Manager, Employee Relations

Colonial Group; Buffalo (NY); On-site; USD 95,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

Colonial Group is seeking a Manager of Employee Relations to lead the organization’s employee relations and performance management functions. You will provide HR leadership, consultation, and business partnership to support effective people management and mitigate risk.

You will supervise the HR Business Partner team, oversee investigations, develop standardized tools and processes, and advise leaders on HR policies, compliance, and workforce issues.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred, preferably in HR management or related field.
• At least five years of HR experience at a management or senior level with emphasis on employee relations.
• Experience in conducting or overseeing investigations and performance management processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead employee relations and investigations, advising leaders on HR policies and performance issues.
• Supervise HR Business Partner and coach team members.
• Oversee investigations, review plans, findings and recommendations for action.
• Provide education, coaching and training to leaders on employee relations and compliance.

Skills

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Conflict resolution

Analytical thinking

Discretion/confidentiality

Policy interpretation

Coaching/mentoring

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s degree preferred

5+ years HR management experience

Job description

Manager, Employee Relations

JOB SUMMARY

The Manager, Employee Relations leads the organization’s employee relations and performance management functions, providing HR leadership, consultation, and business partnership to support effective people management and mitigate operational risk. The Manager directly manages complex employee relations matters and investigations supporting HR compliance, policy, and risk management while driving continuous improvement within assigned areas of responsibility.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Lead the organization’s employee relations function and directly manage employee relations matters, including complex and sensitive workplace concerns. Provide advice and guidance to leaders and team members regarding HR policies and procedures, performance evaluations, performance and conduct concerns, corrective action, and other employee relations matters. Develop and execute comprehensive investigation plans personally conducting complex and sensitive investigations involving allegations of misconduct, discrimination, harassment, retaliation, policy violations and other workplace concerns.


• Supervise HR Business Partner, coaching and managing team member performance.


• Provide oversight, coaching and support to HR Business Partner conducting employee relations matters and investigations, including reviewing investigation plans, documentation, findings, and recommendations to promote thorough, objective, and consistent practices.


• Prepare and review investigation reports, analyze findings and provide evidence-based recommendations for appropriate resolution and corrective action.


• Lead or participate in team member disciplinary meetings, terminations, investigations, and other sensitive team member interaction as appropriate.


• Research and explain laws and legal affairs concerning employment to managers, supervisors, and team members.


• Provides day-to-day performance management guidance to management (e.g., coaching, counseling, career development, disciplinary actions).


• Lead the strategic development, implementation, and continuous improvement of standardized tools, processes and systems that support consistent documentation, tracking and management of employee relation matters and ongoing performance evaluations.


• Provide oversight of performance evaluation processes by monitoring compliance and effectiveness; developing accurate, actionable reports to strengthen accountability, and drive continuous improvement.


• Provides guidance and consultation to leaders and HR team members regarding the interpretation and consistent application of HR policies, procedures, and employment practices.


• Provide education, coaching, and training to leaders regarding employee relations, performance management, HR policies, compliance and other areas within the position’s scope.


• Serves as a trusted HR advisor to organizational leaders, providing consultation and HR expertise to support effective leadership, sound people decisions, and organizational priorities.


• Collaborate with organizational leaders to identify training needs and opportunities for skill enhancement.


• Collaborate across the HR team and with organizational leaders to ensure coordinated, consistent, and effective delivery of HR practices and solutions.


• Partner closely with the Senior Manager, HR Partnership & Leadership to ensure alignment across employee relations, performance management, leadership effectiveness, and HR business partnership practices and identify opportunities for proactive leader support and consistent HR solutions.

OTHER DUTIES

• Commits to a respectful, just, and supportive environment for all individuals and team members aligning with the company’s commitment to, inclusion and belonging.


• As a leader, sets and promotes a culture focused on, inclusion and belonging in all business practices. This includes actively seeking, hiring, and developing talented candidates and appropriately and fairly addressing issues related to inclusion in all interactions with team members.


• Other duties as necessary or assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.


• Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills.


• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.


• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.


• Ability to prioritize tasks and to delegate them when appropriate.


• Ability to act with integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality.


• Thorough knowledge of employment-related laws and regulations.


• Strong conflict management skills.


• Sound business acumen and the ability to establish credibility, trust, and partnership at all levels of the organization


• Ability to effectively manage multiple, competing, and high priority projects with varying deadlines

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree preferred, preferably in human resource management or related field.


• At least five years of HR experience at a management or senior level with emphasis on employee relations required.


• Experience in conducting or overseeing investigations, as well as development and implementation of performance management processes as a primary job responsibility.


• Strong understanding of best practices related to conducting investigations.