Demo

AVP Employee Relations

Pacific Life
Newport, CA Full Time
POSTED ON 12/29/2025
AVAILABLE BEFORE 2/12/2026
Job Description

Providing for loved ones, planning rewarding retirements, saving enough for whatever lies ahead – our policyholders count on us to be there when it matters most. It’s a big ask, but it’s one that we have the power to deliver when we work together. We collaborate and innovate – pushing one another to transform not just Pacific Life, but the entire industry for the better. Why? Because it’s the right thing to do. Pacific Life is more than a job, it’s a career with purpose. It’s a career where you have the support, balance, and resources to make a positive impact on the future – including your own.

We’re actively seeking a talented Associate Vice President (AVP) of Global Employee Relations to join our Global People and Workplace Services (GPWS) team in Newport Beach, CA.

As the Global Employee Relations AVP, you’ll move Pacific Life, and your career, forward by leading our global Employee Relations team, setting Employee Relations standards across Pacific Life’s footprint to guide investigations and advise executives on sensitive Employee Relations matters. You will play a key role in scaling and standardizing our Employee Relations function to enable a global operating model. You will fill a role that sits on the People Experience (PX) team within GPWS reporting directly to the Vice President of GPWS. In this position, you will lead a team of two Employee Relations professionals—one focused on international matters and the other on U.S.-based. Your colleagues will include other HR service delivery leaders across Operations, Centers of Expertise, and HRBPs.

How You’ll Help Us Move Forward

  • Design and implement the global enterprise ER function and governance model, aligning with the broader PX strategy and country-specific regulations
  • Develop Employee Relations standards, processes and tools (e.g., disciplinary actions, involuntary separation procedures)
  • Oversee and conduct complex workplace investigations and other higher-risk issues (e.g., workplace harassment, GDPR claims, EEOC charges, etc.), in partnership with HRBP’s and Legal as appropriate. This includes conducting interviews and research, provide investigation finding reports and make recommendations for employee development or training and/or disciplinary action as appropriate
  • Collaborate with and advise business leaders, HRBPs, and Legal to proactively resolve issues/disputes and mitigate risks
  • Assess effectiveness of employee relations programs/processes and action against success measures defined by Center of Excellence standards (e.g., number of employee relations issues, spend on outside counsel)
  • Serve as the subject matter expert in executive-level meetings, providing insights on workplace-related issues and risks to proactively support the business
  • Develop and deliver organization-wide conflict resolution training programs for Employee Relations, manager and employees
  • Monitor legal and regulatory environment to ensure employment policies and guidelines are up to date and implemented across the organization
  • Lead team of Employee Relations professionals globally to ensure timely and compliant case resolution

The Experience You Bring

  • Bachelor’s degree in HR, business, psychology, or related field
  • 12 years of experience in Employee Relations or compliance
  • 5 years of leadership experience with global or regional scope
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to assess complex employee relation issues and to provide effective solutions
  • Demonstrated experience leading investigations and advising executives on sensitive employment matters, with the ability to facilitate difficult conversations and resolve disputes
  • Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple employee relations initiatives
  • Ability to build global ER governance structures
  • Provide development to the ER team members, with on-going coaching and leadership
  • Specialized knowledge labor laws, regulatory requirements, and industry best practices across jurisdictions (e.g., FMLA, ADA, GDPR, whistleblower protections)
  • Ability to stay updated on industry trends, employment laws, and best practices related to employee relations
  • Experience with HRIS and case management systems

What Makes You Stand Out

  • Advanced JD or Master’s degree in HR or employment law

You Can Be Who You Are.

People come first here. We’re committed to an inclusive workforce. Learn more about how we create a welcoming work environment at www.pacificlife.com. What’s life like at Pacific Life? Visit Instagram.com/lifeatpacificlife.

$219,420 - 268,180

Base Pay Range

The base pay range noted represents the company’s good faith minimum and maximum range for this role at the time of posting. The actual compensation offered to a candidate will be dependent upon several factors, including but not limited to experience, qualifications and geographic location. Also, most employees are eligible for additional incentive pay.

Your Benefits Start Day 1

Your wellbeing is important to Pacific Life, and we’re committed to providing you with flexible benefits that you can tailor to meet your needs. Whether you are focusing on your physical, financial, emotional, or social wellbeing, we’ve got you covered.

  • Prioritization of your health and well-being including Medical, Dental, Vision, and Wellbeing Reimbursement Account that can be used on yourself or your eligible dependents
  • Generous paid time off options including: Paid Time Off, Holiday Schedules, and Financial Planning Time Off
  • Paid Parental Leave as well as an Adoption Assistance Program
  • Competitive 401k savings plan with company match and an additional contribution regardless of participation

EEO Statement

Pacific Life Insurance Company is an Equal Opportunity /Affirmative Action Employer, M/F/D/V. If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have the right to request an accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our career center as a result of your disability. To request an accommodation, contact a Human Resources Representative at Pacific Life Insurance Company.

Salary : $219,420 - $268,180

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