The Senior Employee Relations Consultant serves as a trusted advisor to managers, Human Resources partners, and employees on a broad range of employee relations matters. This role provides expert consultation on workplace concerns, employee misconduct, performance management, policy interpretation, investigations, disciplinary actions, and employment terminations. The consultant partners closely with HR, Legal, Compliance, and business leaders to mitigate risk, ensure fair and consistent employment practices, and foster a positive employee experience.

The role is responsible for leading complex and sensitive workplace investigations, identifying emerging employee relations trends, and contributing to the development and enhancement of policies, processes, and programs that support organizational effectiveness and compliance.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as a subject matter expert and trusted advisor on employee relations matters, including policy interpretation, performance management, workplace behavior concerns, disciplinary actions, leave and accommodation issues, and involuntary separations.

• Lead and manage complex workplace investigations, including allegations of misconduct, harassment, discrimination, retaliation, conflicts of interest, and policy violations. Partner with Legal as appropriate, including matters requiring attorney-client privilege.

• Conduct thorough fact-finding, documentation, risk assessments, and investigations while maintaining confidentiality and ensuring timely resolution.

• Provide coaching and guidance to managers and HR partners regarding employee performance concerns, corrective action, and conflict resolution strategies.

• Partner with Legal, Compliance, Risk, and HR stakeholders to ensure consistent application of policies and compliance with employment laws and regulations.

• Analyze employee relations data, case trends, and organizational risks to identify opportunities for proactive intervention and continuous improvement.

• Recommend enhancements to policies, procedures, and employee relations practices based on investigation findings, and industry best practices.
• Support organizational change initiatives by advising leaders on employee relations implications and risk mitigation strategies.

• Participate in cross-functional HR projects and initiatives focused on employee experience, risk management, compliance, and process improvement.

• Mentor and provide guidance to junior Employee Relations team members and contribute to the development of ER best practices across the function.

• Lead or participate in strategic projects and process improvements that enhance the effectiveness and scalability of employee relations programs.

Qualifications and Skills

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field. Masters degree preferred.

• 7+ years of progressive Human Resources experience, including significant experience in Employee Relations.

• Demonstrated experience conducting complex workplace investigations and advising leaders on sensitive employee matters.

• Strong knowledge of federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations, including EEO, ADA, FMLA, wage and hour, anti-harassment, and related employment legislation.

• Experience partnering with Legal and Compliance teams on employment-related matters.

Key Skills

• Strong investigative, analytical, and problem-solving capabilities.

• Exceptional consultation, coaching, and influencing skills.

• Ability to build trust and credibility with leaders and employees at all levels.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to navigate difficult conversations with professionalism and empathy.

• Sound judgment and ability to assess organizational, legal, and reputational risk.

• Strong conflict resolution and negotiation skills.

• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and navigate ambiguity in a fast-paced environment.

• Ability to identify trends and translate insights into proactive solutions and recommendations.

Salary Range:

Salary range is a good faith estimate of base pay. Northern Trust provides a comprehensive benefits package including retirement benefits (401k and pension), health and welfare benefits (medical, dental, vision, spending accounts and disability), paid time off, parental and caregiver leave, life & accident insurance, and other voluntary and well-being benefits. Northern Trust also provides a discretionary bonus program that may include an equity component.

Work Authorization

Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. without the need for employment-based visa sponsorship now or in the future. Northern Trust will not sponsor applicants for U.S. work visa status for this opportunity (no sponsorship is available for H-1B, L-1, TN, O-1, E-3, H-1B1, F-1, J-1, OPT, CPT or any other employment-based visa).