Senior Employee Relations Specialist, At

Hybrid/New York, NY
Salary Range: $110,000-$130,000
The Senior Employee Relations Specialist acts as the primary point of contact for Employee Relations issues and is responsible for handling the ER lifecycle by working closely with management and staff regarding people-related issues including but not limited to, Employee Relations, coaching, employee development, and engagement. The Senior Specialist assists the Employee Relations Manager with the administration of policies, programs, and procedures that include best practice frameworks in order to promote positive Employee Relations.

• Act as primary point of contact for Employee Relations issues.
• Review and approve employee disciplinary actions such as written warnings and performance improvement plans.
• Conduct follow up to complaints and ensure complex workplace issues are resolved. Conduct Employee Relations investigations as applicable.
• Update and maintain complaints tracking and warning logs; maintain investigation files.
• Prepare applicable written materials for documentation and conveying information.
• Review involuntary terminations to ensure they are consistent with Apple Bank policies and procedures; attend termination meetings.
• Provide coaching to managers in order to enhance their people and performance management skills.
• Consult with and advise management regarding the interpretation of policies/practices to ensure compliance with legal and administrative requirements; facilitate resolution of issues.
• Conduct exit interviews; identify trends and generate metrics.
• Assist ER Manager in training ER Specialists, helping to resolve issues, act as a positive role-model, and foster teamwork. In the absence of the ER Manager assist with escalations, as needed.
• Liaise with Legal Department, Compensation, Benefits, Payroll, Talent Acquisition, and Corporate Training, as needed.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state and city employment laws.
• Assist with the development and implementation of policies, programs and procedures related to Employee Relations.
• Participate in regulatory and HR audits.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• BA/BS degree required; HR certification preferred (PHR or SHRM-CP)
• 4+ years of experience with Employee Relations in a non-unionized environment (i.e. approving disciplinary actions, terminations, etc).
• Proven experience handling complex workplace complaints and conflict resolution; experience providing guidance to managers on performance management, company policies, and procedures.
• Experience conducting and documenting Human Resources investigations related to discrimination, harassment, retaliation, unfair treatment, etc.
• Must have independent decision making and critical thinking skills; able to make good judgement calls and be a strong problem solver.
• Tactful with excellent communication and interpersonal skills in dealing with highly sensitive matters.
• Customer focused and tactful with a demonstrated capability to interface and maintain effective relationships with all departments and staff.
• Excellent knowledge of federal, state, and city employment laws (i.e. EEO, ADA, FMLA, NYC Human Rights, Sick and Safe leave, Sexual Harassment)
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office including Word, Excel and PowerPoint.