Associate Manager, 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.

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

• 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.
• 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.
• Able to drive consistency and fairness in ER practices.
• 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.
• 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.

The Hershey Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer.