Employee Relations Field Specialist

**Applicants must reside near the posted location. Will consider applicants in the greater Florence, SC or Conway, SC area. Role will require weekly travel to nearby stores. Relocation assistance available!**

Provides functional, technical and process guidance to ensure the company's treatment of associates is fair, respectful, and consistent with our core values and policies promoting positive working relationships and driving associate engagement with the brands business and priorities. As the primary HR resource for a region the HR Operations Specialist reviews concerns and questions directly from assigned Store Managers and Directors of Operations. Responds to associate contacts through HR self-service cases and Ethics Point. Provides advice and counsel to all business partners. Ensures consistent application of policies, HR practices and programs within assigned geography.

Principles and Responsibilities

• Provides advice, counsel and guidance to retail Directors and Store Managers on HR related questions, processes, policies and procedures (i.e., coaching, counseling, disciplinary actions); and documents interactions in the HR case management system

• Provides recommendations to associates on how to respond to, and mediate, sensitive work situations, management/associate conflict, and peer relations; and documents interactions in the HR case management systems

• Partners with retail Directors to leverage HR data and develop action plans and strategies to improve work relationships, build morale and increase productivity and retention

• Provides on-site support for crisis management, workplace violence and critical incidents as needed

• Reviews all accommodation requests (medical, religious, pregnancy, etc.), documenting the interactive process in the HR case management system.

• Collaborates with the Asset Protection team to provide critical incident support and dispositions for investigations

• Cascade HR related communications and trainings across assigned regions and drives successful implementations of HR programs/processes (i.e. talent management, merit process, wage/compensation reviews, HR related trainings)

• Engages with the shared services organization when specific expertise is required, and to ensure proper execution of HR processes (i.e. LOA and Workman’s Compensation)

• Responsible for responding to preventive labor activity in assigned geographical areas or as needed

• Conducts thorough, confidential and timely workplace investigations as needed

• Other duties as assigned

Basic Qualifications

• Solid knowledge of a variety of HR concepts, practices, and procedures

• Thorough knowledge of employment-related local, state and federal laws and regulations governing employment (EEO, wage and hour, employee benefit, leave)

• Interprets policy and procedures consistently and objectively, specific to the individual circumstance

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to interact effectively with all levels of staff and management

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion, integrity and professionalism

• High degree of independence in completing work assignments and making decisions concerning various human resource activities

• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team.

• Field based role – must reside within/nearby assigned geography

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in HR, Industrial and Organizational Psychology, or other related field

• Experience working in a multi-unit work environment

• HR Certification

Experience

• 3 to 5 years of HR related work experience

Skills and Abilities

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

• Strong conflict resolution skills

• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to prioritize tasks

• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, and HR case management software

• Ability to quickly learn the organization’s HRIS

Physical

• Prolonged periods of sitting while performing computer work functions

• Maintain a Class C driver’s license

• Must be able to access and navigate travel in a muti-unit geography

Travel

• 25% to 30% travel as needed

• Maintain a registered and insured motor vehicle

• Visits retail locations, as needed

• Travel outside of assigned geographies for meetings, training, or providing HR support