Sr. Employee Relations Manager

IntePros is partnering with our global biopharmaceutical client in Kankakee, IL to find a highly experienced Senior Employee Relations Specialist to manage complex employee relations (ER) cases and support a positive, compliant, and inclusive workplace culture. This role involves conducting investigations, advising leaders, ensuring compliance with employment laws and company policies, and providing guidance on sensitive employee and labor relations matters. Candidates with union experience are strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct thorough and confidential investigations into misconduct, including harassment, discrimination, and policy violations.
• Manage Compliance Hotline/Speak Up cases from intake to resolution, documenting outcomes.
• Guide and coach managers on fair treatment, performance management, and disciplinary actions.
• Collaborate with Legal and HR Business Partners to mitigate risk and ensure compliance.
• Interpret and apply company policies and collective bargaining agreements.
• Support unionized environments by resolving grievances and participating in arbitrations.
• Foster positive working relationships with employees, union representatives, and Works Councils.
• Oversee the accommodation process, partnering with HR and medical professionals.
• Lead interactive discussions to balance employee needs with business objectives.
• Document and track accommodation decisions in compliance with policy.
• Advise leaders on corrective action and performance improvement planning.
• Support leaders in setting SMART goals and fostering a high-performance culture.
• Maintain accurate documentation of employee actions and outcomes.
• Partner with Learning & Development to design and deliver ER-related training.
• Contribute to the creation and rollout of ER programs and initiatives.
• Lead or support special HR/ER projects and initiatives.
• Maintain detailed case documentation for reporting and compliance.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.
  
  

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Organizational Psychology, Business, or related field.
• 5–7 years of employee relations experience, including complex investigations.
• Deep understanding of employment laws and HR compliance.
• Proficiency with HRIS and case management systems (ServiceNow and NAVEX EthicsPoint experience preferred).
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• High integrity, discretion, and ability to handle sensitive information.
• Proven ability to build relationships and influence stakeholders.
• Must be local to Kankakee, IL and able to work onsite 3 days per week.
  
  

Preferred

• Experience in unionized environments and labor relations.
• SHRM certification (SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP).
• Bilingual in English and Spanish.
• Experience supporting multiple sites and large non-exempt populations in a global, matrixed environment.
  
  

Additional Details

• Expected to manage 25–40 ER cases per week.
• Strong customer service and triage skills required to prioritize case urgency.
• Role requires resilience and emotional intelligence; internal training and peer support are provided.
• Approximately 10% overnight travel may be required.
  
  

#MB-1