Employee Relations Manager

SUMMARY

This position will manage Employee Relations (ER) and HR Ops function. This role leads the team to improve employee experience, ensure operational excellence and compliance, while improving HR efficiency. The position reports to the Director of HR and General Affairs and is a member of the HR Excellence team. This leadership role manages a team of four employees.

The successful candidate will demonstrate a high degree of collaboration and initiative, as well as critical and objective judgment in providing guidance, support, and recommendations to resolve employee relations concerns and support a diverse and inclusive culture and work environment. This position requires both firsthand and strategic expertise, with a next-level customer service orientation in all aspects of execution.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conducts scheduled evaluations for new employees and addresses performance and behavioral issues among team members through appropriate improvement measures; when necessary, manages the employment termination process in alignment with company policy.
• Contribute to managing the Communications Systems, which encompass activities that promote open and honest communications such as plant-wide meetings, an open-door policy, team meetings, bulletin boards, daily newsletters, and conflict resolution initiatives.
• Take part in the Awards & Recognition Systems to include activities promoting the recognition of high achieving teams and individuals.
• Manages activities within Employee Relations, including conducting self-audits, reviewing exit interview feedback, and evaluating employee suggestions to enhance organizational effectiveness.
• Oversees and manages Employee Relations to ensure the facility remains Union-Free.
• Provides leadership to the Employee Relations and HR operations team.
• Provide leadership, direction, and development for the Employee Relations (ER) team to meet annual objectives and advance the strategic ER roadmap.
• Consult and provide training, advice, counsel, and resolution to employees and managers on a broad range of employee relations matters, including policy interpretation and application, local employment laws, conflict resolution, performance management, progressive corrective action, and other separations of employment.
• Conduct robust investigations into employee complaints and allegations of misconduct in a timely, fair, and balanced way. Identify and assess the scale and scope of alleged or confirmed conduct deemed inappropriate, impermissible, or unacceptable. Partner with legal counsel as needed.
• Lead and develop ER teams while effectively managing employee relations issues and concerns, minimizing company risk and improving employee experience.
• Provide leadership and support to the HR Service team to ensure operational excellence and labor compliance. Ensure local legal compliance in areas such as personnel file management.
• Participate in the development and implementation of new policies and procedures.
• Provide insight and interpretation to managers and employees regarding relevant employment principles and complex employee relations issues, especially those requiring an explanation or interpretation of employment law, principles of effective performance management, and workplace investigations.
• Identify gaps in process, policies, and practices; Lead cross-functional teams to close gaps and optimize policies, processes, or programs.
• Contribute to a culture of continuous improvement; be bold in driving change.
• Performing other duties may be assigned to support departmental goals and organizational objectives.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Bachelor's degree (B. S.) from four-year college or university, 10 years related HR employee relations experience and five plus (5 ) years in a leadership role.

• Strong ER experience gained through increasingly responsible positions within Human Resources with a focus on employee relations and people management.
• Strong people leadership skills focused on coaching and collaboration.
• Experience leading complex projects and organizational change, driving operational excellence and improved employee experience.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills in English.
• The ability to prioritize work and navigate ambiguity in a high growth, fast paced matrix environment.
• Demonstrated ability to drive results through individual efforts and influencing others, without authority over them, including with HR and Business Leaders.
• Excellent customer service and relationship management skills with the ability to maintain a high degree of confidentiality, diplomacy, tact, and business acumen.
• Objective and trusted advisor; credible employee advocate with the ability to work on cross functional teams. and manage onsite employees.
• Proficient in Microsoft tools, including Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and SharePoint. (HRIS a plus)
• Ability to travel, on a limited basis, as needed (10%).