Description

Position Summary:

Under the direction of the Director of Employee Relations, this position serves as the primary point of contact for employee relations matters. This role is responsible for developing resolutions to employee relations issues by providing advice, research (including investigations) and guidance to management and employees, while ensuring compliance with policies, and applicable laws and regulations.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

·       Consults and provides advice, counsel and resolution to employees and managers on a broad range of employee relations matters, including policy interpretation and application, conflict resolution, performance management, progressive discipline, grievance, and termination processes and practices.

·       Leads thorough and timely investigations, traveling to locations as needed, in a manner that respects all concerned while balancing business needs. Documents and communicates recommendations and outcomes as appropriate.

·       Reviews and analyzes system-wide employee and operational statistics on HR compliance-related concerns, complaint investigations, grievances, external charges, compliance calls, turnover, and employee engagement to identify trends and areas of potential escalation, and recommends interventions, as appropriate.

·       Meets regularly with operations partners, HR and others (as applicable) to advise of recent employee relations matters and review specific analytics. Recognizes patterns and anticipates employee-related issues; Develops, recommends, and initiates appropriate steps for resolution in accordance with policies and procedures.

·       Manages employee grievance process, from initiation to closure, including communication, documentation, and tracking.

·       Reviews, scans, and maintains employment-related documentation and personnel files.

·       Coach managers on methods to maintain a positive work environment and fosters respect for people with diverse backgrounds

·       Participates in the planning and implementation of employee engagement programs like employee surveys, recognition programs, and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) activities.

·       Conducts stay and exit interviews; review trends and presents recommendations to increase retention and employee engagement

·       Manages employee relations projects or processes, as assigned.

·       Other duties as assigned.

Skills/Knowledge:

Excellent interpersonal, counseling, and negotiation skills. Thorough understanding employee relations best practices, as well as applicable policies, and federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations. Ability to comprehend, interpret, and apply the appropriate sections of applicable laws, guidelines, regulations, ordinances, and policies. Ability to exhibit a high level of confidentiality, including handling sensitive reports and information. Strong analytical, critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software. Experience with HRIS systems is required (i.e. Workday, ADP, UKG/Ultipro)

Education/Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, business administration, or a related field
• 5 years of human resources experience with emphasis in employee relations
• HR Certification (HRCI or SHRM) preferred
• Bilingual English/Spanish required
• Experience in employment investigations is required

Competencies:

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies: 

·       Business Acumen - Employs analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills; plans and efficiently organizes work, appropriately seeks, manages, integrates and interprets data. Able to prioritize work and make sound decisions using available data. Exercises good judgment and is committed to excellence and operational integrity.     

·       Collaboration & Customer Relationships - Understands the value of diverse talents and perspectives and encourages diversity of thought and ideas. Is always professional when dealing with internal and external customers.  Works through differences and finds a productive common ground with others to achieve mutually beneficial results. Has a strong sense of customer service.

·       Functional Expertise - Achieves success through a comprehensive knowledge of industry and business as it relates to position.  Applies creative solutions resulting in internal and external customer satisfaction.  Demonstrates initiative and is accountable for own actions and decisions. 

·       Communication Skills - Has good verbal and written skills; is effective when communicating with peers and superiors as well as with customers and others outside the company. Expresses opinions and ideas concisely. Encourages two-way communication.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

None

Work Environment:

General office environment.  Lighting and temperature are adequate, and there are no hazardous or unpleasant conditions caused by noise, dust, etc. Work is generally performed within an office environment, with standard office equipment available. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Travel Requirements:

Traveling to company locations is required

Physical Requirements:

Work is generally sedentary in nature, exerting up to 25 pounds of force occasionally to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including human body. Walking and standing but may be required, up to 15% of the time.  

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.