Job Type
Full-time
JOB SUMMARY
The Employee Relations Manager is responsible for leading and administering employee relations programs for a 700-employee community banking organization. This role ensures consistent, compliant, and fair application of policies, supports a positive workplace culture, and mitigates organizational risk. This role oversees investigations, performance management processes, workplace accommodations, and regulatory compliance while providing recommendations to the HR Division Manager.
RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES (Essential & Marginal Functions)
Employee Relations Leadership & Oversight
• Lead and supervise Employee Relations function, including direct oversight and mentoring of an Employee Relations Representative and Administrative Assistant
• Serve as a trusted advisor to managers on employee relations matters while balancing business needs with compliance and employee experience
• Oversee and conduct complex workplace investigations, ensuring timely, thorough, and legally compliant outcomes
• Manage conflict resolution efforts and promote proactive issue resolution strategies
Performance Management Programs
• Oversee performance management program, including disciplinary actions, annual reviews, and introductory period assessments
• Ensure consistency, fairness, and documentation standards across all departments
• Provide guidance to managers on performance improvement and corrective action
Employee Programs & Engagement
• Manage employee recognition programs (e.g. Employee of the Month, Loss Prevention Awards, etc.)
• Partner with leadership to enhance programs that support employee engagement and organizational culture
• Serve as trusted advocate for employees while balancing business needs with compliance and employee experience
Compliance & Risk Management
• Review and validate involuntary termination requests, assess risk, and provide recommendations to HRDM
• Support HRDM in responding to legal matters and complaints filed with EEOC, CRD, etc.
• Manage unemployment claims and workers' compensation programs
Leave of Absence & Accommodations
• Manage ADA accommodations and lead interactive process to ensure compliance with gov't regulations
• Provide guidance to Leave of Absence administrator to ensure compliance, consistency, and alignment with company practices and precedent
Systems & Reporting
• Utilize HR systems to track cases, maintain documentation, and generate reports
• Analyze trends and provide insights to improve employee relations strategies and reduce risk
Marginal Functions
Systems & Reporting
• Recommend policy updates based on regulatory changes and evolving business needs
• Facilitate Safety Committee meetings and lead organizational safety initiatives, including fire drills and compliance activities
• Participate in special projects and perform other duties as assigned
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Psychology, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive HR experience, including workplace investigations, ADA accommodations and interactive process, and Leave of absence administration (FMLA/CFRA and related laws)
• HR certifications (PHR or SHRM-CP) preferred
• Prior experience managing or leading a small team required
• Experience in a regulated industry (banking or financial services) preferred.
• Successful experience working in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to manage simultaneous tasks to meet deadlines on continuous basis
• Excellent multi-tasking and time management skills
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, including ability to successfully explain complex information to audiences
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy
• Self-motivated, able to work independently and as part of a team
• Ability to continuously adhere to multiple compliance regulations
• Continued demonstration of sound judgement
• Working knowledge and experience using computer and Microsoft Office applications
• Experience working with HRIS or HCM systems (Paylocity experience preferred)
• Regular on-site attendance required during regular business hours
• Ability to commute to other locations as needed
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
• Sitting for extended periods of time while using computer
• Frequent hand, wrist, and finger movements for tasks such as keyboarding, data entry, and mouse use
• Continuous close visual work is required for tasks such as data analysis, computer use, and reading
• Frequent communication in-person and via phone, talking and hearing for such interactions
• Occasional movement within the office is necessary to access files or office equipment
• Occasional lifting, pushing, and pulling (up to 20 lbs)
• Occasional stooping and reaching
• Occasional standing and walking
MENTAL DEMANDS
• Continuously prioritizing multiple demands and meet deadlines while maintaining high level of compliance
• Continuously applying analytical skills
• Continuously ability to interpret regulations, company policies and precedence, to assess and work through unique situations
• Frequently required to use sound judgement and make sound decisions and determine when to raise issues to HRDM
ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS
• Work in a climate-controlled building without exposure to extreme temperatures.
• Office environment typically has a moderate noise level.
• Work area has standard office ventilation and air quality, with no exposure to fumes, dust, or other potentially harmful atmospheric conditions.
EQUIPMENT USED TO PERFORM FUNCTIONS
• Computer
• Phone
• Common Office Equipment
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY
• Manage and mentor Employee Relations Representative (1) and Administrative Assistant (1)
CONTACTS
• Internal: All levels of personnel within organization
• External: Applicable vendors, program carriers, employee law firms, and government agencies
Salary Description
$70,304.00 - $91,354.00
