Manager Associate Relations

BCF Whse. of Edgewater Park, Inc.; North Carolina; Hybrid; USD 95,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

401(k) plan

Job summary

Burlington Stores, Inc. is seeking an Associate Relations Manager to lead workplace investigations and strategy across distribution centers and corporate offices.

You will manage Open Door, STEPS, and other escalation channels, ensuring compliance and defensible case documentation while partnering with leaders on performance and conduct matters. The role requires strong HR knowledge, policy interpretation, and data-driven insights to strengthen trust and engagement across a hybrid work

Qualifications

• Extensive experience conducting complex workplace investigations.
• Strong knowledge of employment law and HR policies.
• Ability to manage high‑risk associate relations matters.
• Excellent written reports and executive summaries.
• Proficiency with case management systems and HRIS.

Responsibilities

• Lead investigations and case management for Open Door and STEPS programs.
• Provide coaching to leaders on performance and conduct.
• Develop policies with COEs and drive enterprise improvements.
• Analyze data to identify trends and risks.
• Collaborate with HRBPs and leadership across DCs and corporate offices.

Skills

Investigations

Policy interpretation

HR analytics

Communication

Legal knowledge

Risk management

Stakeholder influence

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR/Business

Tools

Case management systems

HRIS

MS Office

Data analysis tools

Job description

Position Overview

The Associate Relations Manager (ARM) supports Burlington’s Distribution Centers and Corporate Offices by cultivating a respectful, inclusive, and legally compliant workplace culture. This role leads the resolution of associate concerns reported through the Open Door program, STEPS (alternate dispute resolution), the Integrity Hotline, and HRBP escalations. The ARM conducts thorough investigations, manages risk, partners with leadership on performance and conduct matters, and delivers data driven insights that strengthen trust, engagement, and organizational effectiveness. The role also contributes to strategic initiatives that enhance consistency, compliance, and operational excellence across the enterprise. This is a hybrid position primarily supporting our NJ DCs, corporate office, and occasional travel to support our Savannah, GA DC.

A Day in the Life

Investigation & Case Management Lead investigations into workplace disputes, discrimination, harassment, retaliation, misconduct, and escalated concerns. Oversee Burlington’s Open Door and STEPS programs for assigned distribution centers. Maintain meticulous documentation in the case management platform, ensuring accuracy, clarity, and defensibility. Drive timely case closure, proactively escalating barriers and ensuring follow‑up communication. Conduct investigative interviews using consistent protocols aligned with AR and Legal guidance. Preserve confidentiality, neutrality, and compliance with all AR guardrails.

Compliance & Risk Mitigation

Ensure adherence to federal, state, and local employment laws and Burlington policies. Partner with AR Director on high‑risk, complex, or sensitive matters to manage liability. Involve appropriate COEs when identifying gaps in policies and procedures. Develop revisions or new policies to address emerging risks. Collaborate with COEs to drive enterprise‑level improvements. Identify systemic risks through trend analysis and recommend preventive measures.

Leadership Coaching & Support

Provide coaching to leaders on performance management, disciplinary actions, and workplace conduct. Partner with HRBPs and leadership to ensure consistent application of policy and corrective action. Strengthen leader capability through real‑time guidance, structured feedback, and strategic recommendations. Facilitate regular touch base meetings with the AR Director to align on trends, risks, and priorities.

Training & Development

Develop and deliver training on conflict resolution, respectful workplace, investigations, and communication skills. Lead AR onboarding for new leaders, ensuring materials reflect emerging trends and enterprise expectations. Support enterprise learning initiatives that enhance leader capability and AR visibility.

Culture & Engagement

Promote a workplace culture grounded in trust, respect, and Burlington’s Core Values. Partner with HR and Culture & Community Impact teams to ensure AR practices support an inclusive and equitable environment. Lead or support initiatives that strengthen associate engagement and reinforce Burlington’s values.

Data & Insights

Analyze case data, feedback, and trends to identify root causes and opportunities for improvement. Deliver actionable insights to HRBPs, leadership, and senior HR leaders through monthly reporting and executive‑level summaries. Benchmark AR metrics against industry standards to support continuous improvement.

Technology & Systems Optimization

Support implementation and optimization of AR platforms to improve efficiency and data integrity. Ensure systems are leveraged to track, analyze, and report on AR metrics with accuracy and consistency.

Cross‑Functional Collaboration

Partner with Talent, Compliance, Benefits, Asset Protection, and Operations to address root causes of associate concerns. Support enterprise initiatives that strengthen AR processes, consistency, and risk management.

You'll Come With 5+ years of progressive Human Resources, Associate/Employee Relations, or related experience, including extensive experience conducting complex workplace investigations. Experience supporting distribution center, retail, logistics, or other large‑scale operational environments preferred. Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Labor Relations, or a related field; equivalent experience may be considered. Strong knowledge of employment law, workplace investigations, interviewing techniques, conflict resolution, corrective action, and performance management. Demonstrated ability to independently manage sensitive, high‑risk, and complex associate/employee relations matters while balancing legal, operational, and associate considerations. Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare timely, thorough, and defensible investigative reports, case documentation, and executive summaries. High degree of integrity, discretion, sound judgment, and professionalism when handling confidential and sensitive matters. Proficiency with case management systems, HRIS platforms, Microsoft Office Suite, and data analysis tools. Strong analytical and critical thinking skills with the ability to identify trends, root causes, organizational risks, and opportunities for proactive intervention. Ability to manage a high‑volume caseload, prioritize competing demands, meet established service levels, and consistently follow through in a fast‑paced environment. Proven ability to influence leaders at multiple levels of the organization and provide consultative guidance on associate/employee relations strategy, policy interpretation, and risk management.

Burlington’s benefits package includes medical, dental and vision coverage including life and disability insurance.

Full‑time associates are also eligible for paid time off, paid holidays and a 401(k) plan.

We are a rapidly growing brand and provide a variety of training and development opportunities so our associates can grow with us.

Our teams work hard and have fun together! Burlington associates make a difference in the lives of customers, colleagues, and the communities where we live and work every day.

Burlington Stores, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer committed to workplace diversity.

Individual pay decisions will be based on a variety of factors, such as but not limited to, qualifications, education, job‑related skills, relevant experience, and geographic location.

Compensation Range: $95,000.00 - $125,000.00

For over half a century, Burlington have been delivering value to our customers, associates and our communities. With our every day low prices on top brand name merchandise for the entire family and home, combined with our dedication to our thousands of associates nationwide and our ability to make an impact in the communities where we live and work, Burlington is proud to be an award‑winning off‑price retailer.