Lead Employee Relations Partner

Role Overview

• Lead complex employee relations efforts, including investigations, conflict resolution, and performance management; partnering with Legal where necessary.
• Drive cross-functional collaboration with Legal to co-develop risk mitigation protocols, ensure consistent interpretation of policies, and manage high-risk cases with legal implications.
• Provide coaching and guidance to managers and HRBPs on employee relations best practices and policy interpretation.
• Design and pilot new approaches to performance management and corrective action that are equitable, scalable, and legally sound.
• Champion continuous improvement through feedback loops and benchmarking.
• Own the development of ER reporting initiatives and analytics tools to identify trends in performance management and discipline.
• Analyze trends and use insights to inform policy changes and training needs.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.
• Provide guidance and escalation support to ER Partners.
• Ensure consistency in case handling and documentation across the team.
• Contribute to the development of a positive employee experience through fair and consistent practices.
• Lead the ongoing review, update, and maintenance of the employee handbook, ensuring alignment with current employment laws, organizational policies, and HR best practices; collaborate with Legal, Compliance, and HR stakeholders to ensure clarity, consistency, and accessibility.
• Manage day-to-day execution of involuntary separation cases, ensuring timely and compliant handling of all steps in the process.
• Partner with HRBPs to support the selection process for impacted employees, providing ER perspective on risk and fairness.
• Review and validate termination packets for accuracy, consistency, and compliance with internal policies and external regulations.
• Coach and support managers in preparing for and conducting termination conversations, including scripting and delivery best practices.
• Identify and escalate complex or sensitive cases to the Sr. Manager of ER for further review and guidance.
• Maintain detailed documentation of all separation cases, ensuring audit readiness and data integrity.
• Contribute to the development of ER team resources, including training materials and process guides.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field
• PHR or SPHR certification preferred
• 5+ years of progressive HR experience with a focus on employee relations
• Experience conducting investigations and managing complex employee relations cases
• Strong knowledge of employment laws and HR best practices
• Experience working in a matrixed or agile environment is a plus
• Knowledge and experience with employment laws in the state of California.
• Knowledge and experience with employment laws in Mexico.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational and documentation skills.
• High level of discretion and ability to handle sensitive and confidential information.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Familiarity with tiered ER COE models and scalable service delivery
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and HRIS systems (e.g., Workday).

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision care coverage
• Paid time off plan
• 401(k) Plan
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Basic life insurance
• Short-and long-term disability coverage
• Accident insurance
• Teammate Assistance Program
• Paid parental leave
• Domestic partner benefits
• Mental, physical, and financial well-being programs