HR Associate Relations Manager

Overview

The Associate Relations Manager reports to the Division Manager and serves as a strategic partner to leadership in driving associate relations, compliance, and organizational effectiveness across assigned departments. This role is responsible for aligning departmental activities with the annual business plan while ensuring consistency and ensures operational execution, risk mitigation, and a culture of accountability, engagement, and adherence to company standards.

• Manage, analyze, and present associate relations metrics and business plan results, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and executive expectations.
• Lead complex workplace investigations involving policy violations, misconduct, harassment, discrimination, retaliation, attendance, and performance matters, ensuring impartiality and legal compliance.
• Ensure investigations are timely, thorough, well-documented, and compliant with all applicable federal, state, and local employment laws.
• Prepare comprehensive investigation summaries, findings reports, and legally defensible corrective action recommendations.
• Maintain investigation logs and documentation in accordance with record retention and audit requirements.
• Interpret, enforce, and consistently apply company policies, procedures, and associate handbook guidelines across all locations.
• Ensure full compliance with labor and employment laws, including FLSA, ADA, FMLA, Title VII, EEOC regulations, and applicable state statutes.
• Serve as a strategic advisor to leadership on disciplinary actions, terminations, performance management, and risk mitigation strategies.
• Monitor and analyze trends in associate complaints, turnover, and disciplinary actions, proactively recommending preventive and corrective measures.
• Lead the development, review, and revision of all company policies and procedures, ensuring legal compliance, operational alignment, and annual updates as required.
• Support and lead internal audits, compliance reviews, and ISO 9001 and 14001 standard adherence initiatives.
• Develop, recommend, and implement associate policies and procedures, ensuring annual legal review and clear communication to all associates.
• Oversee performance evaluation programs to ensure consistency, fairness, and alignment with company standards.
• Conduct and facilitate training on harassment prevention, workplace conduct, documentation standards, and respectful workplace practices.
• Manage associate development initiatives, associate counseling, corrective action processes, and exit interview programs.
• Promote and cultivate an operating culture that drives accountability, communication, engagement, and adherence to company standards.
• Perform additional responsibilities as required to support operational demands and organizational objectives.

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field required, or equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience.
• 5+ years of progressive HR experience with a strong focus on associate relations.
• Capability to understand and implement strategic plans and/or business plans.
• Proven ability to handle highly sensitive information with the utmost discretion, consistently exercising sound, ethical judgment in complex and high-risk situations.
• Exceptional documentation and analytical writing skills, with the ability to produce clear, thorough, and legally defensible reports, summaries, and recommendations.
• Advanced conflict resolution and mediation expertise, capable of navigating high-tension situations, facilitating productive dialogue, and achieving sustainable resolutions.
• Strong behavioral insight and influencing skills, with the ability to assess motivations, negotiate effectively, and drive mindset or behavioral change while preserving professional relationships and organizational alignment.
• Ability to effectively communicate in both English and Spanish is highly desirable.