Senior Associate Relations Specialist

Job Responsibilities

• Responds to and leads the investigation to resolve associate complaints and concerns.
• Independently investigates highly complex and sensitive complaints.
• Effectively and efficiently conducts Title VII and Title IX workplace investigations with minimal oversight.
• Conducts and completes the investigation thoroughly and in a timely manner.
• Effectively communicates and collaborates with Field HR, Legal and Operations on status of investigation and remedial actions.
• Effectively plans and documents the investigation.
• Maintains accurate records in compliance with company procedures and recommends actions to be taken.
• Develops and maintains thorough and high-quality case documents for investigations and employee relations work, including, but not limited to: investigation notes, summaries, timelines, reports, letters, corrective action documents and warnings.
• Effectively prepares and presents investigation findings and resolution options to all levels of management.
• Documents findings into the case management database.
• Accurately assesses risk and liability in each case as a Subject Matter Expert.
• Solves associate relations concerns following federal and state laws and company policies through effective interaction with associates, Operations leaders and Field HR.
• Ensures consistency with company policies.
• Develops and implements positive workforce practices and strategies in collaboration with Field HR and Operations.
• Leads periodic and quarterly AR trends review with Operations Leaders for assigned regions.
• Provides training, advice, and counsel to Operations on associate relations issues.
• Leads preparation of formal written responses and supporting documentation related to any associate relations charges (e.g., discrimination, harassment, etc.) as required from within the company and from external agencies.
• Prepares for EEO hearings and mediations and assists in negotiating settlements.
• Researches root causes when reviewing trends within region.
• Shares high-level overview of other areas to help identify areas with more cases and identify trends.
• Runs and analyzes periodic reports for all AR cases and compares data to previous periods to share with AR team and/or FHR partners.
• Leads special projects, training or other assignments as required.
• May mentor AR team members.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in HR or related field required.
• 5+ years of experience in HR related to associate relations issues, preferably in a retail/hospitality operations environment.
• Successful completion of initial and periodically required trainings.
• Obtaining a valid Food Handler's Card within 30 days of employment is a requirement of this position.

Pay

Pay Range: P3: $90,000 - $126,500 / Annual Within the range, individual pay is determined using various factors, including work location and experience.

Benefits

• Hybrid Work schedule
• 401K with company match
• Yearly bonus opportunity
• Full medical, dental, and vision insurance
• On-site fitness center, biometric screen, and flu shot clinic
• Discounts at Panda restaurants, theme parks, and gym memberships
• Paid time off starting at 15 days with 7 federal holidays
• Continuous education assistance and scholarships
• Income protection including Disability, Life and AD&D insurance
• Bereavement leave
• Benefits available for eligible permanent full time associates