Job DescriptionJob Title: Employee Relations Manager
Department: Human Resources
Reports To: Director of Human Resources
FLSA Status: Exempt
SummaryThe Employee Relations Manager is responsible for independently managing day-to-day employee relations matters, workplace concerns, performance management support, investigations, policy interpretation, and related compliance activities. This position provides guidance to managers and employees, exercises sound judgment in handling sensitive employee matters, and ensures consistent application of employment practices, organizational policies, and applicable employment laws. The role requires a high level of professionalism, discretion, independent decision-making, and follow-through, while escalating complex or high-risk matters to Human Resources leadership as appropriate.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities- Partner with leaders to provide guidance on employee relations, performance management, policy interpretation, corrective actions, and conflict resolution.
- Coach managers on performance improvement, employee engagement, documentation, and employee relations best practices.
- Partner with leadership to evaluate employee relations concerns and recommend appropriate corrective action, performance improvement plans, suspensions, and separation decisions.
- Conduct confidential workplace investigations, document findings, recommend resolutions, and ensure compliance with federal and state laws, regulations, and organizational policies.
- Maintain confidentiality, professionalism, and integrity when handling sensitive employee matters.
- Develop and review employee relations documentation, including disciplinary actions, investigation summaries, separation documentation, and employee communications.
- Support administration of FMLA, ADA accommodations, workers' compensation, unemployment claims, and related compliance activities.
- Review accommodation requests and partner with leadership to assess business needs, essential job functions, and reasonable accommodations.
- Collaborate with internal departments and external vendors to coordinate HR processes, resolve employee-related matters, and ensure compliance with organizational policies and employment practices.
- Develop, implement, and communicate HR policies, procedures, and training programs to ensure consistent application across the organization.
- Maintain HR metrics, reports, investigations, organizational documentation, and confidential employee records.
- Partner with leadership to identify workplace trends, mitigate organizational risk, and recommend proactive retention strategies.
- Collaborate on Human Resources and Organizational Development projects, including employee engagement, change management, succession planning, and process improvement initiatives.
- Assist with employee recognition, talent reviews, leadership development, and strategic HR initiatives.
- Attend meetings and perform other duties and special projects as assigned.
Qualifications- Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field required.
- Minimum of five (5) years of progressive Human Resources or Employee Relations experience, preferably in healthcare.
- Strong knowledge of employment laws including FMLA, ADA, FLSA, EEO, and workplace investigation practices.
- Experience coaching leaders, conducting investigations, and resolving complex employee relations matters.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and HRIS systems (ADP Workforce Now preferred).
- Excellent communication, conflict resolution, organizational, and analytical skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining confidentiality and sound judgment.
- Experience in a multi-location, healthcare, or service-based organization preferred.
Supervisory ResponsibilitiesThis position does not have direct supervisory responsibility. However, the Employee Relations Manager provides guidance, coaching, and support to managers on employee relations matters, performance management, policy interpretation, investigations, and corrective action.
Certificates, Licenses, Registrations- SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or SPHR certification preferred.
Physical Demands & Work EnvironmentThe physical demands and work environment described are representative of those encountered while performing the essential functions of this position. This role is primarily performed in a professional office and healthcare environment requiring prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer use, and interaction with employees and leaders. Occasional travel between clinic locations may be required.
