Employee Relations Partner

This role is a contract assignment at Palo Alto Networks. Contractors will not be employed by Palo Alto Networks but through our trusted staffing partners. Palo Alto Networks is looking for an Employee Relations Partner
- Contractor to support internal performance management, employee relations, and organizational alignment. Reporting within the People organization, this position offers a great opportunity for an experienced professional to advise business leaders, navigate complex employee matters, and promote equitable workplace practices.

Location:

Santa Clara, CA (Hybrid) or Remote-US

Duration: 12 months

The Employee Relations Partner is a critical advisor in upholding organizational values, driving performance elevation, and managing workplace dynamics. Working in a fast-paced environment, you will bridge strategic guidance and operational execution to foster fair, consistent, and legally compliant outcomes across teams. This role demands a skilled, composed, and detail-oriented partner who excels at navigating ambiguity, resolving complex employee relations issues, and collaborating across functions to optimize internal processes.

• Performance Elevation & Leadership
  
  Coaching:
  
  Educate, coach, and guide leaders on performance management efforts, providing tailored advice to elevate team capabilities while aligning with company philosophy and core values.
• Employee Relations & Conflict Resolution: Advise on a wide range of employee relations issues, including manager/employee conflicts, complaints, and behavioral or conduct issues.
• Involuntary Terminations & Offboarding: Coach leaders and facilitate involuntary terminations, including employee notifications, processing terminations, and drafting Mutual Separation Agreements (MSA).
• Reorganizations & Risk Mitigation: Consult with business leaders, People Business Partners (PBPs), and Legal on organizational restructures and role eliminations.
• Process Optimization & Analytics: Lead projects to optimize and automate internal ER processes. Deliver quarterly business reviews on case outcomes, trends, and data analysis to key stakeholders.
• Values & Workplace Equity Advocacy: Act as an advocate for fair treatment and ensure workplace practices align with core values:
  Disrupt, Execute, Inclusion, Collaboration, and Integrity.

• Professional Background: Minimum of 5 years of Employee Relations experience gained in an HRBP role, Employee Relations Advisory role, or equivalent experience as a practicing employment attorney.
• Subject Matter & Technical Acumen: Deep knowledge of employment law principles, effective risk management, and experience conducting investigations or advising on complex ER cases. Proficiency in case management software, people data platforms, and Google Suite.
• Mindset & Composure: Proven success operating and remaining composed in a fast-paced, high-volume, and high-pressure environment. Strong problem-solving skills with sound judgment when navigating uncertainty.
• Communication & Stakeholder Influence: Excellent verbal and written communication, active listening, and coaching skills. Proven ability to build strong, collaborative relationships across functions and influence outcomes effectively.
• Education & Preferences: BA/BS degree or equivalent practical experience preferred.

The compensation offered for this position will depend on qualifications, experience, and work location. For candidates who receive an offer, this is the pay range that the staffing agency reasonably expects to pay for this position: $43/hour to $48/hour. Please note that the compensation information in this posting reflects the hourly…