JOB FUNCTION / SUMMARY:
The Manager, Associate Relations leads the organization's associate relations function, providing guidance and support to leaders and HR partners on workplace concerns, investigations, policy interpretation, performance management, and employment risk. This role promotes a positive associate experience through fair, consistent, and compliant employment practices while supporting associate growth and development through coaching, career-focused action planning, and partnership with leaders to address development opportunities. The Manager, Associate Relations serves as a trusted advisor, helping foster a respectful, inclusive, and high-performing workplace culture.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Lead the administration and continuous improvement of the associate relations function.
- Conduct and oversee workplace investigations involving associate complaints, performance concerns, policy violations, misconduct, and other sensitive matters.
- Advise leaders and HR partners on performance management, conflict resolution, and associate relations issues.
- Ensure consistent application and interpretation of company policies, procedures, and employment practices.
- Manage and support investigations arising from Integrity in Action reports, ethics concerns, allegations of misconduct, potential SOX-related issues, and other regulatory or policy matters.
- Partner with Legal, Compliance, Internal Audit, and Risk Management to address complex employment matters and mitigate organizational risk.
- Analyze associate relations trends and recommend proactive solutions to improve the workplace and associate experience.
- Develop and deliver training for leaders in coordination with Learning & Development on associate relations topics, policy compliance, and effective people management.
- Maintain accurate case documentation and provide reporting and insights to HR and business leadership.
- Lead, coach, and develop associate relations team members to drive service excellence and operational effectiveness.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Leads and develops associates through effective hiring, coaching, performance management, work planning, and resolution of associate relations matters, in compliance with organizational policies and applicable laws.
MINIMUM REQUIRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE & KNOWLEDGE:
- Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field or related equivalent experience required.
- SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or SPHR certification preferred.
- 7 years of progressive Human Resources experience with significant associate relations responsibility required.
- 3 years of experience conducting complex workplace investigations and managing employee relations cases required.
- Demonstrated knowledge of employment laws, workplace compliance, and risk mitigation practices.
- Ability to handle conflict from varying parties, up to and including senior management
- Experience in financial services, banking, or another regulated industry preferred.
- Ability to use all Microsoft Office products including Word, Excel, Power Point, and Outlook.
ESSENTIAL MENTAL & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Ability to work under stress and meet deadlines.
- Ability to travel if required to perform the essential job functions.
- Ability to operate related equipment to perform the essential job functions.
- Ability to read and interpret a document if required to perform the essential job functions.
- Ability to lift/move/carry approximately 10 pounds if required to perform the essential job functions. If the employee is unable to lift/move/carry this weight and can be accommodated without causing the department/division an “undue hardship” then the employee must be accommodated; hence omitting lifting/moving/carrying as a physical requirement.
