Employee Relations Specialist

POSITION TITLE: Specialist, Employee Relations

REPORTS TO: Director, Human Resources     

POSITION SUMMARY: The Employee Relations Specialist is a key partner for stores and field leadership and provides expertise, coaching, and advice primarily in the areas of employee relations, employee programs, and interpretation of policies and procedures. Working in close partnership with the Regional and District Business leaders, the Employee Relations Specialist is accountable for utilizing project management, facilitation, and communication expertise to deliver relevant and effective employee relations solutions.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Conduct employee relations investigations, analyze organizational issues and work in partnership with HR leadership to develop and execute plans to address problem areas.
• Guide, train, and direct business partners on the execution of HR policies and processes to ensure, appropriate legal (EEO, ADA, FMLA, etc.) and organizational compliance.
• Collect data and present the Regional/area trends across employee relations cases to assess organizational needs and assist HR leadership in diagnosing root cause problems that impact overall organizational health.
• Provide counseling and direction to employees, facilitate communication, and help resolve conflicts that impact employee engagement.
• Assist in implementing the organization’s performance management process through coaching, educating, and providing feedback at the District and Store levels.
• Maintain, produce, and analyze employee-related reporting. 
• Maintain knowledge and awareness of all federal, state, and local labor and wage and hour laws.
• Proactively provide specific tools and resources as it relates to the overall improvement of our workplace culture
• Respond to all general questions from field associates such as letters of employment, confirmation of earnings and employment verifications.
• Maintain proper documents in employee files.
• Manage adverse background checks.
• Facilitate climate surveys with store-level associates to assess culture and engagement.
• Perform additional duties, projects, etc. as necessary that supports the field organization.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources or related field preferred
• 2+ years of previous generalist experience preferred
• A high degree of proficiency in Google Workspace, Internet applications, and some familiarity with HRIS reporting
• Strong analytical, prioritizing, interpersonal, problem-solving, presentation, budgeting, project management (from conception to completion), & planning skills
• Familiar with federal, state, and local labor regulations.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Demonstrated collaborative skills and ability to work well within a team
• Ability to work with and influence peers and senior management
• Ability to work in a fast-paced and deadline-oriented environment
• Self-motivated with critical attention to detail, deadlines, and reporting.
• Open availability and flexibility to work according to the needs of the business
• Ability to travel as necessary

AEO is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to complying with all federal, state and local equal employment opportunity (“EEO”) laws. AEO prohibits discrimination against associates and applicants for employment because of the individual’s race or color, religion or creed, alienage or citizenship status, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability, gender identity or expression, marital or partnership status, domestic violence or stalking victim status, genetic information or predisposing genetic characteristics, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. This applies to all AEO activities, including, but not limited to, recruitment, hiring, compensation, assignment, training, promotion, performance evaluation, discipline and discharge. AEO also provides reasonable accommodation of religion and disability in accordance with applicable law.

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