Human Resources Specialist - Employee Relations

Nelson-Jameson, Inc; Marshfield (WI); On-site; USD 63,000 - 77,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive Health Benefits

401(k) with company match

Competitive starting salary: $70,000+

Annual discretionary bonus

Job summary

Nelson-Jameson, Inc. is hiring an Employee Relations Specialist for our Marshfield, WI campus. The role focuses on addressing workplace concerns with empathy and discretion, supporting managers and employees, and ensuring compliance with applicable laws.

The position is onsite in Marshfield, WI, with a team that values accountability, teamwork, and growth. A post-secondary degree in a relevant field and 2+ years of experience are preferred, with opportunity to develop within our EX team.

Qualifications

• Required: Post-secondary degree in HR, Business Admin, Social Work, Counseling, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• Required: 2+ years of direct employee relations experience.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, documentation, and conflict-resolution skills.
• Understanding of federal, state, and local employment laws.
• Ability to manage sensitive issues with discretion, empathy, and professionalism.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work onsite in Marshfield, WI.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary point of contact for employee relations issues, including workplace disputes, grievances, and concerns.
• Conduct and document internal investigations related to complaints, policy violations, or workplace concerns.
• Advise managers on performance management, disciplinary actions, and terminations in alignment with company policies and values.
• Interpret and apply federal, state, and local employment laws with a focus on employee experience.
• Assist with EX Help Desk functionality, including ticket processing, reporting, and dashboards.
• Analyze trends in employee relations issues and recommend proactive solutions.
• Work with EX Team Members to help develop and deliver employee relations programs, training, and initiatives.
• Maintain accurate records of cases in a case management system.
• Partner with Legal, Compliance, and other teams as needed.
• Conduct stay and exit interviews, preparing insights to inform retention strategies.
• Support EX-related communications, policy updates, and special initiatives.
• Act as a visible, approachable presence for employees and a trusted resource for managers.

Skills

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Documentation

Conflict resolution

Discretion

Empathy

Organization

Attention to detail

Employment law knowledge

Education

Post-secondary degree in HR, Business Administration, Social Work, Counseling, or related field

Bachelor’s degree in HR, Business Administration, Social Work, or related field

Tools

UKG

HRIS

Job description

Location: Marshfield, WI (onsite)

Job Type: Full-Time

Salary: Starting at $70,000 annually

Benefits: Comprehensive benefits, company-matched 401(k), paid time off, competitive compensation, and much more!

About Us

At Nelson-Jameson, we’ve been a trusted partner in the food manufacturing industry since 1947. We provide high-quality products and innovative solutions that help businesses maintain top standards in quality, safety, and compliance. As a family-owned company, we believe in accountability, teamwork, and growth—for our people and the business. We take pride in our close-knit, supportive culture where every team member has a voice and the chance to grow. If you're looking for a rewarding career with a team that works hard and stays optimistic, we’d love to have you join us!

Job Summary

At Nelson-Jameson, our Employee Experience (EX) team focuses on serving people first—ensuring employees feel respected, heard, and supported—while balancing company needs. We’re not just here for compliance; we’re here to create a workplace where employees can thrive within a culture of accountability. As part of our team, you’ll join a culture that values hard work, trust, empathy, optimism, and resourcefulness—supporting both your growth and the success of our employees.

The Employee Relations Specialist plays a key role in fostering a positive and productive environment by addressing workplace concerns with empathy, fairness, and discretion. This role is onsite in Marshfield, WI, to provide the in-person connection critical to supporting employees through sensitive situations. You’ll work directly with managers and employees on matters such as performance management, conflict resolution, workplace investigations, and thorough documentation of findings and actions, as well as policy interpretation—always through a people-first lens.

Because this role often involves guiding employees and leaders through difficult, emotional, or otherwise heavy situations, we need someone who can maintain composure, professionalism, and empathy while remaining resilient. We welcome applicants from both traditional HR backgrounds and non-HR fields—such as social work, counseling, or other people-focused professions—who want to apply their skills in a new way to positively impact the employee experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary point of contact for employee relations issues, including workplace disputes, grievances, and concerns.
• Conduct and document internal investigations related to complaints, policy violations, or workplace concerns.
• Advise managers on performance management, disciplinary actions, and terminations in alignment with company policies and values.
• Interpret and apply federal, state, and local employment laws with a focus on employee experience.
• Assist with EX Help Desk functionality, including ticket processing, reporting, and dashboards.
• Analyze trends in employee relations issues and recommend proactive solutions.
• Work with EX Team Members to help develop and deliver employee relations programs, training, and initiatives.
• Maintain accurate records of cases in a case management system.
• Partner with Legal, Compliance, and other teams as needed.
• Conduct stay and exit interviews, preparing insights to inform retention strategies.
• Support EX-related communications, policy updates, and special initiatives.
• Act as a visible, approachable presence for employees and a trusted resource for managers.

Why Nelson-Jameson?

At Nelson-Jameson, we offer more than just a job; we provide an opportunity to grow and succeed within a family-owned company that values innovation, collaboration, and hard work. You’ll be part of a trusted industry leader, working alongside passionate professionals who are dedicated to making a difference.

As a golden rule company, we strive to maintain a culture of honesty, integrity, and kindness. Our organization is committed to operating ethically and respecting people, our community, and the environment. With us, you’ll become part of a hard-working team that takes pride in providing safe, high-quality food to communities around the world.

With Nelson-Jameson, You’ll Receive

• Comprehensive Health Benefits with your choice of benefits to match your unique needs
• 401(k) with company match
• Competitive Compensation: Starting at $70,000 annually
• Annual Discretionary Bonus opportunity
• Annual Merit Increase opportunity
• Generous Paid time off at time of hire and annually
• Volunteer Time Off (VTO) to support causes you care about
• Pet Insurance for your furry friend!
• Annual allowance for company-branded clothing
• Annual Wellness Stipend & other wellness programs
• Company provided laptop & cell phone
• And much more!

Qualifications & Skills

• Required:
  • Post-secondary degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Social Work, Counseling, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
  • 2+ years of direct employee relations experience, or equivalent people-focused experience in a related field.
  • Excellent communication, interpersonal, documentation, and conflict-resolution skills.
  • Understanding of federal, state, and local employment laws.
  • Ability to manage sensitive issues with discretion, empathy, and professionalism.
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • Commitment to delivering an exceptional employee experience.
  • Ability to work onsite in Marshfield, WI.
  • This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship now or in the future. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future employer-sponsored work authorization.
• Preferred:
  • Bachelor’s degree in HR, Business Administration, Social Work, or related field.
  • 5+ years of employee relations or comparable people-focused experience.
  • Experience with UKG, HRIS, or related systems.
  • Advanced skills in data analysis and reporting.
  • Professional certification (e.g., SHRM-CP, PHR) or willingness to obtain with company assistance.

Nelson-Jameson, Inc. and NEXT Logistics, LLC. are Equal Opportunity Employers. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and encourage applicants from all backgrounds, including but not limited to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, and veteran status.