Employee Relations Specialist

At Deckers Brands, Together, Every Step is a promise kept that every employee can bring their authentic self, is valued and supported, as a whole person, at work and beyond. Together, Every Step is how we continue to deliver exceptional business results, experience an amazing place to work, and have a positive impact on the communities and world around us.

Job Title: Employee Relations Specialist

Reports to: Director, Employee Relations

Location: Goleta, CA - Hybrid

The Employee Relations Specialist plays a key role in fostering a fair, respectful, and legally compliant workplace. This role partners closely with managers, employees, and PXBPs to address performance concerns, support policy adherence, and advise on PX best practices. This role serves as a trusted resource for employees and leadership, ensuring fair treatment, clear communication, and alignment with Company values. The Employee Relations Specialist is a thoughtful problem‑solver with strong judgement, exceptional communication skills, keen attention to detail, and a demonstrated understanding of PX best practices.

We celebrate diversity--of your background, your experiences and your unique identity. We are committed to ensuring an inclusive and equitable workplace where all of our employees can Come as They Are. We believe that when we bring our different perspectives to work, we are truly Better Together.

• Serve as the initial point of contact for employee relations concerns, ensuring timely, thorough, and impartial review and assessment.
• Conduct interviews, gather documentation, and prepare clear, well-supported case summaries and recommendations.
• Track and analyze ER trends to identify gaps, opportunities for training, policy revisions, or other organizational improvements.

• Coach managers on performance management, conflict resolution, and effective communication.
• Provide guidance on corrective action, performance improvement plans, and documentation best practices.
• Review and approve performance management and corrective action documentation.
• Support employees in understanding policies, processes, and available resources.

• Interpret and apply company policies, employment laws, and PX procedures consistently across the organization.
• Support PX and compliance initiatives in partnership with PXBPs and People Success team.
• Support training initiatives related to respectful workplace behavior, anti-harassment, and leadership development.

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources or related field, or equivalents experience, or HR certification (PHR, SHRM-CP, or equivalent).
• 4+ years of experience in employee relations, HR Generalist work, or related HR function, preferably within a distribution/retail environment.
• Strong knowledge of federal, state, and local employment laws (multi-state preferred).
• Demonstrated ability to conduct objective investigations and manage sensitive information with discretion.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to draft clear, defensible documentation.
• Sound judgement and decision-making ability.
• Empathy and professionalism.
• Conflict resolution and mediation.
• Analytical thinking and pattern recognition.
• Ability to build trust at all levels of the organization.
• Strong ability to maintain discretion and confidentiality with sensitive information.

• Competitive Pay and Bonuses - We’ve created a variety of competitive compensation programs to foster career development, reward success and to show our employees just how much they’re valued.
• Financial Planning and wellbeing - No matter what financial goals our employees have set, we want to help them get there. Our plans provide powerful ways to protect income, pay for expenses and invest in the future.
• Time away from work - Sometimes we need time away to be with family, focus on our health or just simply recharge. Our plans support our employees' needs to get out, get healthy and come back stronger than ever.
• Extras, discounts and perks - Being a valued member of the Deckers Brands team means more than just a…