Employee Relations Consultant

NiSource Inc.; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 82,000 - 123,000; Full time

Job summary

NiSource Inc. is seeking an ER Consultant to plan, conduct and report confidential organizational investigations and support leaders and employees on routine HR matters. You will coach leaders on conduct, risk, policy administration and the corrective action process to mitigate risk and ensure policy compliance.

The role involves partnering with legal and HR teams, preparing case summaries, and researching trends. Travel to job sites may be required.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience conducting investigations.
• Working knowledge of employment laws and demonstrated experience dealing with legal issues.
• Demonstrated ability to influence others and manage conflicting priorities.
• Advanced computer skills in Microsoft Office and electronic communications.

Responsibilities

• Plan, conduct and record confidential investigations and determine policy infraction.
• Coach leaders on employee conduct, risk and policy administration.
• Advise on corrective action processes to mitigate risk and support policy compliance.
• Manage progressive discipline with leaders and identify trends for escalation.
• Support Ethics investigations and update the Ethics team on progress.

Skills

Investigations

Employment laws

Influence others

Office skills

Multitasking

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Tools

Workday

Job description

Job Summary

The ER Consultant is responsible for planning, conducting and reporting on confidential organizational investigations and supporting leaders/employees regarding all routine HR matters. Consultants advise and coach leaders on effectively administering the corrective action process for performance and handling behavior-related issues for all levels of employees. Consultants partner with various subject matter experts to ensure fair and consistent policy administration.

Essential Functions

• Plans, conducts and records confidential investigations to determine employee culpability or whether a policy infraction occurred
• Coaches leaders regarding: employee conduct, company risk and policy administration
• Exercises independent decision-making authority when advising on utilization of the corrective action process to assure mitigation of risk, behavior correction and support of policy/procedure compliance
• Manages progressive discipline process with leaders, providing solutions to address issues, while evaluating trends and concerns that may need to be escalated or reinforced departmentally or NiSource wide
• Supports or conducts Ethics investigations and keeps Ethics team appraised of progress and dispositions
• Recommends improvement on employee relations standard operating procedures
• Maintains expertise in employment related laws, rules, regulations, and company policies; articulates, reinforces, and interprets these things for leaders and employees
• Partners with the legal organization and the Human Resources Business Partners to elevate trends and support reinforcement of desired behaviors
• Conducts research, gathers documentation and prepares case summary reports; ensuring case files are complete and accurate within the case management system
• Researches comparables and implements AI to simplify the process
• Manages the ER mailbox for initial requests for support or assistance
• Occasional travel for onsite investigations

Required Qualifications For Position

• 3+ years of experience conducting investigations
• Working knowledge of employment laws and demonstrated experience dealing with legal issues
• Proven expertise in dealing effectively with others, including demonstrating the following competencies: personal confidence and strong initiative, effective listening, ability to influence others, and the desire to go above and beyond what is required
• Advanced computer skills in Microsoft Office desktop tools and electronic communications, such as E-mail and calendars required.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively manage and execute conflicting priorities, in a fast paced, high stress corporate business environment.
• Results oriented with excellent problem solving skills.
• Ability to effectively manage varied resources to complete the job
• Demonstrated project management skills
• Ability to effectively and professionally communicate - both verbally and in writing
• Ability to quickly and effectively establish rapport and trust with all levels of leadership
• Excellent judgment, critical thinking skills, and analytical ability
• Ability to balance working both autonomously day-to-day, and also collaboratively within a team environment and with other departments overall
• Ability to think creatively and proactively in identifying potential issues and resolving known issues
• Desire to continuously learn and stay up-to-date on employee related trends, issues and concerns
• Ability to discern issues that need to be escalated

Preferred Additional Qualifications for Position

Bachelor's Degree

• Workday experience

Physical Demands

The preceding description is not designed to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required of the position.

As a public utility, NiSource provides essential services to customers 24/7. Emergency needs can arise at various times throughout the year, including during storm season. Employees may be required to support emergency response efforts, which could include working outside normal hours or assisting with tasks outside of typical responsibilities.

Work Authorization

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States and must not require employer sponsorship now or in the future.

Workplace Connection

We value a workplace where everyone feels respected, included, and able to do their best work. We encourage open dialogue, value different perspectives, and work collaboratively with employees, customers, and partners.

We recognize and respect the unique experiences people bring, including different backgrounds, cultures, and viewpoints. We treat others with professionalism and care, and we each play a part in creating a positive work environment.

Veteran Hiring & Inclusion

NiSource is proud to support veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses. We value the leadership, teamwork, and mission-focused experience the military community brings, and we are committed to providing an inclusive workplace with opportunities for professional growth and development.

By applying, you may also be considered for other roles that match your skills and experience.

ADA Accommodations

If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in any stage of the hiring process or to perform the essential functions of the position, please contact OneHR at [e-mail] or 1-888-640-3320

Safety Statement

Safety is a core value at NiSource. Employees are expected to follow safety requirements, report hazards, and help maintain a safe environment for themselves and their coworkers.

E-Verify

• E-Verify Poster (English and Spanish)
• Right to Work Poster (English and Spanish)

Salary Range*

$82,200.00 - $123,200.00

*The salary offered to a candidate is based on several factors including but not limited to the candidate's skills, job-related knowledge, and relevant experience, as well as internal pay equity.

Posting Start Date:

2026-10-08

Posting End Date (if applicable):

2026-10-23

Please note that the job posting will close on the day before the posting end date.