Employee Relations Manager

Direct message the job poster from The Christopher Group, Agile HR Business Solutions

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.

• Conduct scheduled evaluations for new employees and address performance and behavioral issues among team members through appropriate improvement measures; manage the employment termination process in alignment with company policy when necessary.
• 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.
• Participate in the Awards & Recognition Systems to promote the recognition of high‑achieving teams and individuals.
• Manage activities within Employee Relations, including conducting self‑audits, reviewing exit interview feedback, and evaluating employee suggestions to enhance organizational effectiveness.
• Oversee and manage Employee Relations to ensure the facility remains Union‑Free.
• Provide 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.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support departmental goals and organizational objectives.

Bachelor's degree (B. S.) from a four‑year college or university, 10+ years related HR employee relations experience and 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…