The Hershey Company

Sr. Specialist, Employee Relations

The Hershey Company • $75K — $95K *
Hershey, PA 17033In-Person
Business Services
Less than 5 years of experience
1 month ago
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • At least 3-5 years of progressive HR experience with a focus on employee relations and compliance.
  • Bachelor's degree in human resources, Business Administration, or related field required; Master's preferred.
  • Professional HR certification (e.g., PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP) is preferred.
  • Proven experience in conducting high-volume and complex investigations.
  • Strong understanding of employment law and HR compliance.
  • Skilled in coaching managers on performance management and conflict resolution.
  • Proficiency with HR case management systems like Workday or ServiceNow.

Responsibilities

  • Lead investigations into allegations of misconduct, discrimination, and compliance violations from start to finish.
  • Coach managers on performance management, conflict resolution, and policy interpretation.
  • Ensure consistent application of HR policies in collaboration with HRBPs and Legal teams.
  • Analyze ER trends and case data to identify issues and recommend solutions.
  • Support workplace accommodations and manage organizational change processes.
  • Contribute to internal projects aimed at improving ER processes and service delivery.

Benefits

  • Hybrid work model allowing for flexibility between remote and in-office work.
  • Opportunities for professional development and mentorship within the ER team.
  • Access to comprehensive health and wellness programs.
  • Supportive workplace culture focused on collaboration and continuous improvement.
Full Job Description
Location: Hershey, PA

Department: HR / Employee Relations

Summary of Role:

The Senior Specialist, Employee Relations is a key member of the Employee Relations team, responsible for leading investigations, coaching managers, and ensuring consistent application of policies and procedures across the organization. This role supports Hershey's corporate, retail, manufacturing and commercial teams by managing complex employee relations matters, promoting a positive workplace culture, and mitigating risk through proactive consultation and data-driven insights.

Role Responsibilities:
  • Lead investigations into alleged policy violations, including misconduct, discrimination, and compliance issues, from intake through resolution.
  • Coach and advise managers on performance management, conflict resolution, policy interpretation, and employee transitions.
  • Ensure consistent and compliant application of HR policies and procedures, partnering with HRBPs, Legal, and Centers of Excellence (COEs).
  • Monitor and analyze ER trends and case data to identify systemic issues and recommend proactive solutions.
  • Support workplace accommodations and organizational change processes, ensuring alignment with legal standards and business needs.
  • Contribute to internal projects and continuous improvement initiatives, optimizing ER processes, technologies, and service delivery.


Desired knowledge, skills, and abilities:

1. Employee Relations Expertise
  • Proven experience conducting high-volume and complex investigations.
  • Strong understanding of employment law, HR compliance, and policy interpretation.
  • Experience managing accommodations and performance-related transitions.
  • Skilled in coaching leaders through sensitive ER matters.


2. Business Partnership & Influence
  • Demonstrated ability to collaborate with HRBPs, Legal, and business leaders.
  • Strong influencing and negotiation skills across all levels of the organization.
  • Experience supporting diverse business areas including retail, commercial, and logistics.
  • Ability to drive consistency and fairness in ER practices.


3. Data & Risk Management
  • Proficiency in ER case management systems (e.g., Workday, ServiceNow).
  • Ability to analyze ER data, identify trends, and develop mitigation strategies.
  • Experience with compliance monitoring and risk assessment.
  • Skilled in documentation and reporting for legal and operational review.


4. Training & Capability Building
  • Experience developing and delivering ER training to HR and business leaders.
  • Ability to mentor junior ER team members and build organizational ER capability.
  • Skilled in simplifying complex ER topics into practical guidance.
  • Experience embedding ER best practices into HR and business processes.


Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:
  • Education -
    • Bachelor's degree in human resources, Business Administration, or related field.
    • Master's degree in HR or related field - preferred.
    • Professional HR certification (e.g., PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP) - preferred.
  • Experience -
    • At least 3-5 years of progressive HR experience, including employee relations and compliance.


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About The Hershey Company

The Hershey Company Careers

Join the sweetest team on earth at The Hershey Company, a global leader in chocolate and sugar confections. With a rich heritage of innovation and leadership, The Hershey Company offers unparalleled job opportunities in an environment that champions diversity, creativity, and growth. Work You’ll Do Embark on a fulfilling career journey with The Hershey Company, where you can contribute to a range of exciting projects that help shape the future of the confectionery industry. At Hershey, you will work alongside a diverse team of professionals who are passionate about delivering joy through their products and innovations. Transform your professional life by engaging in roles that leverage your unique skills and aspirations. Whether in marketing, research and development, production, or sales, each position at Hershey is designed to foster leadership and professional growth. Lead with Innovation At The Hershey Company, innovation is at the core of everything we do. From creating delightful new treats to enhancing our sustainable practices, our team is constantly pushing the boundaries of what's possible in the confectionery space. Join a company where your ideas and leadership can make a tangible impact on our products and processes, driving growth and excellence in the industry. Explore Career Opportunities The Hershey Company is committed to nurturing talent and providing its employees with the tools they need for success. Explore a variety of job opportunities and internships that can help you build a rewarding career. Our positions are designed to challenge your skills and help you grow as a professional. Be Part of Our Culture Experience a company culture that values teamwork, integrity, and respect. At Hershey, we believe in creating an inclusive environment where every employee can thrive. Our commitment to diversity and inclusion is evident in our everyday operations and the positive atmosphere our team members enjoy. Benefits and Growth Invest in your future with The Hershey Company’s comprehensive benefits package, designed to support your health, well-being, and financial security. Embrace opportunities for career advancement through professional development programs and continuous learning initiatives. Networking and Professional Development Enhance your career prospects through Hershey’s robust networking opportunities. Connect with industry leaders, participate in global conferences, and engage in diversity training programs that prepare you for leadership roles within the company. Join Our Team Search for open positions that match your skills and interests on The Hershey Company’s careers page. We are looking for passionate, innovative, and driven individuals to join our team and help us continue our legacy of success and leadership in the confectionery industry. Stay Connected Keep up to date with the latest career tips, company news, and industry insights—all from the people who work at The Hershey Company. Subscribe to our careers blog and personalize your job alerts to find out about the exciting and rewarding opportunities that await you at Hershey. Explore, innovate, and grow with The Hershey Company. Discover how your career can flourish in an environment dedicated to nurturing talent and celebrating success. Join us and be part of a team that’s making a difference in the sweetest way possible!
Learn more about The Hershey Company
Size
16,620 employees
Market Cap
$48.1 billion
Industry
Food & Beverages
Net Income
$1.2 billion
Founded
1894
5 Year Trend
+3.8%
Revenue
$8.1 billion
NASDAQ
HSY
* Ladders Estimates

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