Employee Relations Consultant

Horace Mann; Springfield (IL); Hybrid; USD 71,000 - 106,000; Full time

Job summary

Horace Mann is looking for an Employee Relations Consultant to join their HR team in Springfield, IL. This hybrid position requires expertise in navigating employee relations issues and providing strategic guidance to ensure compliance with legal and organizational standards. The ideal candidate will have strong interpersonal skills, the ability to manage sensitive situations confidentially, and at least three years of relevant experience.

Qualifications

• At least three years in employee relations, including investigations.
• Strong knowledge of employment laws and HR practices.
• Ability to manage sensitive situations with professionalism.

Responsibilities

• Serve as escalation point for complex employee relations issues.
• Conduct investigations into misconduct and policy violations.
• Advise on performance management and conflict resolution strategies.

Skills

Conflict resolution

Interpersonal communication

Compliance knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, or a related field

Master’s or HR certification (preferred)

Job description

Hybrid Position must live close to Springfield, IL office.

Horace Mann is dedicated to serving the educational community with a people-first mindset. We believe that empowered employees create the foundation for exceptional service. That’s why we are seeking a knowledgeable and compassionate Employee Relations Consultant to join our Human Resources team. This critical position plays a pivotal role in ensuring a positive, compliant, and performance-focused workplace.

Position Summary

The Employee Relations Consultant will serve as the subject matter expert on all complex or sensitive employee relations (ER) issues. This role partners closely with HR, HR Business Partners and business leaders across the organization to provide policy guidance, conduct investigations, mitigate risks, and develop ER best practices that align with legal standards and organizational values.

Employee Relations Expertise (COE Function)

• Serve as the primary escalation point for complex or high-risk employee relations matters.
• Provide expert consultation on employment laws, internal policies, and the consistent application of HR practices.
• Lead the development, implementation, and refinement of ER-related procedures, toolkits, and resources.
• Serve as the designated contact for complaint intake, triage, and resolution, ensuring timely and appropriate action on all reported concerns.
• Partner with business leaders and HR to ensure consistent and equitable handling of performance-related issues, including coaching and corrective action.

Strategic Advisory & Training

• Advise HR leadership and business stakeholders on employee relations trends, workforce risks, and resolution strategies.
• Collaborate with the ER Lead and Associate HRBP to support performance management, conflict resolution, and interpretation of company policies.
• Identify organizational training needs and support the creation and delivery of ER-related learning and development programs.
• Provide guidance to leaders on conducting effective performance conversations, developing performance improvement plans (PIPs), and managing termination decisions in alignment with company values and legal best practices.

Investigations & Case Management

• Lead or oversee comprehensive investigations into reports of misconduct, harassment, discrimination, and other policy violations.
• Maintain timely, detailed, and confidential documentation of all employee relations cases.
• Analyze ER case data to identify trends, patterns, and root causes, and recommend preventative strategies.
• Track and report on complaints and performance-related matters to highlight systemic issues or coaching needs across the organization.

Compliance & Risk Mitigation

• Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local employment laws, as well as internal HR policies.
• Partner with Legal and Compliance teams to address sensitive cases and regulatory matters.
• Support internal and external audits by preparing accurate documentation and insights.
• Monitor organizational risk factors related to employee conduct, performance, and complaints, ensuring alignment with legal obligations and company standards.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, or a related field, required. (Master’s or HR certification preferred).
• A minimum of three (3) years of employee relations experience is required, including demonstrated expertise in handling performance issues, conducting investigations, and advising on employment law and workplace policy.
• Proven experience in employee relations, conflict resolution, or HR consulting.
• Strong knowledge of employment laws, regulatory compliance, and HR best practices.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills—able to present facts and guidance clearly and persuasively.
• Ability to manage emotionally charged situations with professionalism, empathy, and discretion.
• Demonstrated ability to build trust across all levels of the organization.
• Highly organized with attention to documentation, reporting, and follow-up.
• Normal office environment: minimal travel required.
• Flexibility to work irregular hours when needed.
• Role demands a high degree of confidentiality and discretion.

Pay Range:

• $71,500.00 - $105,400.00 annually

Salary is commensurate to experience, location, etc.

Horace Mann was founded in 1945 by two Springfield, Illinois, teachers who saw a need for quality, affordable auto insurance for teachers. Since then, we’ve broadened our mission to helping all educators protect what they have today and prepare for a successful tomorrow. And with our broadened mission has come corporate growth: We serve more than 4,100 school districts nationwide, we’re publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange (symbol: HMN) and we have more than $12 billion in assets.

We’re motivated by the fact that educators take care of our children’s future, and we believe they deserve someone to look after theirs. We help educators identify their financial goals and develop plans to achieve them. This includes insurance to protect what they have today and financial products to help them prepare for their future. Our tailored offerings include special rates and benefits for educators.

EOE/Minorities/Females/Veterans/Disabled. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status

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