Sr. Investigator & Employment Relations Consultant

You are as unique as your background, experience and point of view. Here, you’ll be encouraged, empowered and challenged to be your best self. You'll work with dynamic colleagues - experts in their fields - who are eager to share their knowledge with you. Your leaders will inspire and help you reach your potential and soar to new heights. Every day, you'll have new and exciting opportunities to make life brighter for our Clients - who are at the heart of everything we do. Discover how you can make a difference in the lives of individuals, families and communities around the world.

At Sun Life, we look for optimistic people who want to make life brighter for our Clients. We understand the value of diverse cultures, perspectives, and identities, and want you to bring your full and authentic self to work. Every day, you’ll be empowered and challenged by working with dynamic colleagues to find new and innovative ways to make Sun Life the best benefits company in America.

The opportunity:

The Senior (Sr.) Investigator & Employee Relations Consultant (ERC) will in conduct all workplace investigations and provide support with individual employment-related matters, including performance and behavioral issues, harassment and discrimination complaints, accommodation requests, status changes, termination of employment.

This role will partner with other members of the broader Human Resources and related functions to deliver timely solutions that support the business and ensure employees are treated fairly and in accordance with our practices and policies.

How you will contribute:

Investigations:

• Conducts prompt, thorough and complex investigations, including interviews with complainants, respondents, witnesses and analyzes relevant data and documentation,
• Investigations are highly sensitive, complex and include a broad range of employment matters including, but not limited to, harassment, discrimination, retaliation, performance management, management practices, and interpersonal conflicts.
• Develops comprehensive investigation plan and templates to leverage while conducting investigations to ensure consistent approach for all investigations.
• Consults and collaborates with other subject matter experts including Employee Relations Consultants, Employment Counsel, HR Business Partners, HR Governance, Compliance, and IT Security
• Produces comprehensive and clear investigation reports summarizing allegations, investigative work performed, key findings and conclusions, ensuring that conclusions are evidence based.
• Produces other fact-finding reports, position statements and other formal documents as needed.
• Utilize case management system to document details of the investigation and findings.
• Analyzes aggregate data to identify issues trends and opportunities and develops strategies to address systemic issues and mitigate organizational risk.

Performance Management:

• Provide timely, creative and relevant ER advice, guidance and recommendations to influence and support people leaders, HRBP’s, employees and other key stakeholders in your assigned portfolio.
• Appropriately balance the needs of the business and the employee while mitigating risk and ensure compliance with employment legislation
• Review, finalize and provide guidance to people leaders on written documentation, including but not limited to, performance plans, warnings, memo’s, documented discussion, etc.…to ensure clarity and precision. All documentation must be well written and include key information in a clear, concise and professional manner.
• Use critical thinking and problem-solving skills to organize, synthesize, and analyze varied and complex information, problems, and data to make recommendations guided by policies, practices, procedures and business need
• Support leaders during difficult discussions, including feedback, performance plans, warnings, etc...
• Ensure each case is tracked and documented accurately and appropriately, with all relevant attachments in the case management system and within set timeframe of resolution.
• Have a good understanding of compliance legislation to support leaders with other topics such as, absence management, accommodations, employment and human rights legislation,
• Develop effective partnerships with managers/employees, HRBPs, Legal, Compliance and other key stakeholders to ensure effective resolution through collaboration for effective outcomes on all matters

• Provide expertise and advice to business leaders and other HR members on changes, reorganization and restructures of business units that could have potential employment implications.

Other:

• Participate in, lead and/or act as an HR/ER resource on projects. This may include developing a project plan, milestones and change management activities
• Contribute to the development, implementation and communication of new ER standards and processes that support the success of the organization
• Leads and/or supports training programs on designated ER practices across the organization.

What you will bring with you:

• BA or equivalent degree, preferably in Human Resources or related field
• 6-9 years progressive experience in HR, with 3+ years emphasis and strength in employee relations/ investigations
• Excellent knowledge of employment legislation, trends & practices
• Excellent planning, organization and time management skills, attention to detail, ability to handle multiple tasks, and work in a fast-paced, time-sensitive environment
• Highly self-motivated and able to work independently while instinctively keeping all relevant parties properly informed.
• High degree of judgment and discretion in dealing with confidential and sensitive information
• Strong ability to remain respectful and diplomatic in difficult situations
• Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to utilize exceptional active listening skills.
• Track record of delivering services in a high quality manner
• Collaborative and creative approach to problem solving

Do you see yourself in this role even if you haven’t checked all the boxes above? We welcome all talented candidates and are committed to a culture that represents diversity in all forms. If you think you might thrive in this setting, we would love to hear from you.

Not ready to apply yet but want to stay in touch? Join our talent community to stay connected until the time is right for you!

Life is brighter when you work at Sun Life

• Excellent benefits and wellness programs to support the three pillars of your well-being – mental, physical and financial – including generous vacation and sick time, market-leading paid family, parental and adoption leave, a partially-paid sabbatical program, medical plans, company paid life and AD&D insurance as well as disability programs and more
• Retirement and Stock Purchase programs to help build and enhance your future financial security including a 401(k) plan with an employer-paid match as well as an employer-funded retirement account
• A flexible work environment with a friendly, caring, collaborative and inclusive culture
• Great Place to Work® Certified in Canada and the U.S.

• Named as a “Top 10” employer by the Boston Globe's “Top Places to Work” two years running

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

If you are a California resident, the salary range for this position is:

Southern region: 84,200-126,300 annually

Central region: 88,700-133,100 annually

Northern region: 94,800-142,200 annually

If you are a Colorado resident, the salary range for this position is 80,300-120,500 annually.

If you are a New York resident, the salary range for this position is 94,800-142,200 annually.

If you are Washington resident, the salary range for this position is 88,700-133,100 annually.

We consider various factors in determining actual pay including your skills, qualifications, and experience. In addition to salary, this position is eligible for incentive awards based on individual and business performance as well as a broad range of competitive benefits.

Sun Life Financial is a leading provider of group insurance benefits in the U.S., helping people protect what they love about their lives. More than just a name, Sun Life symbolizes our brand promise of making life brighter -for our customers, partners, and communities. Join our talented, diverse workforce and launch a rewarding career. Visit us at www.sunlife.com/us to learn more.

At Sun Life we strive to create a flexible work environment where our employees are empowered to do their best work. Several flexible work options are available and can be discussed throughout the selection process depending on the role requirements and individual needs.

Our Affirmative Action Program affirms our commitment to make reasonable accommodation to the known physical or mental limitation of otherwise-qualified individuals with disabilities or special disabled veterans, unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of our business. Please email recruitingUS@sunlife.com to request an accommodation.

At Sun Life we strive to create a flexible work environment where our employees are empowered to do their best work. Several flexible work options are available and can be discussed throughout the selection process depending on the role requirements and individual needs.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.