Employee Relations Specialist

About the role

Best People + Right Culture. These are the driving forces behind JE Dunn’s success. By hiring inspired people, giving them interesting and challenging work, enabling them with innovative tools, and letting them share in the company’s rewards, we’ve found a sustainable way to grow in our industry for the last 100+ years. Our diverse teams around the country strive to enrich lives through inspired people and places everyday.

The Employee Relations Specialist supports the Employee Relations Center of Excellence through investigations, employee relations consultation, policy support, compliance activities, documentation standards, and employee relations education to promote fair, consistent, and legally compliant workplace practices. This position supports and executes employee relations programs, conducts investigations, and maintains employee relations resources in alignment with JE Dunn’s strategy, vision, and values. Autonomy includes making decisions on non‑routine matters, providing recommendations to the supervisor, and referring exceptions to the supervisor.

Responsibilities

• Employee Relations Investigations
  • Conducts thorough, objective, and confidential investigations into complaints and grievances.
  • Reviews and investigates employee relations concerns submitted through the Ethics Hotline, partnering with appropriate stakeholders based on the nature and complexity of the matter.
  • Documents findings and recommendations in detailed investigation reports.
  • Assists with employee relations intake, case triage, and escalation processes.
  • Prepares clear investigation summaries, findings, and recommendations and partners with HR leadership on appropriate resolution and follow‑through.
  • Collaborates with HR leadership to support consistent and compliant outcomes.
• Conflict Resolution
  • Mediates conflicts and facilitates resolutions between employees and management.
  • Provides guidance and support to internal stakeholders on resolving workplace disputes.
  • Assesses, de‑escalates, and supports resolution of workplace concerns, providing clear guidance and coaching to HR Business Partners, leaders, and employees as appropriate.
• Training and Development
  • Assists with development and delivery of training programs on employee relations, compliance, and conflict resolution.
  • Supports development and maintenance of employee relations templates and resources.
  • Tracks employee relations matters and organizes case data to provide Employee Relations leadership visibility into trends, recurring themes, and areas requiring broader review or action.
  • Helps educate HR partners, employees, and managers on company policies, procedures, and best practices.
  • Analyzes employee relations data to identify trends and areas for improvement.
• Workplace Accommodations
  • Supports workplace accommodation administration and other compliance‑related employee relations processes.
• Policy & Compliance
  • Ensures compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.
  • Assists with maintenance and administration of policies and procedures to promote compliance and mitigate risk.
  • Monitors changes in labor laws and supports updates to company policies and practices as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Investigative and conflict resolution skills with a focus on problem‑solving.
• Timely and accurate work with attention to detail.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including effective presentations.
• Proficient in MS Office and adaptable to various software tools.
• Strong knowledge of HR policies, employee relations, and employment laws.
• Proven ability to support change and assist with the design of HR solutions that foster a positive culture.
• Technology advocate, using data to enhance decision‑making and efficiency.
• Self‑motivated and accountable, demonstrating initiative in all tasks.
• Strong organizational and listening skills, fostering collaboration and relationship‑building.
• High emotional intelligence, handling sensitive issues with empathy.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources or related field (required). Equivalent relevant experience will be considered in lieu of degree.

Experience

• 5+ years relevant human resources experience (required).
• Experience navigating complex investigations, employee relations, employment laws and regulations (preferred).
• Proficiency in HRIS and other relevant software applications (preferred).
• Demonstrated knowledge of laws and policies affecting employee relations processes, programs, and/or strategies, including but not limited to: Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, FMLA, ADA, FLSA, NLRB, etc. (preferred).
• Demonstrated knowledge in specialized regulatory areas globally (including EEO, ADA, OFCCP, FMLA, WARN Act, OSHA, FLSA, etc.) (preferred).
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) (preferred).

Working environment

• Must be able to lift up to 10 pounds.
• May require periods of travel.
• Normal office environment.
• Frequent activity: Sitting, Viewing Computer Screen.
• Occasional activity: Bending, Climbing, Reaching above Shoulder, Pushing, Pulling.