Sr Employee Relations Specialist

The Senior Employee Relations Specialist plays a critical role in managing employee relations for a workforce of 500+ associates, ensuring compliance with employment laws and company policies while fostering a positive and respectful workplace culture. This role requires advanced expertise in investigations, legal compliance, and employee relations strategy. The ideal candidate will bring 5+ years of experience managing employee relations, handling complex legal cases, and working with diverse employee groups, including hourly and professional employees.

Key Responsibilities

Employee Relations Service Delivery

  • Provide expert-level employee relations support and service to a workforce of 500+ employees.
  • Address associate concerns, grievances, and disputes in a fair and consistent manner, ensuring alignment with company values and legal requirements.

Policy Administration and Compliance

  • Administer HR policies and ensure compliance with ADA, EEOC regulations, FMLA, and other applicable laws.
  • Manage ADA accommodation requests, collaborating with legal counsel and operational leaders as needed.
  • Proactively update policies and recommend changes to reflect new legal developments and best practices.

Advanced Investigations and Legal Case Management

  • Lead thorough investigations into workplace concerns, including harassment, discrimination, and misconduct claims.
  • Manage EEOC claims and legal responses, including document preparation and coordination with legal counsel.
  • Prepare and represent the company in unemployment hearings, including providing documentation and addressing appeals.

Manager Coaching and Support

  • Advise and coach managers on sensitive employee relations matters, including performance management, policy application, and conflict resolution.
  • Deliver training to managers and supervisors on workplace conduct, compliance, and employee engagement strategies.

Workforce Analytics and Reporting

  • Utilize HR analytics to identify trends in employee relations cases and recommend actionable solutions.
  • Prepare regular reports for HR leadership, highlighting key trends, compliance risks, and workforce insights.

Employee Engagement and Retention

  • Support employee engagement initiatives by analyzing feedback from surveys and focus groups and collaborating with HR leadership to implement improvements.
  • Foster a workplace culture that prioritizes inclusion, belonging, and associate satisfaction.

Required Qualifications

Education and Certifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
  • Required: PHR/SPHR, SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP, or equivalent certification.

Experience

  • Minimum of 5 years of experience in employee relations, including investigations, compliance, and workplace conflict resolution.
  • Proven experience providing employee relations support for a workforce of 500+ employees.
  • Demonstrated experience handling ADA accommodations, EEOC claims, and unemployment processes, including hearings and appeals.
  • Skills and Competencies
  • Advanced knowledge of employment laws and HR best practices, including ADA, FMLA, and EEOC.
  • Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and coaching skills.
  • Strong problem-solving and analytical skills, with proficiency in HR technology platforms and data reporting tools.
  • Fluency in English (Spanish fluency preferred).

Work Environment and Flexibility

  • This role primarily operates during standard business hours but may occasionally require availability outside of normal hours to address urgent matters. Flexibility is provided to accommodate work-life balance.

Why Join Four Seasons Produce?

  • Work for a company with a family-oriented culture that values integrity, collaboration, and inclusion.
  • Make a significant impact in shaping a positive workplace environment for a large, diverse workforce.
  • Enjoy opportunities for growth and development in a dynamic HR environment.

Ready to Lead with Expertise and Empathy?
Apply today and help drive a positive and compliant workplace culture at Four Seasons Produce!

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