification of resolutions to internal complaints
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  Develop and deliver training programs for employees and managers on conflict resolution, communication skills, and company policies. Promote a culture of respect and inclusivity..

Market/Corporate Human Resources Business Partner and Consultant (60%)

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  Serve as the first point of contact in assigned markets for employee relations issues and performance management challenges; provide employee relations coaching and counseling, including review and approval of employee counseling summaries and recommendations for termination
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  Partners and facilitates management development activities to build key management capabilities in line managers and provides input on management and employee development plans (e.g. facilitates management training and/or coaches managers on core leadership skills: goal setting, providing feedback, coaching and re-directing employee performance)
  


• Partner with onsite leaders to facilitate the processes, communications, timelines and procedures required to support talent reviews, compensation calibration sessions, and Drive performance management
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  Evaluate reasonable accommodation requests, recommend options as appropriate, and determine approval or denial
  


• Review turnover rates regularly to identify trends; partner with HR Regional leaders and onsite Business Partners to address turnover challenges and propose retention strategies
  


• As necessary, confer with HR Regional leaders to address complex pre-employment matters and adjudicate pre-employment background results
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  Utilize internal and external resources to stay abreast of state and local laws; coordinate with appropriate internal partners to ensure adherence/compliance, including partnering with HR Technology to incorporate employment law changes/updates in employee reference materials
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  Demonstrates strong comprehension of HR function and how it impacts business goals/objectives.
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  Proactively identify D&I needs to be related to specific markets, teams, or roles.

REQUIREMENTS & PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources Management, Business or related field. Minimum 5 years of progressive Human Resources experience required; prior project management experience and professional HR certification strongly preferred.


• 2-3 years experience in conducting employee investigations and employee relations


• Labor relations and union grievances experience preferred.


• Strong interpersonal, consulting, coaching, group facilitation, and customer service skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with various groups.


• Ability to manage multiple projects, meet deadlines, draft written communication materials, and possess strong problem-solving skills.


• Demonstrates curiosity in learning new skills and seeks to broaden one s knowledge in Human Resources.


• Must work independently, have excellent organizational skills, and prioritize workload effectively. Maintaining a high level of confidentiality is also required for this role.

ABOUT US
Working for Equity Residential (EQR), a leading multi-family real estate investment trust (REIT), means living our purpose: creating communities where people thrive. It means striving to provide the best in apartment living, speaking boldly about new ideas for innovation, and inspiring creativity in the ways we work together.
Our portfolio of high-quality properties in urban growth markets New York City, Boston, Washington DC, Seattle, San Francisco, Southern California, and Denver provides homes where people most want to live, work and play. We've got the best people in the business, as evidenced by our employee engagement scores and customer loyalty ratings. That s why our employees say they are proud to work at Equity, a company that gives our residents a place where they can Live Remarkably, and offers a culture where our employees have the opportunity to thrive.
Equity Rewards
When you join Equity Residential, you won t be treated as simply another employee you will be considered a partner in our shared success. As such, we are committed to investing in your personal success through a benefits program that supports your Total Wellbeing.
We recognize that everyone has different needs outside of work. That s why, in addition to a competitive benefits package (medical, dental, vision and paid time off), we offer many unique benefits options to employees, like a comprehensive wellness program, pet insurance, new parent benefits, and paid time off for community service projects. In addition to your next job, you can also find your next home with us! Rent discounts on Equity Residential apartment homes are available to our benefits-eligible employees. The amount of the discount offered is determined based on the market, ranging upwards from 20%. Learn more about our Total Wellbeing program
Equity Values
At Equity Residential, like our residents, our employees come from everywhere. A richly diverse work environment captures top talent, cultivates the best ideas, and creates the widest possible platform for success. By focusing on inclusion, these differences are harnessed to create value in ideas, business practices, relationships, and employee engagement. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we are committed to maintaining a diverse, inclusive and equitable work environment where our employees can thrive.
All aspects of the employment process are merit-based. Every Equity employee is expected to maintain a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment. Equity Residential does not discriminate against any employee or job applicant because of race, religion, color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender, sexual/gender identity/expression, age, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation or related medical conditions), physical or mental disability, national origin, citizenship status, military (including uniformed service member or protected veteran) status, marital status, genetic characteristic or information, ancestry or any other characteristic protected by law. Equity Residential also prohibits retaliation against individuals who report harassment or discrimination, or participate in investigations into such conduct.
ABOUT THE TEAM
This role is considered a trusted advisor, strategic HR partner, and national process expert for conducting equitable, inclusive investigations and employee relations concerns. It is responsible for providing advice, counsel, and support to Equity Residential employees and managing a designated HR process to identify, design, and implement process improvements and/or foster an enhanced employee experience.