Employee Relations Consultant

012 NiSource Corporate Services Co; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 82,000 - 123,000; Full time

Job summary

NiSource seeks an ER Consultant to plan, conduct and report confidential investigations and advise leaders on HR matters across the organization.

The role involves coaching leaders, handling policy administration, and ensuring compliant corrective action while partnering with legal and HRBPs to address trends. Occasional travel for onsite investigations is expected. Strong knowledge of employment laws and 3+ years of investigation experience are required.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience conducting investigations.
• Working knowledge of employment laws and demonstrated experience dealing with legal issues.
• Competencies: personal confidence and initiative, active listening, influence others, going above and beyond.
• Advanced computer skills in Microsoft Office and electronic communications.

Responsibilities

• Plan, conduct and report confidential investigations to determine policy infractions.
• Coach leaders regarding conduct, risk, and policy administration.
• Support/lead ethics investigations and update progress with Ethics team.
• Assist in formal corrective action processes to mitigate risk and ensure compliance.
• Prepare case summaries and maintain complete case files in the management system.
• Research comparables and explore AI tools to streamline investigations.

Skills

HR investigations

Legal knowledge

Policy administration

Communication skills

Project management

Microsoft Office

Decision making

Stakeholder coaching

Education

Bachelor's degree

Workday experience

Tools

Workday

Microsoft Office

Case management system

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

• Supports employees and leaders with Tier 2 and 3 HR requests
• 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.

Equal Employment Opportunity

NiSource is committed to providing equal employment opportunities in each of its companies to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, veteran status, disability, gender, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex (including pregnancy, lactation, childbirth or related medical conditions), genetic information, citizenship status, or any protected group status as defined by law. Each employee is expected to abide by this principle.

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

NiSource participates in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's E-Verify program. Please review the following notices regarding your rights and responsibilities under U.S. law. E-Verify Poster (English and Spanish) Right to Work Poster (English and Spanish)

Salary Range

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 Dates

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.

About NiSource

At NiSource, you’ll be part of the team serving nearly four million customers throughout the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic, who count on us to energize their homes and businesses. Whether speaking with customers by phone, analyzing financial data or installing new gas lines in a neighborhood, you’ll meet exciting challenges each day and make the most of your skills and talents. And you’ll be part of a company that was named by Forbes magazine as one of America’s Best Large Employers. We’re looking for talent from all backgrounds. We invite candidates of all abilities to come as they are and do what they love. Through our years of successful growth, we’ve stayed true to our roots by making a difference in the lives of millions of our customers. If you’re interested in joining an inclusive, innovative company that fosters opportunity for growth, NiSource might be the place for you.