EMPLOYEE RELATIONS SPECIALIST | JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY At Magnolia, the Employee Relations Specialist is responsible for providing Human Resources (People Team) support at various business units within the organization by implementing and maintaining personnel programs and initiatives. The Employee Relations Specialist must build credibility and trust among managers, leaders, and employees, and should be skilled in maintaining professional relationships, and upholding Magnolia’s manifesto and values. This position works from Magnolia Headquarters in Waco, Texas. It reports to the Senior Manager of People Operations and has no supervisory responsibilities. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Develop strategies to address and enhance employee relations in line with Magnolia’s policies, objectives, and initiatives Coordinate and conduct interviews and gather information for employee relations matters and promptly notify appropriate People team management when escalation is required* Enter documentation and records of employee relations issues in a timely and confidential manner utilizing various People Team technical platforms* Coordinate a variety of employee relations meetings including but not limited to disciplinary action, investigation interviews and outcomes, and terminations* Provide guidance to managers about how to handle performance management issues by maintaining monthly meetings and consultations as needed* Ensure fair employment practices are foundational in decision-making processes Track employee relations statistics and analyze trends for actionable change Maintain knowledge in various aspects of People Team programs and initiatives including but not limited to the handbook, policy documents, compensation philosophy, benefits administration, leave policies, disciplinary procedures, conflict resolution, investigative processes, performance management, and talent development Collaborate with People Team members on the development and delivery of overall programs, projects, and/or initiatives Answer questions and provide guidance on policy interpretation while ensuring uniform and equitable application of policies and procedures utilizing various ticketing systems* Stay up to date on trends, best practices, regulatory changes, and advances in HR and employment law Ensure compliance of all employment regulations and practices at local, state, and federal levels Perform other duties as assigned *Metrics evaluated on Performance Review COMPETENCIES Teamwork: Contribute to a team environment supporting diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Work effectively with others, be a team player and contribute toward team goals. Critical Thinking: Identify and communicate challenges in day-to-day activities. Ability to analyze data, trends, and patterns. Expertise: Eye for detail, accuracy, and complete all tasks in a timely manner. Possess knowledge and skills related to specific area(s) and specialized tools and techniques relevant to specialization. Communication: Actively engage in listening to teammates and guests and be open to feedback from guests, peers, and management. Guest Focus: Ability to proactively understand and meet guest needs, ensuring a personalized and guest-centric experience. Strategy and Goal Setting: Approach change with positivity and curiosity. Know your role in achieving team goals. ELIGIBILITY QUALIFICATIONS Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite required Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, or related field from a 4-year college or university preferred 1-2 years of experience working with employee relations issues preferred OR an equivalent combination of education and experience required PHYSICAL DEMANDS While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to sit; use hands and arms to reach, handle, feel; utilize fine motor dexterity of fingers; talk or hear and taste or smell. The employee is frequently required to stand and walk. The employee is frequently required to climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. WORK ENVIRONMENT While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Magnolia is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth and pregnancy-related conditions), gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, military service and veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws and ordinances. This job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by an employee in this classification. It is not to be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications of employees assigned to this job. Management has the right to add to, revise, or delete information in this description at any time.