Employee Relations and Compliance Manager

McKinstry; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 99,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

401(k) with employer match

Paid time off

Medical, dental, vision

Parental leave

Professional development

Commuter benefits

Tuition assistance

Job summary

McKinstry in Seattle, WA is seeking an Employee Relations and Compliance Manager to guide complex ER matters and ensure employment law compliance across the organization. You will investigate harassment and discrimination, develop standardized performance management tools, advise on ADA accommodations, oversee background checks, I-9, and policy interpretation, partnering with legal counsel and HRBPs.

This role supports building an inclusive workplace and requires staying current with federal,

Qualifications

• Deep knowledge of federal and state employment laws and regulations.
• Experience conducting workplace investigations involving harassment, discrimination, and misconduct.
• Strong understanding of performance management practices and progressive discipline.

Responsibilities

• Conduct thorough investigations of complex employee relations issues and coordinate with legal counsel.
• Develop and implement a standardized performance management framework and provide coaching to managers.
• Advise on ADA accommodation requests and manage interactive process in collaboration with managers and legal counsel.
• Oversee employment law compliance functions including EEO-1 reporting, background checks, I-9 and immigration coordination, and personnel file management.
• Provide clear guidance on policy interpretation and keep up-to-date with changes in employment laws.

Skills

Employment law knowledge

Workplace investigations

Performance management

ADA accommodations

Policy interpretation

Job description

Build the future, spark innovation and align your career with purpose.

McKinstry is innovating the waste and climate harm out of the built environment and creating lasting impact. Together, we’re building a thriving planet.

Buildings are a leading contributor to the climate crisis, generating nearly 40% of total global energy-related carbon emissions. We’re making a lasting impact on our industry and within our communities by addressing the climate, affordability and equity crises through:

• renewables and energy services
• engineering and design
• construction and facility services

To get where we’re going, we need big thinkers, problem solvers and collaborative mindsets. Does that sound like you?

The Opportunity with McKinstry

McKinstry is looking for an Employee Relations and Compliance Manager to join our growing Human Resources team in Seattle, WA. The Employee Relations and Compliance Manager is responsible for providing expert guidance on complex employee relations matters and ensuring organizational compliance with employment laws and regulations. This role serves as a key resource for investigating ER issues, consulting on performance management* (in alignment with HRBP Leadership) and ADA matters, and overseeing employment law compliance functions including reporting, background check adjudication, immigration & I-9 management, personnel file management/records retention and auditing. Additional responsibilities may include:

• Conduct thorough and objective investigations of complex employee relations issues including harassment, discrimination, misconduct, and policy violations; document findings, recommend corrective actions, and manage the organization's response to lawsuits, demand letters, other agency complaints in partnership with legal counsel.
• Develop and implement a standardized performance management framework — including tools, templates, and progressive discipline guidance — while coaching and consulting with managers on performance issues, PIPs, and documentation best practices.
• Advise on ADA accommodation requests by facilitating the interactive process in partnership with managers, employees, and legal counsel; identify trends to proactively address systemic ER risks and recommend policy or practice updates as needed.
• Oversee employment law compliance functions including EEO-1 and required compliance reporting, FCRA-compliant background check adjudication, I-9 and immigration case coordination, and personnel file management in accordance with applicable recordkeeping requirements.
• Serve as the primary organizational resource for HR policy interpretation, providing clear and consistent guidance to HR partners, managers, and employees on policy application, employment law implications, and maintaining current knowledge of federal, state, and local employment law changes.

What You Need To Succeed at McKinstry:

• In-depth knowledge of federal and state employment laws and regulations (Title VII, ADA, ADEA, FMLA, FLSA, NLRA, and applicable state equivalents).
• Demonstrated experience conducting workplace investigations involving harassment, discrimination, and employee misconduct.
• Strong understanding of performance management practices, corrective action, and progressive discipline frameworks.
• Experience with ADA interactive process, accommodation analysis, and documentation requirements.
• Familiarity with employment compliance reporting requirements (EEO-1, VETS-4212, etc.) and background check adjudication processes (FCRA compliance).
• Knowledge of immigration processes (I-9 compliance, work authorization, coordination with immigration counsel).
• Experience responding to government agency inquiries, wage & hour claims, or employment demand letters.

PeopleFirst Benefits

When it comes to the basics, we have you covered:

• Competitive pay
• 401(k) with employer match and profit-sharing plan
• Paid time off and holidays
• Comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision with low or zero deductible options and low out of pocket maximums

People come first at McKinstry, and we go beyond the basic benefits with:

• Family formation benefits, including adoption and IVF assistance
• Up to 16 weeks paid parental leave
• Transgender inclusive benefits
• Commuter benefits
• Pet insurance
• “Building Good” paid community service time
• Learning and advancement opportunities via McKinstry University
• McKinstry Moves onsite gyms or reimbursement for remote workers

See benefit plan documents for complete details.

If you’re driven by our vision to build a thriving planet together, McKinstry is the place to build your career.

The pay range for this position is $99,270 - $169,900 per year; however, base pay offered may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. A bonus may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the position offered. Base pay information is based on market location.

The McKinstry group of companies are equal opportunity employers. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and qualified applicants without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, race, color, creed, marital status, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information or any other basis protected by law. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment including, but not limited to employment, advancement, assignment, and training. This commitment to Equal Employment Opportunity is made equally as a social responsibility and as an economic and business necessity.

McKinstry is a drug-free workplace. Employment is contingent upon successfully passing a pre-employment drug and alcohol test, complying with the requirements of the Immigration Reform and Control Act and a Confidentiality Agreement, in addition to successful outcomes of background and reference checks.

Applicants for this role will only be considered if they possess current US Work Authorization, and do not require employer-sponsored VISA support to begin or remain in this role.