Employee Relations Specialist

Department: Human Resources • Full-Time • Salary, Non-Exempt • Reports to: HR Compliance Manager • Location: The Woodlands, TX • Travel: Up to 25%

About the role

The Employee Relations (ER) Specialist partners with leadership and employees to address workplace culture, performance management, compliance, and risk mitigation. This role provides employee relations consultation and collaborates cross-functionally with Compliance, HR Business Partners, and the Employee Experience team to ensure consistent, fair, and compliant application of company policies and labor laws. The ER Specialist plays a key role in resolving workplace issues, promoting positive employee relationships, and supporting a safe, respectful, and high-performing work environment.

Responsibilities

• Serves as a key point of contact for employees and leaders on workplace concerns, conflicts, and grievances, and conducts timely, thorough, and well-documented investigations in accordance with organizational policies and applicable laws.
• Maintains organized, confidential documentation of investigations, findings, and follow-up actions.
• Provides guidance to managers on performance management, employee discussions, and policy interpretation, emphasizing fairness, consistency, and risk mitigation.
• Partners with leaders to develop preventative and corrective plans such as early intervention plans, follow-up plans after investigations, and team reset plans to reduce the likelihood and severity of future employee relations issues.
• Assists in developing training materials related to conflict resolution and employee relations topics to promote a positive work environment and employee relations.
• Maintains current knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations (e.g., FMLA, ADA, FLSA, Title VII) and ensures compliance by advising leaders and reviewing policies and practices in alignment with best practices.
• Drives consistency and alignment across departments to ensure equitable treatment and fair application of policy.
• Assists with presenting findings and recommendations to HR leadership.
• Consults with HR Compliance Manager on termination decisions and other high-risk actions to ensure legal compliance and alignment with organizational values.
• Supports staff engagement efforts by coordinating surveys, focus groups, exit interviews, and ongoing feedback mechanisms.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Successfully passes all applicable general pre-employment testing including but not limited to: background check, pre-employment drug screening, pre-employment fit tests, pre-employment aptitude and/or competency assessment(s).
• Possesses a valid U.S. Driver’s License. Employment is contingent upon meeting company driving standards, including an acceptable Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) in accordance with Company policy.
• Daily overtime required and in-person, predictable attendance.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for sponsorship.
• Must be at least 18 years of age or older.
• Performs other related duties as assigned to assist with successful operations and business continuity.
• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Organizational Psychology, Business Administration, Public Administration or related field required. An equivalent combination of education, specialized training, and relevant professional experience may be considered in lieu of a formal degree.
• At least five (5) years of Human Resources experience including three (3) years of experience in investigations and employee relations.
• SHRM-CP or PHR certification a plus.
• Must be willing to travel to other offices and job sites, including out-of-state locations. Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and occasional overnight travel for conferences or training sessions is required.
• Successfully completes New Hire Safety Orientation and annual recertification.

Skills

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent active listening, consultative, negotiation and presentation skills.
• Ability to act with integrity, professionalism, maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion.
• Capable of handling and challenging/difficult situations.
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Superior critical thinking skills, attention to detail, prioritization, and organizational skills, with ability to multitask.
• Ability to collect, interpret, and analyze data and make sound recommendations.
• Ability to promote and model a culture of professionalism, accountability, equity, and psychological safety.
• Ability to influence leaders and collaborate effectively within the organization.
• Strong knowledge of employment-related laws and regulations.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
• Proficiency with or the ability to quickly learn the organization’s HRIS and talent management systems.

Schedule

Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM

Physical Requirements

• Frequently required to walk, sit, climb, bend, reach, and squat/kneel.
• Works primarily indoors and will be sitting for prolonged periods at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to access and navigate each department at the organization’s facilities.
• May be required to lift heavy objects up to 25 lbs.
• Work hours may include early morning, late afternoon/evening hours, and weekends in combination, depending on job demands.