Senior Employee Relations Specialist - Remote (U.S.)
Must be willing to travel at least 1x per quarter for business/job related duties.
About the role
The Sr. Employee Relations Specialist will be an integral part of the North America Employee Relations team at ADM. This position is responsible for addressing employee relations matters ranging from advising on performance management issues, policy violations, and interpretation to investigating and resolving employee complaints related to Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, and other workplace issues. This role requires the ability to analyze information, develop valued fact-based conclusions using a variety of resources and techniques, and present findings to all levels of management and leadership. The Sr. Employee Relations Specialist will collaborate with HR professionals, legal counsel, and other stakeholders to develop and implement strategies to mitigate risks and foster a positive work environment. This position will ensure that project and team milestones and goals are achieved on time and while adhering to approved budgets. You will report to the head of the Employee Relations CoE.
Responsibilities
- Employee Relations Case Leadership
- Serve as the first point of contact for employee relations questions, providing relevant, clear, consistent, and effective advice and guidance to HR partners and business leaders on matters involving colleague misconduct, performance concerns, disciplinary decisions/requests, policy violations, and other related areas.
- Independently lead and conduct thorough, unbiased, impartial end-to-end workplace investigations into colleague complaints, misconduct, and workplace issues, ensuring all processes reflect fairness, consistency, and compliance with ADM’s policies and applicable laws.
- Deliver clear findings and partner closely with HRBPs, Legal, Compliance, and COEs to deliver fair, consistent, and integrity-based outcomes to mitigate risks and align organizational and legal investigation standards and approaches.
- Prepare high-quality case documentation that demonstrates strong analytical reasoning and contains precise, audit-ready detail.
- Guidance & Colleague Support
- Guide field HR teams and managers through complex employee relations issues relative to performance management; workplace investigations and fact-finding; involuntary terminations, disciplinary, and policy enforcement.
- Maintain detailed, confidential, and compliant records of investigations, findings, and resolutions in a centralized case management system.
- Help leaders recognize and address culture-impacting behaviors early and effectively.
- Data, Trend & Risk Prevention
- Analyze trends in employee relations and recommend proactive strategies to reduce risk and improve workplace culture.
- Recognize potential trends in employee experience/relations data and partner with the appropriate stakeholders on proactive solutions.
- Policy & Governance
- Manage HR policies in the policy management system; create a policy governance model to ensure policies are up-to-date and centrally located.
- Develop, create, and implement policies in partnership with Legal, COEs, and other policy owners to ensure compliance with federal and local laws.
- Aid in the development and facilitation of employee relations training programs for managers and employees, ensuring alignment with ADM’s values and compliance with legal standards.
- Apply a solid understanding of company policy, culture, and core values to provide recommendations in partnership with Sr. ER Manager, HR Business partners, and legal counsel.
- Other duties as assigned.
Skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills (including presentation capabilities) with the ability to engage and influence diverse audiences and all levels of leadership; strong interpersonal skills and the ability to interact and communicate complex information professionally, clearly, and persuasively.
- Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills to handle complex, sensitive matters and drive effective and consistent resolutions. Ability to provide fair, consistent, and well-reasoned guidance and recommendations in an unbiased, empathic, and fact-based approach.
- Proficient knowledge and understanding of U.S. employment policies/procedures and related federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations, including but not limited to Title VII, ADA, FMLA, FLSA, and EEOC guidelines.
- Proficiency in using HRIS systems, case management software (e.g., EthicsPoint), and Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
- Flexible, innovative, and composed in a fast-paced, growth-oriented, and time-critical environment.
- Strong ability to build trusted relationships across all levels of the organization.
- Commitment to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and ethical conduct in all employee relations activities.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration/Management, Law, or a related field required.
- Master's degree or professional certification (e.g., PHR, SHRM-CP, AWI) is a plus.
- 8+ years of progressive Human Resources Generalist/HRBP experience with at least 5 years of experience in Employee Relations and workplace investigations.
- Demonstrated passion for employment law, labor relations, and investigations, with an emphasis on labor and employee relations work.
- Investigation or legal experience, and experience planning, conducting, and documenting basic to complex investigations.
- Unquestionable integrity, confidentiality, and professionalism in a wide variety of situations.
Pay
The pay range for this position is expected to be between $74,900.00 and $140,200.00. Base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Hourly and salaried non-exempt employees will also be paid overtime pay when working qualifying overtime hours.
Benefits
- Physical wellness: medical/Rx, dental, vision, and on-site wellness center access or gym reimbursement (as applicable).
- Financial wellness: flexible spending accounts, health savings account, 401(k) with matching contributions and cash balance plan, discounted employee stock purchasing program, life insurance, disability, workers’ compensation, legal assistance, identity theft protection.
- Mental and social wellness: Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), and Colleague Giving Programs (ADM Cares).
- Additional Benefits:
- Paid time off including paid holidays.
- Adoption assistance and paid maternity and parental leave.
- Tuition assistance.
- Company-sponsored training and development resources, such as LinkedIn Learning, language training, and mentoring programs.
*Benefits may vary for bargained locations.
About ADM
At ADM, we unlock the power of nature to provide access to nutrition worldwide. With industry-advancing innovations, a complete portfolio of ingredients and solutions to meet any taste, and a commitment to sustainability, we give customers an edge in solving the nutritional challenges of today and tomorrow. We’re a global leader in human and animal nutrition and the world’s premier agricultural origination and processing company. Our breadth, depth, insights, facilities, and logistical expertise give us unparalleled capabilities to meet needs for food, beverages, health and wellness, and more. From the seed of the idea to the outcome of the solution, we enrich the quality of life the world over. Learn more at www.adm.com.