Employee Relations Specialist

Bernard Nickels & Associates; New Jersey; On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading HR consultancy in New Jersey is seeking an Employee Relations Analyst to manage complex employee relations issues, conduct thorough investigations, and ensure compliance with company policies and employment laws. The ideal candidate will have over 5 years of HR experience with strong knowledge of employment laws, excellent communication skills, and the ability to handle multiple cases professionally. The position supports HR leadership in fostering a positive work environment and mitigating risks.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in HR with a focus on employee relations.
• Strong knowledge of employment laws and regulations.
• Proven ability to conduct impartial investigations.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage employee relations cases including complaints and grievances.
• Conduct comprehensive investigations into workplace issues.
• Document findings and prepare detailed investigation reports.

Skills

Employee relations management

Conflict resolution

Investigation skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources or related field

HR certification (PHR, SPHR, or SHRM-CP/SCP) preferred

Job description

The Employee Relations Analyst is responsible for managing and resolving complex employee relations issues, conducting thorough investigations, and ensuring compliance with company policies and employment laws. This role partners closely with HR leadership to foster a positive work environment, mitigate risk, and drive fair and consistent practices across the organization.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage employee relations cases, including complaints, grievances, and policy violations.
• Conduct comprehensive investigations into workplace issues such as harassment, discrimination, retaliation, and other misconduct.
• Document findings and prepare detailed investigation reports with recommendations for resolution.
• Provide guidance to HRBP’s on company policies, procedures, and employment laws.
• Partner with Legal and Compliance teams to ensure adherence to regulatory requirements.
• Analyze trends in employee relations and recommend proactive strategies to reduce risk and improve workplace culture.
• Develop and deliver training for managers on employee relations best practices and compliance topics.
• Maintain accurate records of cases and ensure confidentiality throughout the process.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field (Master’s or HR certification preferred).
• 5+ years of experience in HR with a focus on employee relations and investigations.
• Strong knowledge of employment laws and regulations (EEO, ADA, FMLA, etc.).
• Proven ability to conduct impartial, thorough investigations and produce clear, concise reports.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and conflict resolution skills.
• Ability to manage multiple cases in a fast-paced environment with discretion and professionalism.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in a corporate or multi-site environment.
• Advanced proficiency in HRIS and case management systems.
• Certification such as PHR, SPHR, or SHRM-CP/SCP.