Specialist, Employee Relations

The Specialist, Employee Relations, working under general direction, is responsible for the resolution of employee relations issues, such as conflicts, disputes, and disciplinary matters, with fairness and consistency in a timely manner. This role conducts daily operations including investigations, mediations, and administration of company policies and procedures related to employee relations, performance management, and workplace conduct. Additionally, the role stays updated on trends and industry practices within the employee relations domain, collaborating with teams to implement training programs, and ensuring compliance with policies. The role maintains accurate and confidential employee records and data related to employee relations matters.

Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree or Master’s Degree (preferred) in Human Resources, Organizational Development, or any other related discipline or commensurate work experience.

Experience:

• Minimum 3 years of work experience with a Master’s degree or 5 years of work experience with a Bachelor’s degree, preferably in Employee Relations or a related field.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Certified Human Resource Professional (CHRP) (Preferred)
• Certified Labor Relations Professional (CLRP) (Preferred)
• Society for Human Resource Management Certified Professional (SHRM – CP) (Preferred)

Work Requirements:

• Involves occasional (defined as one-third or less of the time) lifting of no more than 10 pounds at a time. Work is performed primarily in a seated position and entails no significant stooping, standing, climbing, walking, etc. Many sedentary jobs require good use of the hands and fingers for repetitive hand-finger actions. Working conditions occur within low to moderate noise levels related to the use of standard office or classroom equipment.

This description outlines the general nature and scope of work typically performed in this job. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, knowledge, skills, work requirements, etc. It may vary slightly based on business or geographic needs and is subject to being reviewed and updated periodically.

• Coordinates with multiple stakeholders for the resolution of employee union and work council relations issues, such as conflicts, disputes, and disciplinary matters, with fairness and consistency in a timely manner in compliance with employment laws, regulations, and company policies. The role also assists managers with preparations for collective bargaining agreements and associated negotiations.
• Serves as the primary point of contact for articulating appropriate responses to cases, investigations, departures, mediations between employees, hearings, litigations, and related issues as per established standards, practices, procedures, processes, and timelines. Handles employee queries on the Ethics and compliance hotline.
• Implements company policies, protocols, and procedures in the domain of performance management systems, including performance evaluations, goal setting, feedback mechanisms, employee relations assessments, and performance improvement plans, in compliance with laws and regulations. Implements feedback mechanisms for employees to share suggestions on lean process improvement initiatives and assists with associated change management initiatives.
• Implements training programs for Managers across departments on employee relations subjects such as conflict resolution, dispute management, complaints, goal setting, performance feedback delivery, etc. to achieve high employee motivation, morale, and a positive work environment.
• Participates in the delivery of employee relations special projects by representing the team as the prime contact, coordinating with senior internal and industry personnel, integrating data and information from multiple sources to identify trends, and evaluating multiple tangible and intangible variables to develop solutions.
• Participates in determining the objectives and deliverables for continuous improvement projects to develop solutions and preventive measures to various operational problems for initiatives and programs across the Employee lifecycle in partnership with People Analytics and other HR teams, and to subsequently track data and metrics to understand the effectiveness of the solutions.
• Coordinates with legal, compliance, and other HR teams for formulating effective responses for all types of discrimination charges and complaints.
• Delivers HR-specific communications related to employee contracts, including employment terms and conditions, workplace conduct, performance management, workforce retrenchment, etc., as per established processes, and updates related processes and procedures if necessary to ensure compliance and consistency with relevant laws and company policies.
• Implements company policies and procedures related to employee relations, workplace conduct, collective bargaining agreements, and employee communication consistently as per established guidelines to enhance employee satisfaction and reduce turnover.
• Demonstrates full knowledge of industry best practices in employee relations subjects such as conflict resolution, dispute management, complaints, goal setting, and performance feedback delivery, along with a strong understanding and application of related concepts and principles. Coaches and guides managers and employees on matters related to employee and labor relations.