Senior Employee Relations Consultant

Northern Trust Corp.; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 16,000 - 162,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and welfare benefits

401(k) and pension plan

Paid time off

Parental and caregiver leave

Life & accident insurance

Discretionary bonus program

Job summary

Northern Trust Corp. is seeking a Senior Employee Relations Consultant to advise managers, HR partners, and employees on a wide range of ER matters.

The role emphasizes complex investigations, policy interpretation, and risk mitigation, with collaboration across Legal, Compliance, and business leaders to foster a fair and compliant work environment. You will lead investigations, provide coaching on performance and corrective actions, and contribute to ER policy enhancements while mentoring

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required in HR or related field.
• Master’s degree preferred for advanced roles.
• 7+ years of progressive HR experience, with emphasis on Employee Relations.
• Experience conducting complex workplace investigations and advising leaders.

Responsibilities

• Serve as subject matter expert on employee relations matters and policy interpretation.
• Lead and manage complex workplace investigations with confidentiality.
• Provide coaching to managers on performance, corrective actions, and conflict resolution.
• Partner with Legal, Compliance, and Risk teams to ensure policy compliance.
• Analyze ER data and trends to suggest proactive interventions and policy improvements.
• Mentor junior ER team members and support ER best-practice development.

Skills

Employee relations

Investigations

Legal knowledge

Consultation

Coaching

Risk assessment

Communication

Conflict resolution

Analytical thinking

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR/Business

Master’s degree (preferred)

Tools

HRIS/HRMS

Job description

About Northern TrustAs a global leader in innovative wealth management, asset servicing, asset management and banking services, Northern Trust (Nasdaq: NTRS) is proud to guide the world’s most successful individuals, families, corporations and institutions.Since 1889, we have aligned our efforts with our three guiding Principles That Endure: Service, Expertise, and Integrity. Together, they reflect the three cornerstones of business conduct which we strive to instill in our employees, whom we call partners, and to provide to our clients and the communities we serve worldwide.With more than 135 years of financial experience and over 24,000 partners, we serve the world’s most sophisticated clients using leading technology and exceptional service.The Senior Employee Relations Consultant serves as a trusted advisor to managers, Human Resources partners, and employees on a broad range of employee relations matters. This role provides expert consultation on workplace concerns, employee misconduct, performance management, policy interpretation, investigations, disciplinary actions, and employment terminations. The consultant partners closely with HR, Legal, Compliance, and business leaders to mitigate risk, ensure fair and consistent employment practices, and foster a positive employee experience.The role is responsible for leading complex and sensitive workplace investigations, identifying emerging employee relations trends, and contributing to the development and enhancement of policies, processes, and programs that support organizational effectiveness and compliance.Key ResponsibilitiesServe as a subject matter expert and trusted advisor on employee relations matters, including policy interpretation, performance management, workplace behavior concerns, disciplinary actions, leave and accommodation issues, and involuntary separations.Lead and manage complex workplace investigations, including allegations of misconduct, harassment, discrimination, retaliation, conflicts of interest, and policy violations. Partner with Legal as appropriate, including matters requiring attorney-client privilege.Conduct thorough fact-finding, documentation, risk assessments, and investigations while maintaining confidentiality and ensuring timely resolution.Provide coaching and guidance to managers and HR partners regarding employee performance concerns, corrective action, and conflict resolution strategies.Partner with Legal, Compliance, Risk, and HR stakeholders to ensure consistent application of policies and compliance with employment laws and regulations.Analyze employee relations data, case trends, and organizational risks to identify opportunities for proactive intervention and continuous improvement.Recommend enhancements to policies, procedures, and employee relations practices based on investigation findings, and industry best practices.Support organizational change initiatives by advising leaders on employee relations implications and risk mitigation strategies.Participate in cross-functional HR projects and initiatives focused on employee experience, risk management, compliance, and process improvement.Mentor and provide guidance to junior Employee Relations team members and contribute to the development of ER best practices across the function.Lead or participate in strategic projects and process improvements that enhance the effectiveness and scalability of employee relations programs.Qualifications and SkillsRequired QualificationsBachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field. Master’s degree preferred.7+ years of progressive Human Resources experience, including significant experience in Employee Relations.Demonstrated experience conducting complex workplace investigations and advising leaders on sensitive employee matters.Strong knowledge of federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations, including EEO, ADA, FMLA, wage and hour, anti-harassment, and related employment legislation.Experience partnering with Legal and Compliance teams on employment-related matters.Key SkillsStrong investigative, analytical, and problem-solving capabilities.Exceptional consultation, coaching, and influencing skills.Ability to build trust and credibility with leaders and employees at all levels.Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to navigate difficult conversations with professionalism and empathy.Sound judgment and ability to assess organizational, legal, and reputational risk.Strong conflict resolution and negotiation skills.Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and navigate ambiguity in a fast-paced environment.Ability to identify trends and translate insights into proactive solutions and recommendations.Salary Range:$95,600 - 162,400 USDSalary range is a good faith estimate of base pay. Northern Trust provides a comprehensive benefits package including retirement benefits (401k and pension), health and welfare benefits (medical, dental, vision, spending accounts and disability), paid time off, parental and caregiver leave, life & accident insurance, and other voluntary and well-being benefits. Northern Trust also provides a discretionary bonus program that may include an equity component.Work AuthorizationApplicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. without the need for employment-based visa sponsorship now or in the future. Northern Trust will not sponsor applicants for U.S. work visa status for this opportunity (no sponsorship is available for H-1B, L-1, TN, O-1, E-3, H-1B1, F-1, J-1, OPT, CPT or any other employment-based visa).Working with UsAs a Northern Trust partner, you will be part of a flexible and collaborative work culture, which has a strong history of financial strength and stability. Movement within the organization is encouraged, senior leaders are accessible, and you can take pride in working for a company committed to an inclusive workplace and assisting the communities we serve.Philanthropy is deeply rooted in Northern Trust’s history and is an essential element of our culture. Employees around the world give their time and talent to work for the greater good of their communities.Reasonable AccommodationNorthern Trust is committed to working with and providing adjustments to individuals with health conditions and disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please email our HR Service Center at [e-mail], or alternatively you can discuss your individual requirements with the recruiter you are working with.