Senior Employee Relations & Investigations Specialist

Responsibilities

• Serve as a strategic employee relations (ER) partner to HR Managers and management teams in assessing, managing, and resolving complex, sensitive, high-risk, and potentially high-liability employee relations matters
• Lead and conduct complex, high-risk, sensitive, and time-critical workplace investigations from intake through final disposition, including matters involving allegations of serious misconduct, harassment, discrimination, retaliation, policy violations, threats, ethics concerns, and other issues requiring advanced investigative expertise
• Own the investigation process for complex matters, including developing investigative strategies, determining appropriate scope, identifying and interviewing witnesses, reviewing relevant documentation and evidence, assessing credibility and facts, and reaching objective, well-supported findings
• Establish, implement, and continuously improve standardized investigation processes and protocols to ensure investigations are thorough, timely, consistent, objective, well-documented, and appropriately escalated based on risk
• Prepare comprehensive, objective, and legally defensible investigative reports that clearly document the allegations, investigative steps, evidence reviewed, factual findings, credibility considerations, conclusions, and recommendations
• Develop and maintain a comprehensive process for tracking investigations, outcomes, and related disciplinary actions to identify trends, systemic issues, compliance gaps, recurring concerns, and opportunities for corrective action or training
• Partner closely with the Senior HR Manager on complex investigations, emerging ER trends, findings, risk assessments, and recommended actions
• Provide accurate, timely, and risk-based updates to the Senior HR Manager regarding the status, findings, and recommended resolution of complex investigations
• Serve as a subject-matter expert in workplace investigations, providing specialized guidance regarding investigative strategy, interviewing techniques, documentation, legal requirements, risk mitigation, and industry best practices for handling sensitive and complex matters
• Develop and deliver training to managers and employees on employee relations, workplace conduct, investigation-related topics, and other HR matters as needed

Requirements

• Advanced ability to lead complex, sensitive, and high-risk investigations from intake through resolution
• Strong critical-thinking and analytical skills to assess evidence, credibility, risk, and findings
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and influencing skills
• Exceptional confidentiality, organization, and attention to detail while managing multiple investigations
• Strong business acumen and judgment to identify trends, assess risk, and recommend appropriate action
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, HRIS, and investigation tracking systems, with strong computer and data management skills

Skills & Abilities

• Bachelor's degree in HR related field, or equivalent education and experience
• 5-7 years employee relations and complex investigatory experience is required
• Possess and maintain current knowledge of laws related to Human Resources
• Waste industry experience is a plus

Physical Requirements

• Rarely lifting/carrying/pushing/pulling a max of 10 lbs
• Frequently working inside; rarely working outside in wet/humid conditions
• Rarely working in areas of dust, odors, mist, gases, and other airborne matter
• Frequently sitting/standing/walking

Additional Working Conditions/Aspects

• Exposure to residential and commercial waste
• Ability to travel between offices, as required
• Ability to work flexible hours; expected to work nights and weekends as needed
• Ability to work overtime, weekends, and/or holidays
• Must be available for 24-hour emergency calls
• Must successfully complete pre-employment testing
• Must be able to read and speak the English language