Employee Relations Manager

Reports To Vice President of Human Resources Location: Murray, Utah - Support Center (in office five days per week) Direct Reports Four Employee Relations Specialists About Sizzling Platter Sizzling Platter is a leading restaurant management group operating more than 800 locations across the United States and Mexico. Since 1963, we've built a franchise platform focused on scaling category-leading brands in high-opportunity markets. Our portfolio includes Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Sizzler Steakhouse, Dunkin', Wingstop, Little Caesars, Jersey Mike's Subs, Jamba, and Cinnabon. Our Support Center in Murray, Utah, serves a team of 14,000+ employees. We are focused on long-term growth through organic expansion, acquisitions, and brand development, backed by private equity partners who share our vision for performance and scale. Our mission: to provide unparalleled experiences for our team members, guests, and brands while driving strong financial performance and becoming the world's premier franchise growth platform. Role Summary The Employee Relations Manager leads our employee relations team and is the primary point of escalation for our most complex and sensitive cases, including matters involving senior and higher-level management. You will coach and develop a team of four Employee Relations Specialists, personally guide high-risk investigations and resolutions, and give the VP of HR clear, strategic insight on case trends, risk, and recommended action. You will serve primarily as the employee relations partner to our Support Center, advising leaders on conflict, performance, discipline, and separation decisions. You are an advocate for fair process and for employees, while protecting the interests of the company. You bring sound judgment, discretion, and the confidence to communicate difficult decisions directly and with care. Primary Responsibilities Lead the team Manage, coach, and develop four Employee Relations Specialists, setting priorities, assigning cases, and reviewing investigation quality and documentation Serve as the escalation point for complex cases, and drive consistency in process, guidance, and outcomes across the team Build team capability through regular feedback, case consultation, and career development Handle our most complex cases Oversee and personally lead investigations of harassment, discrimination, retaliation, and other workplace concerns, especially those involving higher levels of management Assess severity and risk, determine appropriate resolution, and recommend corrective action, discipline, or termination in line with company policy and federal, state, and local law Partner with the Legal Department and outside counsel on EEOC, agency, and other legal claims Advise Company Leaders Provide the VP of HR and operations leaders with strategic insight on employee relations cases, including risk exposure, patterns, and recommended action Analyze case data to spot trends, and deliver regular reporting and recommendations on root causes and prevention Coach managers and senior leaders on conflict resolution, performance management, and disciplinary decisions Communicate difficult decisions clearly, directly, and with empathy to leaders and team members Strengthen our practices Maintain current knowledge of employment law and legislation at federal, state, and local levels, and translate changes into practical guidance Keep employee relations policies, investigation standards, and manager resources current Skills And Abilities Strong working knowledge of federal and state employment law and regulations (Title VII, ADA, FMLA, FLSA, and DOL Wage & Hour) Demonstrated experience independently leading complex investigations, including those involving senior leaders, from intake through report and resolution Comfort delivering difficult decisions and tough messages clearly, calmly, and with empathy Sound judgment, impartiality, and the highest level of confidentiality and discretion Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to write clear investigation reports Qualifications 5+ years of progressive Human Resources experience, including at least 3 years in employee relations or workplace investigations 2+ years of experience leading or directly managing a team Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business, or a related field, or equivalent experience Employee relations experience in California, including familiarity with California employment law, preferred PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, or SHRM-SCP certification preferred HR experience in a multi-site restaurant, franchise, hospitality, or retail environment preferred Bilingual in English and Spanish a plus Work Environment And Benefits This is an in-office role at our Support Center in Murray, Utah, five days per week. Working side by side with the HR team and the leaders you advise is central to how this role builds trust and moves quickly on sensitive matters. Sizzling Platter offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance, life insurance, short- and long-term disability, paid vacation, paid holidays, and a company-matching 401(k) program.