Employee Relations Specialist

The Employee Relations Specialist plays a vital role in fostering a positive and productive relationship between associates and the organization. This position focuses on supporting and advising managers and associates in navigating employment relations, administering policies and procedures, and resolving workplace concerns. The Employee Relations Specialist is a resourceful problem-solver who promotes mutual respect and incorporates principles such as diversity, belonging, fairness, and compliance into their employee relations practice. Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm What you get to do as the Employee Relations Specialist Policy Administration: Administer HR policies and procedures related to employee relations. Provide guidance to managers on performance management, employee discipline, and conflict resolution. Ensure policies are applied consistently across the organization. Investigations and Conflict Resolution: Conduct thorough investigations into allegations of misconduct or workplace concerns. Recommend and facilitate appropriate resolutions to support a fair and compliant workplace. Act as a neutral party to mediate conflicts and provide fair solutions. Legal Focus: - subpoena, data collection, employment related lawsuits: Review, respond to, and manage subpoenas and other requests related to associate records, ensuring timely and accurate delivery of documentation. Collaborate with legal counsel o ensure timely and accurate submission of requested documents Ensure all documentation provided in response to legal actions complies with applicable laws and regulations Unemployment claims: Manage and respond to unemployment claims, including the preparation of necessary documentation and coordination with third-party administrators. Represent the organization in unemployment hearings and appeals as needed. Track and analyze unemployment claim trends to identify and mitigate potential risks. Manager Support and Guidance: Advise managers on employee relations topics, including grievances, work-life balance concerns, and EAP referrals. Partner with operational and safety leaders to address workplace issues effectively. Engagement and Insights: Analyze results from employee surveys, focus groups, and exit interviews to identify trends and recommend improvements. Collaborate with HR leadership to implement initiatives that enhance associate satisfaction and retention. Compliance and Updates: Ensure compliance with employment laws and internal policies. Stay informed about industry trends and legal developments related to employee relations and recommend necessary policy updates. Establish internal customer (associates and management) feedback mechanisms to evaluate and improve employee relations service delivery and strategies. Workforce Insights and Reporting: Leverage HR metrics and workforce analytics to provide actionable insights to managers and HR leadership. Support data-driven decision-making by preparing reports on key employee relations trends. Training and Development: Collaborate with the learning and development team to design and deliver impactful learning experiences for managers on conflict resolution, workplace conduct, ethics, and employee relations best practices. Design and facilitate training programs for associates focused on workplace conduct, effective conflict resolution, and building positive workplace relationships. Utilize e-learning tools and in-person workshops to increase engagement and retention of training materials. Required Skills and Education, Training, or Certification(s): 3+ years of employee relations experience, including investigations and conflict resolution. Fluency in English and Spanish. Exceptional emotional intelligence and interpersonal communication skills. Strong ability to manage sensitive situations with discretion and professionalism. Demonstrates exceptional attention to detail, ensuring information is documented accurately and thoroughly. Knowledge of employment law and workplace best practices. Proficiency in collecting and analyzing workforce data to influence decisions. Preferred Experience and Skills: Experience in distribution, logistics, or manufacturing industries. Familiarity with HR technology platforms and reporting tools. Bachelor's degree in HR, Business Administration, or a related field, or equivalent experience. PHR/SPHR or SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP certification preferred. What We Offer Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage Earned Wage Access - flexible access to wages before payday Paid time off and holidays Flexible Spending Account - healthcare and dependent care Health Savings Account - high deductible medical plan Retirement 401(k) with employer match Company life insurance & voluntary life insurance Short-term and long-term disability Additional benefits include tuition reimbursement, wellness program, employee assistance program, Success Coach, and more! Who We Are We are a family of companies that focus on wholesale produce distribution and logistics across the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast regions. We partner with local growers to bring fresh organic and conventional produce to our Lancaster County, PA facility. We grade and package fruits and vegetables, sending only the best with our Drivers to deliver to independent retailers, natural food stores, and food co-ops. We care about our associates and are committed to a healthy, diverse, and inclusive work environment. All employment decisions are made on a non-discriminatory basis, and without regard to sex, race, color, age, national origin, religion, disability, pregnancy or maternity, genetic information, ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender reassignment, citizenship status, military status, or any other similarly protected status under federal, state and local laws. Four Seasons Family of Companies participates in E-Verify. Four Seasons Family of Companies participa en E-Verify.