Manager Employee Relations

Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago provides superior pediatric care in a setting that offers the latest benefits and innovations in medical technology, research and family-friendly design. As the largest pediatric provider in the region with a 140-year legacy of excellence, kids and their families are at the center of all we do. Lurie Children’s is ranked in all 10 specialties by U.S. News & World Report.

About the role

The Manager, Employee Relations helps cultivate a positive work environment by providing expert consultation and guidance to leaders and employees on diverse and complex employee relations matters. In collaboration with the Sr. Director, Human Resources Consulting & People Operations, this position ensures that human resources and employee relations practices are consistent and in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. This role partners with all levels to address workplace concerns, conduct investigations, ensure compliance with employment laws and healthcare regulations in order to promote a respectful and inclusive work environment.

Responsibilities

• Manages the employee relations functions within the human resources department.
• Develops and oversees policies and processes for conducting internal audits of employee issues and conflicts.
• Oversees investigations of all complaints related to harassment, discrimination, or other policy violations including HR-related Compliance and Bias Hotline reports.
• Maintains accurate and confidential investigation records and documentation.
• Resolves escalated issues arising from negative workplace situations, ensuring fair and consistent treatment.
• Coaches and consults with leaders to implement positive practices that positively impact employee engagement and retention.
• Recommends strategies for addressing issues ensuring legal and policy compliance.
• Consults with employees seeking assistance from Human Resources and assists them in developing strategies to address their concerns.
• Ensures a channel for employee feedback and communication of employee concerns to leadership.
• In partnership with Sr. Director, prepares and updates Human Resource policies and procedures related to employee relations based on legislative and other changes.
• Ensures policies are disseminated and that managers and employees are educated concerning them.
• Provides input and feedback to the Sr. Director in developing tactical and strategic plans that align with Human Resources goals.
• Analyzes business unit trends and metrics related to employee relations to develop solutions, programs, and policies to improve employee engagement and retention.
• Meets with business units to review needs, plans, and implements leadership development programs related to employee relations issues.
• Develops tools and resources to support managers concerning employee relations issues.
• Advises and educates leaders on best employee relations practices and strategies for managing employment-related problems and employee grievances.
• Works closely with HR Consultants to ensure adherence to all applicable laws and employer policies.
• Collaborates with Legal Services, Compliance & Integrity Department, and others on employee-related matters.
• Has the authority to hire, separate, promote, demote, write, and administer performance evaluations.
• Performs other job functions as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources or related field required.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience handling employee relations matters. Will consider 8 years of employee relations experience in lieu of bachelor’s degree.
• Previous leadership experience preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge of principles of human resources, including commonly used guidelines and federal, state, and local employment laws.
• Ability to comprehend, interpret, and apply the appropriate sections of applicable laws, guidelines, regulations, ordinances, and policies.
• Highly developed problem-solving, investigative, and analytical skills, resulting in strong ability to identify issues, write reports, and make recommendations.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal relationship skills, problem-solving skills, and analytical skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Qualifications

• PHR, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, or SHRM-CP certification preferred.

Pay

The pay range for this position is $99,840.00 - $164,736.00. At Lurie Children’s, we are committed to competitive and fair compensation aligned with market rates and internal equity, reflecting individual contributions, experience, and expertise.

Benefits

For full-time and part-time employees who work 20 or more hours per week, we offer a generous benefits package that includes:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Employer-paid group term life and disability.
• Employer contribution toward Health Savings Account.
• Flexible Spending Accounts.
• Paid Time Off (PTO), paid holidays, and paid parental leave.
• 403(b) with a 5% employer match.
• Various voluntary benefits including:
  • Supplemental life, AD&D, and disability.
  • Critical illness, accident, and hospital indemnity coverage.
• Tuition assistance.
• Student loan servicing and support.
• Adoption benefits.
• Backup childcare and eldercare.
• Employee Assistance Program and other specialized behavioral health services and resources for employees and family members.
• Discount on services at Lurie Children’s facilities.
• Discount purchasing program.