Employee Relations Partner

DSJ Global; Rockford (IL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global manufacturer is seeking a passionate Employee Relations Partner to support a high-volume production workforce. The role requires someone skilled in navigating sensitive employee matters and building relationships. Responsibilities include managing employee relations across shifts, investigating workplace concerns, and collaborating with HR and supervisors. The ideal candidate should have a Bachelor's degree, 3-5 years of employee relations experience in a 24/7 manufacturing environment, and strong communication skills. Spanish proficiency is a plus.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of experience in employee relations, including investigations.
• Experience in a 24/7 manufacturing environment is required.
• Ability to handle sensitive information with strong judgment.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the main contact for employee relations matters across all shifts.
• Investigate workplace concerns including attendance and conduct.
• Provide guidance on progressive discipline and policy application.

Skills

Employee relations

Communication

Relationship building

Investigations

Confidentiality

Continuous improvement

Education

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources or related field

Tools

HRIS systems

MS Office

Job description

A leading global manufacturer is seeking a passionate and hands‑on Employee Relations Partner to support a high‑volume production workforce across all shifts. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a plant‑floor environment, builds strong relationships with hourly teams and supervisors, and is skilled in navigating sensitive employee matters with fairness, consistency, and sound judgment.

You will serve as the primary point of contact for hourly employee issues and will collaborate closely with supervisors, HR colleagues, and operational leadership to ensure policies are clearly communicated and consistently applied.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the main point of contact for employee relations matters across all shifts.
• Investigate workplace concerns including attendance, conduct, behavioral issues, and performance trends.
• Partner with supervisors and HR to determine appropriate next steps and coach leaders through challenging conversations.
• Maintain accurate, confidential documentation of all employee relations activities.
• Conduct timely, objective investigations and follow through on action items and outcomes.
• Provide guidance to leaders on progressive discipline, effective communication, and policy application.
• Identify and report trends in employee relations issues and collaborate with HR/Operations to support improvements in retention, attendance, and engagement.
• Support plant engagement and recognition programs that strengthen communication, connection, and accountability.
• Partner with HR and Legal on complex or sensitive matters to ensure compliance with company policies and state/federal labor laws.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business, or related field.
• 3-5 years of experience in employee relations, including investigations and employment law exposure.
• Experience working in a 24/7 manufacturing environment is required.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with strong judgment and professionalism.
• Strong communication and relationship‑building skills across hourly and supervisory teams.
• Working knowledge of HRIS systems and MS Office.
• Continuous improvement mindset and experience supporting change management efforts.
• Spanish proficiency is a plus but not required.