Employee Relations Lead

About the role

Form Energy is an American manufacturing and energy technology company revolutionizing energy storage with cost‑effective, multi‑day iron‑air batteries to keep the electric grid secure and reliable. Recognized by TIME as a “Best Invention”, MIT Technology Review as a “Top Climate Tech Company To Watch”, and Fast Company as “One of the Next Big Things In Tech”, the company is scaling production at its West Virginia facility and expanding its team nationwide. This role reports to the SVP, People and serves as both a strategic leader and hands‑on operator responsible for building the Employee Relations function from the ground up while managing a complex caseload. The position is hybrid, requiring onsite work at one of Form Energy’s offices (Weirton, WV or Somerville, MA) and travel to all locations, with relocation assistance available.

Responsibilities

• Own and manage a complex, high‑volume caseload spanning the full spectrum of ER issues — including harassment, discrimination, misconduct, performance‑related disputes, and interpersonal conflict.
• Conduct thorough, timely, and legally sound investigations, and drive cases to fair, well‑documented resolution.
• Design and stand up Form Energy's ER function from the ground up — including intake processes, investigation methodology, case management tooling, escalation pathways, and documentation standards.
• Establish the frameworks, templates, and playbooks that will scale with the organization.
• Serve as a trusted advisor and coach to senior leaders and People Partners on ER strategy, risk, and precedent.
• Translate case patterns and trends into proactive recommendations that reduce risk and improve the employee experience before issues escalate.
• Equip people managers with the skills, judgment, and confidence to identify and address ER issues early — through training, real‑time coaching, and clear guidance on when and how to escalate.
• Develop, maintain, and continuously improve HR policies and practices to ensure fair, consistent application across the company and compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws.
• Partner with Legal on complex or high‑risk matters.
• Build the reporting infrastructure to