Senior Associate Relations Partner

Hancock Whitney; Gulfport (MS); On-site; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Hancock Whitney in Gulfport, MS seeks a Senior Associate Relations Partner to act as a subject matter expert on complex associate relations matters. You will manage sensitive investigations, advise leaders on high-risk issues, and partner with Legal, Compliance, Risk Management, and HR to mitigate organizational risk.

You will develop investigation strategies, conduct interviews, prepare findings, and recommend corrective actions while mentoring junior partners and supporting policy improvements

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field required (or equivalent).
• SHRM-SCP, SPHR, SHRM-CP, or PHR certification preferred.
• 5 years of progressive HR experience with significant associate relations responsibility.
• Experience with employment law, risk mitigation, investigations, and workplace compliance.
• Strong verbal and written communication, conflict resolution, and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex investigations involving associate complaints, misconduct, ethics concerns, and policy violations.
• Provide expert consultation to leaders on performance management and terminations.
• Serve as HR partner for investigations related to ethics, compliance, and SOX concerns.
• Develop investigation strategies, conduct interviews, prepare findings, and recommend actions.
• Analyze associate relations metrics and trends to improve workplace culture and experience.
• Deliver training on workplace conduct, investigations, and compliance.

Skills

Communication skills

Analytical skills

Leadership

Conflict resolution

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR or related field

SHRM-SCP / SPHR / SHRM-CP / PHR preferred

Tools

MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)

Job description

JOB FUNCTION / SUMMARY:

The Senior Associate Relations Partner serves as a subject matter expert and advisor on complex associate relations matters. This role manages sensitive investigations, advises leaders on high-risk associate issues, and partners closely with Legal, Compliance, Risk Management, and HR leadership to mitigate organizational risk. The Senior Associate Relations Partner drives consistency in employment practices, supports leadership development.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead complex and high-risk investigations involving associate complaints, misconduct, ethics concerns, Integrity in Action reports, retaliation allegations, and potential regulatory or policy violations.
• Provide expert consultation to leaders and HR partners regarding performance management, terminations, and conflict resolution.
• Serve as the primary HR partner for investigations related to ethics, compliance, and SOX-related concerns involving associates.
• Develop investigation strategies, conduct interviews, prepare findings, and recommend corrective actions.
• Partner with Legal, Compliance, Risk Management, Internal Audit, and business leaders to address sensitive employment matters and reduce organizational risk.
• Analyze associate relations metrics and trends, recommending proactive solutions to improve workplace culture and associate experience.
• Guide leaders in creating development-focused action plans and performance improvement strategies for associates.
• Deliver training on workplace conduct, investigations, compliance requirements, and effective people management practices.
• Mentor Associate Relations Partners and provide expertise on complex case management.
• Support the development and continuous improvement of associate relations policies, procedures, and processes.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

None

MINIMUM REQUIRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE & KNOWLEDGE:

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field required; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• SHRM-SCP, SPHR, SHRM-CP, or PHR certification preferred.
• 5 years of progressive Human Resources experience with significant associate relations responsibility conducting complex workplace investigations.
• Demonstrated expertise in employment law, risk mitigation, investigations, and workplace compliance.
• Strong verbal and written communications, conflict resolution, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong analytical, influencing, and leadership skills.
• Banking, financial services, or other highly regulated industry experience preferred.
• Ability to use all Microsoft Office products including Word, Excel, Power Point, and Outlook.
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ESSENTIAL MENTAL & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to work under stress and meet deadlines.
• Ability to travel if required to perform the essential job functions.
• Ability to operate related equipment to perform the essential job functions.
• Ability to read and interpret a document if required to perform the essential job functions.
• Ability to lift/move/carry approximately 10 pounds if required to perform the essential job functions. If the employee is unable to lift/move/carry this weight and can be accommodated without causing the department/division an "undue hardship" then the employee must be accommodated; hence omitting lifting/moving/carrying as a physical requirement.

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious beliefs, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, age, physical or mental disability or history of disability, genetic information, status as a protected veteran, disabled veteran, or other protected characteristics as required by federal, state and local laws.