Employee Relations Supervisor

University of California- Davis Health; Sacramento (CA); Remote; USD 91,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical plans

Retirement plans

Paid time off

Job summary

UC Davis Health seeks an experienced Employee Relations Supervisor to provide operational leadership and oversight for the Employee Relations function across the organization. You will supervise staff and ensure consistent application of university policies, labor agreements, and employment laws.

As a senior advisor to executive leadership, you will handle highly complex matters, conduct investigations, and coordinate with legal counsel to mitigate risk and drive organizational effectiveness.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in a related area and/or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to employee relations in both union and non-union environments including supervisory experience in an organization of significant size, diversity, and complexity.
• Extensive progressively responsible experience in Employee Relations, Labor Relations, Human Resources, or related field.
• Significant experience advising executive leadership and management on complex employment matters.
• Experience conducting or overseeing workplace investigations and corrective action processes.
• Experience interpreting and applying collective bargaining agreements, personnel policies, and employment laws.
• Supervisory or management experience leading professional staff.

Responsibilities

• Provide operational leadership and oversight for the Employee Relations function.
• Supervise Employee Relations Consultants and assigned staff to ensure effective delivery of services.
• Advise executive leadership and managers on complex employment matters and develop risk mitigation strategies.
• Oversee investigations and corrective action processes in coordination with legal counsel.

Skills

Employee relations

Labor relations

HR policies

Investigations

Stakeholder management

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in related area

Master's degree (preferred)

Job description

Job Summary

Under the general direction of the Employee Relations Director, provides operational leadership and implementation oversight for the Employee Relations function. Directly supervises Employee Relations Consultants and assigned staff, ensuring the effective delivery of employee relations services across UC Davis Health. Oversees the administration of employee relations programs and services, ensuring consistent application of University policies, collective bargaining agreements, employment laws, and organizational practices in alignment with established strategic direction.

Serves as a senior advisor and subject matter expert to executive leadership, department administrators, managers, and Human Resources partners on highly complex, sensitive, and high-risk employee relations matters. Provides strategic consultation regarding employee conduct, performance management, workplace investigations, corrective action, organizational change, conflict resolution, reductions in force, and other employment-related issues. Reviews, offers recommendations, and provides first level approval on significant employment actions, partnering with the Employee Relations Director on high-impact or high-risk matters and developing risk mitigation strategies.

Apply By Date: 11/1/2026 by 11:59pm

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in a related area and/or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to employee relations in both union and non-union environments including supervisory experience in an organization of significant size, diversity, and complexity.
• Extensive progressively responsible experience in Employee Relations, Labor Relations, Human Resources, or related field.
• Significant experience advising executive leadership and management on complex employment matters.
• Experience conducting or overseeing workplace investigations and corrective action processes.
• Experience interpreting and applying collective bargaining agreements, personnel policies, and employment laws.
• Supervisory or management experience leading professional staff.
• Experience managing complex, high-risk employee relations matters involving significant organizational impact.
• Experience coordinating with legal counsel and responding to litigation, administrative charges, and regulatory inquiries.
• Expert knowledge of employee relations principles, practices, investigations, and dispute resolution.
• In-depth knowledge of applicable federal and state employment laws and regulations.
• Expert knowledge of collective bargaining agreements and labor-management principles.
• Demonstrated ability to manage highly sensitive and complex employee relations matters involving significant organizational risk.
• Demonstrated ability to supervise, coach, develop, and evaluate professional staff.
• Strong leadership and organizational effectiveness skills.
• Superior written, verbal, presentation, and consultation skills.
• Ability to influence decision-making among senior leaders and stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to lead organizational change and strategic initiatives.
• Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to evaluate complex situations and develop practical solutions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Masters Degree
• Experience in an academic medical center, healthcare environment, or public sector organization
• Experience supervising Employee Relations, Labor Relations, or Human Resources professionals.
• Experience leading large-scale organizational initiatives or change management efforts.
• Experience partnering with legal counsel on litigation, administrative complaints, or agency responses.
• Experience managing employee relations programs within a large, complex organization.
• Knowledge of University of California policies, procedures, and collective bargaining agreements.
• Knowledge of HEERA and public-sector labor relations.
• Demonstrated ability to lead organization-wide projects and initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• 50% - SUPERVISION, LEADERSHIP & OPERATIONS
• 20% - EMPLOYEE RELATIONS LEADERSHIP & ESCALATION CONSULTATION
• 15% - STRATEGIC INITIATIVES, PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT & ORGANIZATIONAL EFFECTIVENESS
• 15% - TRAINING, EDUCATION & QUALITY ASSURANCE

Department Overview

Provides day-to-day leadership for the Employee Relations team through workload management, quality assurance, staff development, coaching, and performance oversight. Implements standards, processes, and best practices in collaboration with the ER Director to ensure consistent, timely, and effective service delivery. Promotes professional growth and technical competency among staff while fostering a collaborative, customer-focused, and solutions-oriented work environment.

Supports and advances strategic initiatives led by Employee Relations leadership, contributing to organizational projects and program development efforts designed to enhance organizational effectiveness, reduce risk, and improve employee relations practices. Represents Employee Relations in executive-level discussions, cross-functional initiatives, and systemwide committees, as designated, and serves as a liaison with Campus Counsel, Labor Relations, Compliance, and other key stakeholders.

Maintains responsibility for a limited client portfolio while primarily focusing on supervision, staff development, and operational execution of the Employee Relations program.

POSITION INFORMATION

• Salary or Pay Range: $8,125.00 - $15,225.00
• Salary Frequency: Monthly
• Salary Grade: Grade 24
• UC Job Title: EMPLOYEE REL SUPV 2
• UC Job Code: 006245
• Number of Positions: 1
• Appointment Type: Staff: Career
• Percentage of Time: 100%
• Shift (Work Schedule): Mon - Fri, 8am-5pm
• Location: Remote Worksite (REMOTE)
• Union Representation: 99 - Non-Represented (PPSM)
• Benefits Eligible: Yes
• This position is 100% remote

Benefits

Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility by visiting UCnet Benefits Page or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees.

• High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs
• UC pays for dental and vision coverage for you and your family
• Retirement plans for eligible employees including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans
• Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance, legal coverage, accident, critical illness and hospital indemnity
• Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave, Adoption Assistance and Pay for Family Care and Bonding for eligible employees
• Lactation Support Program and Family Care discounts and resources
• Employee Well-being resources and programming to support thriving in all aspects of employee's lives
• On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
• Generous amount of paid Holidays annually as outlined in the UC Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreements
• Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as outlined in the UC Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreements
• Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Staff Education Reimbursement Program for eligible employees
• Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Qualified Employer and Student Loan Debt Counseling Program for eligible employees

Physical Demands

• Standing - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Walking - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Sitting - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Bending/Stooping - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Squatting/Kneeling - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Twisting - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Reaching overhead - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Mental Demands

• Sustained attention and concentration - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Complex problem solving/reasoning - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Ability to organize & prioritize - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Communication skills - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Numerical skills - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Constant Interaction - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Customer/Patient Contact - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Work Environment

UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.

Special Requirements - Please contact your recruiter with questions regarding which activities apply by position

• This is a critical position, as defined by UC Policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation clearance and functional capacity assessment
• This position is designated as a mandated reporter under CANRA and UC policy, and employment is contingent on compliance with applicable policies, procedures and training requirements

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

A Culture of Opportunity and Belonging

At UC Davis, we're committed to solving life's most urgent challenges and building a healthier, more resilient world. We believe in growing through every challenge, continually striving to improve, and welcoming new perspectives that strengthen our community. We recognize that a vibrant and innovative organization values both individual strengths and shared purpose. The best ideas often emerge when people with different experiences come together.

As you consider joining UC Davis, we invite you to explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education. We believe you belong here. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.

To view the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

Because we want you to feel seen and valued, our recruitment process at UC Davis supports openness and authenticity. Research shows that some individuals hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. You may be an excellent fit for this role-or the next one. We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't match every listed requirement. #YouBelongHere

To learn more about our background check program, please visit: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/recruitment/ucd/selection/background-checks