What are the responsibilities and job description for the Employee Relations Specialist position at Smithfield Foods?
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Have a seat at our table. When you join Smithfield, you become part of something special – a company that's sustainably feeding people around the world, producing good food the right way with respect for our people, animals, communities and planet. With opportunities across locations and functions, a culture grounded in our Core Four values - gratitude, communication, respect and accountability - and a strong commitment to learning, collaboration, and innovation, Smithfield offers challenging and rewarding careers where you can grow, contribute and make a real impact. Apply Now!
The Value You’ll Bring
The position summary states the general nature and purpose of the job. Overall accountabilities are defined in this section.
As an Employee Relations Specialist- Investigations, you will foster a productive and compliant workplace. You will take charge of investigating employee relations matters, providing thorough summary reports, and offering remediation recommendations that will help resolve issues effectively. You will identify trends through quarterly reporting, enabling the development of targeted training programs that promote a positive work environment. Your role will involve driving consistency in policies and best practices, ensuring that our workforce aligns with both the business goals of the organization and the positive work experience of our employees.
You will lead the investigation process for the HR Department, conducting interviews with witnesses and involved parties, reviewing camera footage, and preparing detailed witness statements and notes. You will research past practices and cases to prepare comprehensive case summaries and provide well-informed recommendations for issue resolution. By maintaining accurate records and properly filing completed cases, you will support the overall integrity of our employee relations practices. Your efforts will be instrumental in promoting a productive workforce, facilitating effective communication between employees and management, and ultimately contributing to the success of our organization.
What You’ll Do
The below statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. May perform other duties as assigned.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions.
The physical demands described here are representative of those an employee should possess to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
EEO Information
Smithfield is an equal opportunity employer committed to workplace diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, gender identity, protected veterans status, status as a disabled individual or any other protected group status or non-job characteristic as directed by law.
If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment selection process, please call us at 757-357-1595.
Have a seat at our table. When you join Smithfield, you become part of something special – a company that's sustainably feeding people around the world, producing good food the right way with respect for our people, animals, communities and planet. With opportunities across locations and functions, a culture grounded in our Core Four values - gratitude, communication, respect and accountability - and a strong commitment to learning, collaboration, and innovation, Smithfield offers challenging and rewarding careers where you can grow, contribute and make a real impact. Apply Now!
The Value You’ll Bring
The position summary states the general nature and purpose of the job. Overall accountabilities are defined in this section.
As an Employee Relations Specialist- Investigations, you will foster a productive and compliant workplace. You will take charge of investigating employee relations matters, providing thorough summary reports, and offering remediation recommendations that will help resolve issues effectively. You will identify trends through quarterly reporting, enabling the development of targeted training programs that promote a positive work environment. Your role will involve driving consistency in policies and best practices, ensuring that our workforce aligns with both the business goals of the organization and the positive work experience of our employees.
You will lead the investigation process for the HR Department, conducting interviews with witnesses and involved parties, reviewing camera footage, and preparing detailed witness statements and notes. You will research past practices and cases to prepare comprehensive case summaries and provide well-informed recommendations for issue resolution. By maintaining accurate records and properly filing completed cases, you will support the overall integrity of our employee relations practices. Your efforts will be instrumental in promoting a productive workforce, facilitating effective communication between employees and management, and ultimately contributing to the success of our organization.
What You’ll Do
The below statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. May perform other duties as assigned.
- Investigation and Reporting
- Investigates employee relations concerns, including but not limited to harassment, discrimination, wage/hours, and retaliation received through various channels.
- Conducts effective, thorough, and objective investigations, recommending resolutions while ensuring fairness and consistency with local policies and practices.
- Maintains accurate, complete, and confidential records in the investigation file for all investigations.
- Partnership and Policy Implementation
- Partners with legal when necessary to conduct investigations, research policies/practices, and create and gather appropriate documentation.
- Works closely with site leaders to ensure all policies and procedures are understood, communicated, and consistently administered.
- Recommends educational solutions to improve awareness of the Code of Conduct, policies, and other employee relations matters.
- Grievance Resolution and Best Practices
- Tracks grievances, investigates and drives issues to resolution, working with the HR Director and operations on any changes to practices or processes.
- Analyzes and evaluates employee relations trends, providing actionable feedback to the HR Director and operations partners.
- Assists with best practices content for monthly leadership roundtable discussions and other employee relations action plans.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions.
- Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Human Resources or a related field and 2 years of relevant HR and/or law enforcement experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience, required.
- Demonstrated understanding of the requirement to thoroughly document and maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.
- Demonstrated ability to handle multiple, possibly conflicting priorities.
- Strong communication and administrative skills
- Strong problem solving, conflict resolution, and decision-making skills
- The ability to work well with employees at all levels of the organization
- Ability to work well with others in fast paced, dynamic environment
- Ability to be respectful, approachable and team oriented while building strong working relationships and a positive work environment
The physical demands described here are representative of those an employee should possess to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Frequently required to sit, use hands to handle, or feel and talk or hear.
- Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision and ability to adjust focus.
- The majority of time is spent in an office setting outside the production plant. The plant environment will include wet or humid conditions (non- weather-related), extreme heat or cold, (non- weather-related) working near moving mechanical parts, exposure to fumes or airborne particles, and chemicals.
EEO Information
Smithfield is an equal opportunity employer committed to workplace diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, gender identity, protected veterans status, status as a disabled individual or any other protected group status or non-job characteristic as directed by law.
If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment selection process, please call us at 757-357-1595.