Employee Relations Manager

Westamerica is among the largest commercial banks headquartered in California. We are looking for outstanding people to join our winning team. We reached our current strength because our employees, customers, and shareholders believe in the same fundamental goals: Delivering a wide variety of financial services with a superior customer service guarantee.

In office position, located in Fairfield, CA - No remote capability

JOB SUMMARY

The Employee Relations Manager is responsible for leading and administering employee relations programs for a 700-employee community banking organization. This role ensures consistent, compliant, and fair application of policies, supports a positive workplace culture, and mitigates organizational risk. This role oversees investigations, performance management processes, workplace accommodations, and regulatory compliance while providing recommendations to the HR Division Manager.

RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES (Essential & Marginal Functions)

Employee Relations Leadership & Oversight

• Lead and supervise Employee Relations function, including direct oversight and mentoring of an Employee Relations Representative and Administrative Assistant

• Serve as a trusted advisor to managers on employee relations matters while balancing business needs with compliance and employee experience

• Oversee and conduct complex workplace investigations, ensuring timely, thorough, and legally compliant outcomes

• Manage conflict resolution efforts and promote proactive issue resolution strategies

Performance Management Programs

• Oversee performance management program, including disciplinary actions, annual reviews, and introductory period assessments

• Ensure consistency, fairness, and documentation standards across all departments

• Provide guidance to managers on performance improvement and corrective action

Employee Programs & Engagement

• Manage employee recognition programs (e.g. Employee of the Month, Loss Prevention Awards, etc.)

• Partner with leadership to enhance programs that support employee engagement and organizational culture

• Serve as trusted advocate for employees while balancing business needs with compliance and employee experience

Compliance & Risk Management

• Review and validate involuntary termination requests, assess risk, and provide recommendations to HRDM

• Support HRDM in responding to legal matters and complaints filed with EEOC, CRD, etc.

• Manage unemployment claims and workers’ compensation programs

Leave of Absence & Accommodations

• Manage ADA accommodations and lead interactive process to ensure compliance with gov’t regulations

• Provide guidance to Leave of Absence administrator to ensure compliance, consistency, and alignment with company practices and precedent

Systems & Reporting

• Utilize HR systems to track cases, maintain documentation, and generate reports

• Analyze trends and provide insights to improve employee relations strategies and reduce risk

Marginal Functions

Systems & Reporting

• Recommend policy updates based on regulatory changes and evolving business needs

• Facilitate Safety Committee meetings and lead organizational safety initiatives, including fire drills and compliance activities

• Participate in special projects and perform other duties as assigned

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Psychology, or related field (or equivalent experience)

• Minimum of 5 years of progressive HR experience, including workplace investigations, ADA accommodations and interactive process, and Leave of absence administration (FMLA/CFRA and related laws)

• HR certifications (PHR or SHRM-CP) preferred

• Prior experience managing or leading a small team required

• Experience in a regulated industry (banking or financial services) preferred.

• Successful experience working in a fast-paced environment

• Ability to manage simultaneous tasks to meet deadlines on continuous basis

• Excellent multi-tasking and time management skills

• Effective written and verbal communication skills, including ability to successfully explain complex information to audiences

• Strong attention to detail and accuracy

• Self-motivated, able to work independently and as part of a team

• Ability to continuously adhere to multiple compliance regulations

• Continued demonstration of sound judgement

• Working knowledge and experience using computer and Microsoft Office applications

• Experience working with HRIS or HCM systems (Paylocity experience preferred)

• Regular on-site attendance required during regular business hours

• Ability to commute to other locations as needed

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Sitting for extended periods of time while using computer

• Frequent hand, wrist, and finger movements for tasks such as keyboarding, data entry, and mouse use

• Continuous close visual work is required for tasks such as data analysis, computer use, and reading

• Frequent communication in-person and via phone, talking and hearing for such interactions

• Occasional movement within the office is necessary to access files or office equipment

• Occasional lifting, pushing, and pulling (up to 20 lbs)

• Occasional stooping and reaching

• Occasional standing and walking

MENTAL DEMANDS

• Continuously prioritizing multiple demands and meet deadlines while maintaining high level of compliance

• Continuously applying analytical skills

• Continuously ability to interpret regulations, company policies and precedence, to assess and work through unique situations

• Frequently required to use sound judgement and make sound decisions and determine when to raise issues to HRDM

ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS

• Work in a climate-controlled building without exposure to extreme temperatures.

• Office environment typically has a moderate noise level.

• Work area has standard office ventilation and air quality, with no exposure to fumes, dust, or other potentially harmful atmospheric conditions.

EQUIPMENT USED TO PERFORM FUNCTIONS

• Computer

• Phone

• Common Office Equipment

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

• Manage and mentor Employee Relations Representative (1) and Administrative Assistant (1)

CONTACTS

• Internal: All levels of personnel within organization

• External: Applicable vendors, program carriers, employee law firms, and government agencies

EOE

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