Employee Relations Manager - Tampa, FL

Employee Relations Manager

We are currently seeking an Employee Relations Manager located in Tampa, FL. Will also consider candidates located in Chicago and Philadelphia.

If not currently a Tampa resident, you must be willing to relocate to Tampa, FL in the near future

The Employee Relations Manager will be the employment law, policy, and dispute management compliance expert. Much of the role will entail fostering a positive relationship with employees and managers, ensuring fairness and compliance with policy and labor laws, and mediating workplace conflicts. This is a high profile position with significant implications on culture, engagement, positive relationships, productivity, and collaboration.

Independence Realty Trust, Inc (NYSE: IRT) is a real estate investment trust that owns and operates multi-family apartments. We currently manage over 36,000 apartment homes, 120+ communities, in over 30 markets and 14 of the country’s most desirable states. IRT has a strong commitment to hiring the most talented industry professionals, which has resulted in record growth, making the Company one of the most respected and trusted within our industry.

To learn more about us, visit

• Guide managers through performance concerns, corrective actions, and terminations with clarity, consistency, and legal alignment
• Elevate the quality of performance conversations across the organization
• Ensure progressive discipline is applied fairly and documented appropriately
• Lead investigations into employee complaints, grievances, and policy concerns
• Mediate complex disputes between employees and leaders
• Deliver balanced, well-documented findings and resolution recommendations
• Serve as the company’s subject matter expert in employment law and policy adherence
• Protect the organization by conducting thorough, objective investigations
• Ensure all employee relations matters are handled respectfully and legally
• Build trusted relationships with leaders and employees at all levels
• Train and coach managers on conflict resolution, documentation, and employee rights
• Provide insights and trend analysis to proactively address emerging workplace risks
• Track and report actionable employee relations metrics
• Identify trends that forecast risk, engagement challenges, or leadership gaps
• Partner with HR leadership to strengthen policy clarity and operational consistency
• Managers feel confident leading performance discussions
• Employees believe concerns are heard and handled fairly
• Investigations are thorough, neutral, and defensible
• Minimize risk through proactive and compliant employment law decision making
• Compliant and thorough employee paperwork management
• Track key data points and evaluate / project trends and manager development needs

• 5+ years of progressive HR experience with deep focus in employee relations, performance management, and workplace investigations
• Strong knowledge of federal, state, and local employment laws
• Proven ability to manage sensitive investigations with objectivity and discretion
• Exceptional emotional intelligence and conflict mediation skills
• Ability to influence without authority and build trust across all organizational levels
• Strong analytical thinking and documentation discipline
• Courage to have difficult conversations while maintaining professionalism and respect

• Competitive Compensation Package
• Stock Awards
• Paid Holidays and Paid Time Off
• BCBS PPO Health Insurance
• 401k with 4% match

Independence Realty Trust is an Equal Opportunity Employer and committed to building a diverse and inclusive culture. We consider applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, familial, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected classes.

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.