Employee Relations Program Manager

QTS Data Centers; Overland Park (KS); On-site; USD 95,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) matching

Bonus eligibility

Generous PTO

Stock Purchase Plan

11 holidays

Pet Insurance

Sabbatical program

Service award

Parental leave

Military benefits

Charitable matching

Scholarship for dependents

Crisis fund

Wellness program

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

QTS Data Centers is seeking an experienced Employee Relations Manager to build and lead the Employee Relations function. You will partner with Legal and the People Services team to ensure compliant, value-aligned outcomes across complex employment matters, including investigations and terminations.

You will advise management on performance management, policy interpretation, and risk mitigation while shaping a fair, inclusive workplace culture across our US operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, business administration, or related field.
• Five+ years in employee relations or HR with investigation experience.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. employment laws and regulations.
• Experience partnering with Legal on employment matters.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead employee relations strategy with Legal and People Services.
• Manage investigations into harassment, discrimination, retaliation, and policy violations.
• Advise management on performance management and disciplinary actions.
• Ensure consistent application of policies and compliance with employment laws.
• Draft investigation reports and support training on employee relations.

Skills

Employee relations

Investigation

Employment law

Policy interpretation

Communication

Risk management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in HR/Business

Job description

It’s exhilarating to find yourself at a pivotal moment in history— and even more so to be leading the way. At QTS Data Centers, we are proud to stand at the forefront of today’s dynamic digital transformation. Our world-class data centers empower our customers’ most strategic growth initiatives, positioning us as a global leader in digital infrastructure.

As AI and cloud technologies fuel the demand for increased speed, capacity, and innovation, QTS has emerged as the global digital infrastructure leader. We are committed to connecting the globe for good. Driven by purpose and a spirit of innovation, we design, build, and operate some of the most advanced data centers worldwide. In addition to our cutting-edge technology, we are dedicated to sustainability, incorporating renewable energy solutions to minimize our environmental footprint and drive meaningful impact. As a proud portfolio company of Blackstone, QTS is uniquely positioned to achieve ambitious growth and innovation goals.

At QTS, we are Powered by People. Our team members are the cornerstone of our culture, innovation, and growth. They are mission-driven, resourceful, and committed to making a positive impact in the communities where we live and work. Together, we’re achieving remarkable things and shaping the future of digital infrastructure.

And we’d like to invite you to join us.

In addition to a variety of benefit packages, QTS goes above and beyond for our employees:

• Roth and Traditional 401(k) matching contributions with immediate vesting
• Every employee is bonus or commission eligible
• Generous PTO, Paid Volunteer Days Plus Floating Holidays
• Stock Purchase Plan (SPP)
• 11 paid Holidays Annually/Holiday compensation when worked
• Pet and Legal Insurance
• Q-Rest Sabbatical Program
• Q-Anniversary Service Award Program
• Parental Leave for primary and secondary caregivers
• Military Benefits Package
• QTS Charitable Matching Gift Program
• QTS Scholarship for Employee Dependents
• QTS Crisis Fund
• Wellness Program
• Tuition Reimbursement Program

Who We Are

As a global leader in digital infrastructure, QTS designs, builds and operates advanced data centers that support strategic AI, cloud and digital transformation initiatives. We are driven by a mission to connect the world for good and our people make it possible. Every single day, the creativity, dedication and genuine care for our communities are what push us forward and make this a truly special place to be.

Employee Relations Program Manager will build and lead an employee relations function. This role will evolve our employee relations practices, partnering closely with the People Services organization, Legal and business leadership to ensure consistent, compliant, and value-aligned outcomes across complex employment matters. This role is responsible for advising on sensitive performance and disciplinary cases, managing workplace investigations, advising on policy interpretation, mitigating risk, and fostering a compliant, inclusive, and high-performing culture. This role requires extensive employee relations expertise.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement employee relations strategy in partnership with Legal and the People Services Organization.
• Build on frameworks and standards for managing performance concerns, conduct issues, investigations, and terminations.
• Conduct prompt, thorough, and impartial investigations into employee complaints and/or employee misconduct, including allegations of harassment, discrimination, retaliation, and policy violations.
• Function as a trusted partner to Business Partners and leadership to resolve employee relations issues while balancing legal risk and business needs.
• Provide guidance to Business Partners and management on performance management, disciplinary actions, and conflict resolution.
• Ensure consistent application and interpretation of company policies, procedures, and applicable employment laws.
• Draft investigation reports, and other employee relations documents.
• Support the development and delivery of employee relations training programs for managers and employees.
• Analyze employee relations trends and recommend initiative‑taking solutions to improve workplace culture and reduce risk.
• Collaborate with Legal as appropriate to ensure alignment with regulatory requirements.
• Assist in maintaining and updating employee policies and procedures to reflect current laws and best practices.
• Support audits, regulatory inspections, and internal reviews as needed.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, Business Administration, or related field
• Five or more years of experience in employee relations or HR, with significant investigation experience
• Strong knowledge of U.S. employment laws and regulations
• Awareness of government agency/EEOC response and defense
• Demonstrated ability to manage sensitive and confidential situations with professionalism and sound judgment.
• Experience managing complex terminations and structured employee exit discussions.
• Experience partnering closely with Legal teams on employment matters.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience drafting detailed investigation reports.
• Ability to influence and build trust with stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills

Preferred Qualifications

• HR certification (e.g., SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, SPHR)

In addition to a variety of benefit packages, QTS goes above and beyond for our employees:

• Roth and Traditional 401(k) matching contributions with immediate vesting
• Every employee is bonus or commission eligible
• Generous PTO, Paid Volunteer Days Plus Floating Holidays
• Stock Purchase Plan (SPP)
• 11 paid Holidays Annually/Holiday compensation when worked
• Pet and Legal Insurance
• Q-Rest Sabbatical Program
• Q-Anniversary Service Award Program
• Parental Leave for primary and secondary caregivers
• Military Benefits Package
• QTS Charitable Matching Gift Program
• QTS Scholarship for Employee Dependents
• QTS Crisis Fund
• Wellness Program
• Tuition Reimbursement Program

QTS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Learn more: Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled

We conform to all the laws, statutes, and regulations concerning equal employment opportunities and affirmative action. We strongly encourage women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans to apply to all of our job openings. We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, age, disability status, Genetic Information & Testing, Family & Medical Leave, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We prohibit retaliation against individuals who bring forth any complaint, orally or in writing, to the employer or the government, or against any individuals who assist or participate in the investigation of any complaint or discrimination claim.

The "Know Your Rights" Poster is included here:

Know Your Rights (English)

Know Your Rights (Spanish)

The Pay Transparency Policy Is Available Here

Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Poster-Formatted

QTS is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to [e-mail] and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.

QTS - Powered By People