Employee Relations Manager

Mortenson Construction; Minneapolis (MN); Hybrid; USD 103,000 - 155,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical and prescription plans

Dental plan

401k with generous match

Paid time off & holidays

Life/AD&D and disability insurance

Mental health resources

Tuition reimbursement

Adoption assistance

Gym membership discount

Job summary

Mortenson Construction is seeking an Employee Relations Manager to lead the Employee Relations team, driving investigations, case management, and policy application with a focus on risk mitigation across the organization.

The role partners with Legal, Compliance, and business leadership, leveraging data insights to inform decisions and strengthen leader capability. A minimum of 8 years of HR experience is expected, with a hybrid work model and a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of HR experience with a focus on employee relations and risk management
• Experience managing complex investigations, performance issues, and policy violations
• Proven ability to coach leaders and influence across multiple levels
• Strong knowledge of employment laws and regulatory requirements at federal, state, and local levels
• Experience in large, multi-location or decentralized organizations
• Ability to interpret analytics to inform decisions and mitigate risk
• Willingness to travel up to 15%

Responsibilities

• Lead a high-performing Employee Relations team with coaching, direction, and support for investigations and case management
• Define and optimize operating model, roles, workload, and resource allocation
• Ensure high-quality delivery of investigations, performance management, discipline, and policy application
• Develop and evolve ER standards, processes, and governance for compliance and business needs
• Handle complex, high-risk ER matters including executive-level issues
• Advise leaders and HRBPs to navigate workforce issues and drive sound decisions
• Use ER data and insights to identify trends and inform HR decisions
• Maintain deep expertise in ER trends, regulatory updates, and policy translation into practice
• Collaborate with Legal, Compliance, and leadership on high-risk matters

Skills

Employee relations

Investigations

Policy compliance

Leadership coaching

Employment law

Data analytics

Cross-location collaboration

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR or related field

Job description

SUMMARY

Mortenson is seeking an Employee Relations Manager to lead the Employee Relations team, driving consistent execution, strengthening leader capability, and leveraging data insights to inform decision-making and risk mitigation at the organization level.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead a high performing Employee Relations team, driving performance and development by providing day-to-day coaching, direction, and support while building capability across investigations, case management, and leader consulting
• Establish and optimize team operating model and discipline through clear role definition, workload prioritization, and efficient resource allocation
• Ensure excellence in Employee Relations execution by overseeing consistent, timely, and high-quality delivery of investigations, performance management, discipline, and policy application across the organization
• Own and evolve Employee Relations standards, processes, and governance to ensure alignment with compliance requirements, organizational needs, and industry best practices
• Lead and oversee complex and high-risk Employee Relations matters by managing high-impact and/or executive-level matters and serving as a trusted escalation point
• Serve as a strategic advisor to leaders and HR Business Partners, coaching and influencing to effectively navigate complex workforce issues and drive consistent, sound decision-making
• Lead the use of Employee Relations data and insights to identify trends, inform HR and business decisions, and proactively mitigate organizational risk
• Maintain and apply deep expertise in employee relations trends, regulatory developments, and legal updates, translating insights into applicable policy, practice, and enterprise strategy
• Partner cross-functionally to manage organizational risk by working closely with Legal, Compliance, and business leadership on high-risk and sensitive matters

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in human resources, business, or a related field or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience
• Minimum 8 years of progressive HR experience, with a significant focus on employee relations, investigations, and workplace risk management
• Demonstrated experience managing complex and high-risk employee relations matters, including investigations, performance management, and policy violations
• Proven ability to coach and influence leaders at multiple levels, including senior leaders and HR Business Partners
• Strong working knowledge of employment laws and compliance requirements and their application in real-world scenarios
• Experience working in a large, multi-location or decentralized organization
• Deep expertise in employee relations practices, including investigations, discipline, performance management, and conflict resolution
• Strong knowledge of employment law and regulatory requirements (federal, state, and local), with the ability to apply them effectively in complex and high-risk situations
• Comprehensive understanding of HR policies, procedures, and compliance frameworks, including accommodations, workplace conduct, and employee reporting/hotline processes
• Understanding of organizational dynamics within a decentralized, project-based workforce, including both field and corporate environments
• Working knowledge of Employee Relations data and analytics, with the ability to interpret trends, case metrics, and risk indicators to inform decision-making
• Familiarity with integrated HR operating models, including partnerships across HRBPs, Centers of Excellence (COEs), Legal, and Security
• Active listening skills and effective communication including an openness to diverse input and feedback
• Ability to travel up to 15%

A few benefits offered include:

(for Non-Craft & Non-Union Craft working 25+ hours / week)

• Medical and prescription drug plans that includes no additional cost vision coverage
• Dental plan
• 401k retirement plan with a generous Mortenson match
• Paid time off, holidays, and other paid leaves
• Employer paid Life, AD&D, and disability insurance
• No-Cost mental health tool and concierge with extensive work-life resources
• Tuition reimbursement
• Adoption Assistance
• Gym Membership Discount Program

The base pay range for this role is $103,200 - $154,800.

(Actual range is higher for the following office locations: Denver, CO and Chicago, IL - 5%, Seattle, WA, and Portland, OR - 10%, Washington, D.C. - 12.5%).

Base pay is positioned within the range based on several factors including an individual's knowledge, skills, and experience, with consideration given to internal equity. This position is eligible for Mortenson's incentive plan.

#LI-PM1 #LI-hybrid

PLEASE MAKE NOTE:

• Visa sponsorship is not offered for this position.

ABOUT MORTENSON

As a top builder, developer, and EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction), our expertise spans markets like sports, renewable energy, data centers, healthcare, and more. We are builders at heart, working to ensure the built environment has a lasting positive impact.

Let’s Redefine Possible

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Your uniqueness brings new and creative perspectives to the team. Mortenson is committed to providing equal opportunities of employment (EOE) to all individuals, regardless of your race, religion, gender, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, marital status or any other legally protected category.

OTHER ITEMS TO NOTE

• Mortenson reserves the right to hire any individual without legal or financial obligation on unwanted solicitations. No agency emails, calls, or solicitations are accepted without a valid agreement.
• Must be currently legally authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H1B status, 0-1, TN, CPT, OPT, etc.). We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.