Employee Relations Manager

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF WORK:

Responsible for overseeing and enhancing our employee relations strategies and initiatives. This role will focus on fostering a positive workplace culture, addressing employee concerns, and ensuring compliance with labor laws and organizational policies. The Employee Relations Manager will serve as a trusted resource for both employees and management, facilitating effective communication and conflict resolution. will possess strong interpersonal skills, a deep understanding of employee relations best practices, and a commitment to promoting a fair and inclusive work environment built on mutual respect.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Develop and implement strategies to enhance employee engagement, satisfaction, and retention. Regularly assess employee morale and feedback through surveys and focus groups.

Provide guidance to management on sensitive employee issues and support them in addressing conflicts through effective communication and problem-solving techniques. .

Develop, review, and update employee relations policies and procedures to ensure compliance with labor laws and organizational standards. Communicate policies effectively to employees and management.

Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal employment laws and regulations related to employee relations.

Provide training and resources to management and staff on employee relations topics, including conflict resolution, performance management, and effective communication.

Support managers in addressing performance issues, providing guidance on performance improvement plans and disciplinary actions as needed.

Conduct thorough investigations into employee complaints, grievances, and workplace incidents. Prepare documentation and reports, and recommend appropriate actions based on findings.

Work closely with the HR team to develop and implement employee programs and initiatives that support a positive workplace culture.

Analyze employee relations metrics and trends to identify areas for improvement and develop strategies to address them. Prepare regular reports for senior leadership on employee relations issues and resolutions.

Promote diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives within the organization, ensuring that all employees feel valued and respected.

Works closely with the Office of Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Diversity to ensure alignment of employee relations practices with organizational goals

This job description excludes marginal functions that are incidental to performing the job. Other duties may exist.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor’s degree in a related field and ten (10) years progressively responsible human resources and employee relations experience with a focus on conflict resolution and compliance.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Master’s degree or MBA

Professional in HR – PHR (SHRM)

Infor experience

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Strong knowledge of employment laws, regulations, and best practices.

Excellent communication, interpersonal, and negotiation skills.

Proven ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.

Strong analytical skills and ability to use data to inform decisions and strategies.

Experience in developing and delivering training programs related to employee relations.

Ability to address complex employee issues with creativity and effectiveness.

Strong organizational skills to manage multiple tasks and prioritize effectively in a fast-paced environment.

Commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace that values diversity and promotes equity.

Ability to influence and collaborate with all levels of the organization to drive positive change.

Safety Accountability Statement:

• Employees must consider safety in all tasks performed, as well as demonstrate safe judgment and decisions that not only maintain their own safety; but that of fellow employees and customers.

• Demonstrate a professional commitment to assure compliance with all organizational policies, practices, and programs related to safety, health, and system security.

• Employees have a responsibility to identify and report hazards, as well as potentially unsafe conditions, to your immediate supervisor or Safety Department.

• Employees are responsible, and required, to stop a job/task to prevent an unsafe incident or act from occurring. This acknowledges the threat of potential injury, property damage and the opportunity for better judgment to be used.

Must comply with and support VIA’s EEO policies and procedures.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Physical ability required to be mobile, bend, stoop, stand, reach and occasionally lift objects weighing 5-25 pounds such as files and large reference books.

WORK ENVIRONMENTS:

Work frequently involves deadlines and multiple priorities.

Work involves irregular hours.

Work involves travel within the VIA service area.

Works within normal office environment

VIA Metropolitan Transit is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.