Senior Employee Relations Consultant

About Northern Trust As a global leader in innovative wealth management, asset servicing, asset management and banking services, Northern Trust (Nasdaq: NTRS) is proud to guide the world’s most successful individuals, families, corporations and institutions.

Since 1889, we have aligned our efforts with our three guiding Principles That Endure:
Service, Expertise, and Integrity. Together, they reflect the three cornerstones of business conduct which we strive to instill in our employees, whom we call partners, and to provide to our clients and the communities we serve worldwide.

With more than 135 years of financial experience and over 24,000 partners, we serve the world’s most sophisticated clients using leading technology and exceptional service.

The Senior Employee Relations Consultant serves as a trusted advisor to managers, Human Resources partners, and employees on a broad range of employee relations matters. This role provides expert consultation on workplace concerns, employee misconduct, performance management, policy interpretation, investigations, disciplinary actions, and employment terminations. The consultant partners closely with HR, Legal, Compliance, and business leaders to mitigate risk, ensure fair and consistent employment practices, and foster a positive employee experience.

The role is responsible for leading complex and sensitive workplace investigations, identifying emerging employee relations trends, and contributing to the development and enhancement of policies, processes, and programs that support organizational effectiveness and compliance.

Key Responsibilities Serve as a subject matter expert and trusted advisor on employee relations matters, including policy interpretation, performance management, workplace behavior concerns, disciplinary actions, leave and accommodation issues, and involuntary separations.

Lead and manage complex workplace investigations, including allegations of misconduct, harassment, discrimination, retaliation, conflicts of interest, and policy violations. Partner with Legal as appropriate, including matters requiring attorney-client privilege.

Conduct thorough fact-finding, documentation, risk assessments, and investigations while maintaining confidentiality and ensuring timely resolution.

Provide coaching and guidance to managers and HR partners regarding employee performance concerns, corrective action, and conflict resolution strategies.

Partner with Legal, Compliance, Risk, and HR stakeholders to ensure consistent application of policies and compliance with employment laws and regulations.

Analyze employee relations data, case trends, and organizational risks to identify opportunities for proactive intervention and continuous improvement.

Recommend enhancements to policies, procedures, and employee relations practices based on investigation findings, and industry best practices.

Support organizational change initiatives by advising leaders on employee relations implications and risk mitigation strategies.

Participate in cross-functional HR projects and initiatives focused on employee experience, risk management, compliance, and process improvement.

Mentor and provide guidance to junior Employee Relations team members and contribute to the development of ER best practices across the function.

Lead or participate in strategic projects and process improvements that enhance the effectiveness and scalability of employee relations programs.

Qualifications and Skills

Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field. Master’s degree preferred.
7+ years of progressive Human Resources experience, including significant experience in Employee Relations.

Demonstrated experience conducting complex…