Senior Employee Relations Investigator

The Senior Employee Relations Investigator (Sr. ERI) is responsible for leading high-profile and complex workplace investigations, including Title VII cases, and providing expert guidance to field Human Resource (HR) support and operational leaders on employee relations matters. This role requires expertise in managing investigations within both union and non-union environments. The Sr. ERI will analyze employee relations trends, ensure legal compliance, and offer strategic recommendations that align with organizational objectives. Additionally, this role requires proficiency in California employment law and a deep understanding of workplace policies and best practices as well as strong analytical, interpersonal and communication skills.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct thorough, impartial, and timely investigations of sensitive employee relations matters, including allegations of discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and other workplace concerns, while ensuring compliance with legal and organizational standards.
• Gather and analyze relevant evidence, conduct interviews with key stakeholders, and meticulously document findings.
• Provide well-reasoned recommendations for resolution, corrective actions, and preventive measures that align with business objectives and legal requirements.
• Serve as a trusted advisor on employee relations issues within unionized settings, ensuring investigations are conducted in compliance with collective bargaining agreements (CBAs).
• Prepare comprehensive case summaries and confidently present fact-based investigation outcomes to appropriate business partners, using strong written and verbal communication skills to ensure clarity, accuracy, and professionalism.
• Apply critical thinking to assess complex situations, analyze all relevant information, and make sound, objective recommendations that contribute to effective decision-making and that resolve conflicts efficiently.
• Manage conflict by addressing and resolving disputes calmly and professionally, with the goal of ensuring that all parties feel heard and guiding conversations toward productive solutions while maintaining and promoting a positive and respectful workplace environment.
• Evaluate employee relations data and trends to identify root causes, key issues, and opportunities for proactive intervention, providing actionable insights to HR leadership and business partners.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in human resources, with 2-3 years investigating Title VII cases and other employment-related claims.
• Experience working in a unionized environment is preferred.

Certifications/Technical Skills

• Proficient in MS Office, HRIS, and Talent Management Systems
• Experience with Navex system preferred.

Skills and Competencies:

• Thorough understanding of workplace investigations best practices, including neutral fact-finding interviews, credibility assessments, and maintaining confidentiality.
• Ability to build strong working relationships across all levels of the organization, including senior leaders, managers, and employees.
• Excellent planning, organization, and time management skills, with the ability to handle multiple tasks in a fast-paced, time-sensitive environment.
• Strong business acumen and familiarity with HR principles, concepts, and practices.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to navigate complex, sensitive, and emotional issues objectively and professionally.
• Ability to analyze workplace trends and leverage data-driven insights to inform HR and business strategies.
• Bilingual (Spanish) preferred.